Trailering with Bimini Top being up.

Douglas Alderman · 04-27-2008, 11:08 PM

I have seen other boat going down the road with their Bimini Top being up on the boat trailer . It takes awhile to properly get it up at the marina. Question?

How fast can you go down the road with the Bimini Top up and not worry about it flying off? The marina is 35 miles away.

***ShabahZ280*** · 04-27-2008, 11:47 PM

Unless the bimini top is stabilized by additional support poles, I would not trailer with it up at all.

***mikeyt*** · 04-28-2008, 12:52 AM

I put mine down whenever i trailer the boat.

Douglas Alderman · 04-28-2008, 02:20 AM

How fast can you travel with Bimini Top up on boat trailer? With addition tie downs, one shouldbe able to go speed limit. Bimini top takes alot of punishment traveling on the water.

Z 202 · 04-28-2008, 02:39 AM

Well it should be OK to at least get to the maximum speed of your boat, or am I wrong?

I mean it's probably better to trailer with it folded up, but presumably it is just as aeronautic on the back of the trailer as it is on the water...

I don't have a Bimini.

***indykoch*** · 04-28-2008, 02:20 PM

I've heard others say their owner's manual (for other boats) says not to exceed a certain speed (maybe 30 or 40 MPH). That thing is like an umbrella. Even if it's properly secured, it could easily rip the fabric at 55-65 MPH.

I wouldn't do it myself.

***z275st*** · 04-28-2008, 03:36 PM

I live four miles from the local boat ramp and have tailored home a couple times to dry it off. I drove about 35 mph (cruising speed). Although I have went 55 mph on the boat with the bimini up it is for short periods. I think the constant stress at these speeds would rip it! I would say tailoring 35mi is not a viable option. Not only would you probably damage it, it could fly off and cause an accident you would be liable for.
To save time at the dock, you could put it up at home, unhook the front straps, fold it back and put the boot on, and drive to the dock. At the dock all you have to do is take off the boot and pull the straps forward unfolding the bimini and attach! I have done this and it takes only a minute to pop the bimini up at the dock(most of the time is spent at the house).
Just my tow cents worth!