About Me

Boating and Fishing

Hello, my name is Terrance and this is blog details everything I have learnt about recreation and sports in the last year or so. I have always been a bit of a couch potato, but last year when I spent a long weekend with my son-in-law, he got me up from the TV chair and out and about. He owns a boat which is docked in Sydney harbour. We spent a day sailing on the sea and fishing. It was the first time I had done it and I loved it. Since then, I have started to get more involved and I can't wait to see what sport he intorduces me to next!

Search

Latest Posts

Boating and Fishing

What to Look For In a Bimini Boat Cover

by Pamela Bennett

A bimini boat cover is a type of partial covering that spans the deck of a boat, across where you would stand or sit when steering the craft. This type of cover can keep you more comfortable when you're on the water, as it blocks both harsh sunlight and water spray that might get in your eyes and on the boat's console. If you've never shopped for a bimini cover for a boat before, note a few important details to remember, so you know you get one that works for your boating needs in particular, and that lasts as long as possible.

Fabric colour and dye

The colour of the fabric is important, as a darker colour may hold heat under the cover, which can make the boat deck a bit uncomfortable when you're sitting idle on the water on a hot summer day. On the other hand, this might be a good choice for boating in more moderate climates, or when you're on the open seas, where winds can make the boat deck very cool.

Also, check how the fabric was dyed. A solution dye is more durable than a pigment dye, and will hold up better under hot and direct sunlight and other harsh conditions.

Weight

The thickness of a bimini cover is usually noted in terms of weight, such as 600-weight, 300-weight, and so on. A thicker cover, or a higher weight, will offer more protection against sunlight and water spray.

However, if you have a speedboat and want to keep the boat itself as light as possible for racing and reaching maximum speeds on the water, you need to choose a lighter weight of fabric. This is especially true if you want a larger cover, as the higher weight can actually slow you down when on the water.

Material

An acrylic material will be more resistant to tears and shredding, which is good for when you reach high speeds on the water. Acrylics are also typically cleaned with a light hosing and brushing, making them very easy to maintain over the years.

One drawback to acrylic fabric is that it may have an artificial feeling that you don't appreciate, so you might opt for a canvas material instead. This fabric is very thick and durable, but not as waterproof as acrylics, and it may need to be removed and cleaned professionally on occasion. The material will also be more prone to fading, no matter the dye process you choose.

Share