Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > General Q & A
Maximum speed with bimini top? >

Maximum speed with bimini top?

Notices

Maximum speed with bimini top?

Thread Tools
 
Old 04-05-2014 | 06:49 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 387
Likes: 1
From: Tampa, FL
Default Maximum speed with bimini top?

Going to finally splash my Donzi 26 today and just curious what is the max speed with the top up? My wellcraft goes 51 with a good size Bimini and did not seem to have any issues..... I am thinking 50 and any faster it comes down..... Top is the factory stainless unit that was never used on a 1999 26ZX........
tpabayflyer is offline  
Reply
Old 04-05-2014 | 07:26 AM
  #2  
Sydwayz's Avatar
Forum Regulator
20 Year Member
Super Moderators
VIP Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 24,203
Likes: 1,592
From: Worldwide
Default

We have a couple places here in VA that build them guaranteed to go 70mph.

SS hardware
Through bolts in gunwales (not screws)
Lots of supports
Tight fabric

...are all the keys do be able to do so.
Sydwayz is offline  
Reply
Old 04-05-2014 | 07:34 AM
  #3  
t500hps's Avatar
21 and 42 footers
20 Year Member
Platinum Member
Super Moderators
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,207
Likes: 146
From: Richmond VA
Default

My old 382 had an 8ft long top and hit 80 with the top up although I usually kept it at a 55-60 cruise. Actually slowed the boat down 3-4 mph.
t500hps is offline  
Reply
Old 04-05-2014 | 09:34 AM
  #4  
Gold Member
15 Year Member
Gold Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,748
Likes: 868
From: Delray Beach, FL
Default

Great QUESTION! I am getting ready to put one on and was wondering the same thing.
Keith Atlanta is offline  
Reply
Old 04-05-2014 | 10:49 AM
  #5  
Registered
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Default

Just got two put on the scarab. The builder warned me to keep it no higher than around 40mph with the top up. That's with a solid top though. If it were mesh I could go as fast as I wanted.
ramos45 is offline  
Reply
Old 04-05-2014 | 06:29 PM
  #6  
Registered
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 6
From: west palm beach FL,
Default

38 sonic with all stainless pole's no strap's 60 mph never went any faster with top up
mikebrls is offline  
Reply
Old 04-05-2014 | 09:38 PM
  #7  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 547
From: Cape Coral FL
Default

Have had mine 70mph several times with the top up. It is SS hardware with poles in the rear and straps on the front
snapmorgan is offline  
Reply
Old 04-06-2014 | 03:32 AM
  #8  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 387
Likes: 1
From: Tampa, FL
Default

Thanks.... First outing was a success! Met a friend from the board and we cruised at 50-55 with no issues at all. Top is stainless with 2 support poles in back and straps
To the windshield.....
tpabayflyer is offline  
Reply
Old 04-08-2014 | 07:41 AM
  #9  
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: Further South East of Dome Island
Default

Originally Posted by t500hps
My old 382 had an 8ft long top and hit 80 with the top up although I usually kept it at a 55-60 cruise. Actually slowed the boat down 3-4 mph.
Think how much force it takes to slow this boat down 4mph, all on the bimini. Wow.
Pismo10 is offline  
Reply
Old 04-08-2014 | 07:54 AM
  #10  
Dave M's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Gold Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,664
Likes: 140
From: Hollywood, MD, USA
Default

I've run mine up to around 50-55. Don't really see the need to push my luck any further. I put it up when I stop and just fold it down when I know I'm going to faster.
Dave M is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.