South Florida Summers sun protection boating question?
#1
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Location: Riverside
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South Florida Summers sun protection boating question?
Probably a stupid question but just wanted to know how all the go fast guys hide from the brutal sun in south fla summers? Does anyone install bimini tops on your Cats and V's (not referring to center consoles). Winter months are no biggie but the summer sun is brutal for all day excursion out on the water... Or is it you just boat early morning or late afternoon or Just load the sunblock up? Just curious what the MTI's and skater folk do? Moved to the area and have been entertaining the idea of a cat, etc..
#2
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Probably a stupid question but just wanted to know how all the go fast guys hide from the brutal sun in south fla summers? Does anyone install bimini tops on your Cats and V's (not referring to center consoles). Winter months are no biggie but the summer sun is brutal for all day excursion out on the water... Or is it you just boat early morning or late afternoon or Just load the sunblock up? Just curious what the MTI's and skater folk do? Moved to the area and have been entertaining the idea of a cat, etc..
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Literally considering a Formula express cruiser because of the need to get out of the sun or those afternoon thunderstorm threats but coming from a previous 10m fountain I would miss an 80+ mph boat. I suppose a bimini can go up on a 42ft lightning but that has to come down when your cruising in the sun. Really wanted an OB cat...
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SB (05-22-2020)
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I've had my bimini up at 65+mph many times. A good quality one can handle it.
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SB (05-22-2020)
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There's always the big white square umbrella.I have one made by Taylor. Works fine in the Texas mid-day sun. Gotta take it down if moving above idle speed.
#9
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I think bimini's look pretty awful on a go fast boat but.....
For me, a well designed Bimini is essential. Last one I had made was all stainless frame with quick release catches. Make sure all the mountings are thru-bolted and have big washers underneath. Use quality stuff like Sunbrella.
Dont try for excessive headroom, I did and the whole thing moved too much at speed and bent the stainless supports. Had it re-made with a few inches less headroom and it sat very well. Boat did mid 60's and never had an issue.
For me, a well designed Bimini is essential. Last one I had made was all stainless frame with quick release catches. Make sure all the mountings are thru-bolted and have big washers underneath. Use quality stuff like Sunbrella.
Dont try for excessive headroom, I did and the whole thing moved too much at speed and bent the stainless supports. Had it re-made with a few inches less headroom and it sat very well. Boat did mid 60's and never had an issue.
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Smarty (06-02-2020)
#10
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Every boat I own ends up with a Bimini top.....