Measuring to Get the Correct Bimini Top For Your Boat.

If you're thinking of buying a bimini top, take a few minutes to measure before you start shopping.

There are a number of Bimini Top Finders on-line, designed to recommend a bimini top based on the make, model and year of your boat.  They provide a good way to narrow down the options, but the best way to be sure of a good fit is to take your actual measurements..

Figure out where you plan to mount your bimini top.  Remember that the mounting point will be in the center of your top, so if you have an 6' long top, you'll have 3' of cover forwards and 3' backwards from your mounting point.  Mark that spot with a piece of masking tape.

Width is the most critical factor on getting the right size.  Measure in a straight line between the two mounting points you marked.  Bimini tops are adjustable in width so you'll want to select one with a width adjustment that will accommodate your measurements.

To get the correct height, measure up from your mounting point in a straight line.  The total clearance of you top will be the height from the deck to your mounting point and from the mounting point to the height of your selected top.  For example, if you mounted your 46" Bimini top on the gunwale where it is 24" above the deck, the total height would be 70" or 5'8" above the deck.  Make sure this will give you ample head room to move about under your cover.

With a good idea of the Width, Height and Length you'll need, you be quickly able to select the Bimini Top that is correct for your boat.

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After you've made your measurements, check out our full line of quality bimini tops for your boat by Carver.  These Biminis feature double walled aluminum main bows for strength, and Sunbrella fabric, the best bimini material on the market.  standard fittings are marine grade nylon, or you may choose to upgrade to stainless steel fittings.  We offer Free Shipping on all Carver Bimini Tops!

Tips on Towing

I ran across an interesting site on hitches and towing today.  Hitchinfo.com is an informational site offering a lot of good information on hitches, towing and related topics.  They include, guides, articles and a towing related blog.  There is a Message Board tab, but it doesn't appear to be live yet.  While they are not directly selling anything, they also offer email and live chat to discuss hitch questions and issues with an expert in the field.

One of their articles, Trailer Maneuvering Basics offers tips on handling your boat like a pro on the ramp.  It also includes videos How to Launch a Boat and Boat Launch Manners.

All told, this site has a lot of great information for anyone towing or using a hitch mounted cargo application, and it looks like we can expect a lot more from it.  It's on my bookmarks list.

Check out my adventures in outfitting our new Nissan Xterra to handle our kayaks and gear.  I'm now waiting for a Boat Roller system to arrive so loading up our canoe will be less of a chore (and less of a menace to the Xterra too). It will also accommodate a car toppable punt we are thinking about adding to the armada.  The boat rollers should arrive Friday and I'll keep you posted on how it works after I've had a chance to try it out. (Hopefully with a fishing trip to Hagg lake this weekend if the weather permits.)

April Boating Sale at SavvyBoater.com

Check out our specials on marine supplies this month. 

• Save 5% on Dive N Dog stainless steel boating gear including boat ladders, bow roller and windlass chain stops.  Use coupon code DIVE45 during the month of April for automatic savings.
• Save 5% on the popular high performance marine ice chests.  Use coupon code APRILCOOLS when you check out.  this offer excludes portable Electric Fridge Freezers, but we've got you covered there too, with Free Shipping on many models.
   
• Save 5% off our already low prices on Polyform buoys and boat fenders with coupon code SAVEONPOLYFORM.
   
• Buy any Carver Boat Cover or Bimini Top over $100 and we'll ship it to you for free.  Free shipping is via UPS or FedEx ground in the continental USA (Excludes Alaska, Hawaii and US territories and protectorates. 
• We are featuring Free Shipping on Solas Propellers over $100.  Free shipping is via UPS or FedEx ground in the continental USA (Excludes Alaska, Hawaii and US territories and protectorates.