Pontoon boats come pre-fitted with bimini tops that provide protection to the occupants of the boat from sun and rain when the boat is out on the sea. However, the amount of shade provided by the bimini may not cover all the seats on the boat. This can be the case especially in medium and large size pontoon boats. In such cases, one option is to replace them with a larger one to extend the covered area. A pontoon boat bimini top extension is another choice that is available to people who are not in favor of replacing their existing bimini. Boats can be fitted with these extensions in either the front or the rear (bow or stern) depending on whether you want to cover the rear or front seats.
Design and Features
Pontoon boat bimini top extensions can be attached to the frame of the factory fitted bimini to increase the area covered by it, hence eliminating the need of replacing it completely. Some of these make use of zippers and are easy to attach. Others extend the frame by adding bows to it for installation of additional canvas for more protection.
The pontoon boat bimini top extensions are available in different materials and finishes so that they match the design of the existing frame. They fit seamlessly into the existing décor of the boat without appearing as an eye sore. The fabric used for canvases is also available in multiple finishes and colors.
Pontoon Boat Bimini Top Extension Manufacturers
There are quite a few options available to boat owners when it comes to pontoon boat bimini top extensions:
Taylor Made Bimini Top Extension
Many people recognize “Taylor Made” from their golf products. I thought up until a week ago that the “Taylormade” golf made bimini tops as well. However, I just found out the hard way that Taylormade golf is a completely separate company from Taylor Made Products who specializes in marine products. They make a wide range of shades for pontoon boats especially including bimini tops, playpen shades, gazebos, full pontoon enclosures, and privacy enclosures. So even though they are not the Taylormade golf company that we have come to know they actually have quite the reputation in the marine products world and the quality of their products, including Taylor Made’s Pontoon Boat Bimini Top Extension will not disappoint!
Oceansouth Bimini Top Extensions
Oceansouth has been making marine products for over 30 years, and the first product that they started with in 1986 was a DIY bimini kit. They are more popular in Europe and Asia than the US but they now have a presence in Florida and are starting to sell their products nationwide. There are not a lot of true pontoon boat bimini extensions on the market but the Oceansouth bimini top extension is one of them and it has been met with good reviews. People who have purchased the bimini top extension are impressed with the quality of the fabric and the poles and are confident that the product will last for years. Some have made minor adjustments to tighten up the top but overall people are very pleased with the product.
North East Harbor Bimini Top Extensions
North East Harbor specializes in making covers for all kinds of products, and pontoon boat bimini top extensions are no exception. North East Harbor does make plenty of bimini tops, and they have expanded their line into a bimini top extension that has garnered many great reviews. People are impressed with the quality of the fabric shade and the telescoping poles.
Tower Biminis
Tower Biminis also fabricates pontoon boat bimini top extensions as per the requirement of their customers. These are easy to mount with quick release clamps. For customers who want to replace their existing bimini tops completely, this company also provides complete frames that are designed with inputs from the boat owner.
Attwood Buggy Style Biminis
Attwood is known for making a number of different marine products and bimini tops and frames is one of them! They specialize in “buggy” type bimini tops but also have a few different models of bimini tops to choose from.
Other Pontoon Boat Bimini Top Extension Manufacturers
There are several boat dealers that manufacture customized pontoon bimini top extensions as per the requirements of their customers. These are ideal for boat owners that want a bimini that can cover an area that is in accordance with their needs. Different fabric options and colors are available for individuals to choose from. The bimini extension will include support poles for holding it in place. This may be necessary especially for extensions with large surface area. The price of customized extensions will depend on the quality of material employed and its dimensions.
For individuals who have a lot of people on their boat, a Pontoon Boat Bimini Top Extension might not be sufficient and they might opt for a double bimini setup. These cover the entire boat and provide shade from bow to stern.
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