Entering boat with bimini

CaptainADK · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:17 pm

I've posted before about possibly getting a bimini top for my 2015 H180 OB, but now that I'm getting closer to ordering it, I have a silly question. (I know, I know... there's no such thing as a silly question but this really IS!) How do you get into the boat if the bimini frame is in the way of stepping onto the rear seat? Do people step onto the swim platform first and then step onto the rear seat? (Told you it was silly!)

FYI, our boat is at a slip all summer so we get in and out quite a bit. It's not as if we trailer and get in once the whole day.

Here's a photo of a similar boat...

I have to say, entering the boat via the swim platform will bug me. Plus, it seems like the non-skid will get chewed up prematurely from all the extra traffic with shoes, sand, etc.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Go Stars · **Joined:** Tue Sep 24, 2013 8:14 pm **Posts:** 11

I guess my answer would be to ask: does the bimini "fold" forward so it rests on top of the windshield?

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:10 am

On my boat, I can step onto the seat even with the bimini support in the way, but it is easier if the one rear support leg is moved out of the way. So, to let passengers in, I often unpin the dockside leg and clip it to the main support. The bimini still stays in position supported by the leg on the other side of the boat. Must re-pin the leg before getting underway and hitting waves.

Regarding the non slip... it is very durable. I would not have any concern about wearing it out due to foot/shoe traffic. However, I don't like shoes on my big upholstered sunsport deck.

CaptainADK · **Posted:** Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:03 pm

Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. I didn't know how easy it would be to unclip just one side.

Regarding shoes, we're not super strict but I understand that many people don't like shoes on their boat. We do use a SeatSaver, which has worked out really well for us. A bit overpriced for what it is, but I was happy to find a solution and support a small business.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Watch....folks will be using the Bimini supports as a grab handle. Mine has the support rods to the front, but I have the reverse arch tower. Same problem from the arch being in the way of boarding. I have everyone enter from swim platform or simply enter via the bow.

Its worth that little boarding change because that shade is like a 20 degree AC.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:00 am

Before I had a boat with a walk-through transom, I would place one of my multiple throwable PFDs on the seat to protect it from people stepping on it. I am sure many people do this but it really does keep the seat from extra wear.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:36 pm

Depends on the model. In our case, we step on the walk-through and duck a little, and that's enough (I'm 6' 0"). I would imagine smaller models might require a little more "duck" but it depends on how far back the Bimini reaches.

kmack · **Posted:** Fri Mar 25, 2016 1:03 pm

We trailer our boat but it seems we are in and out of it many times throughout the day. And if the boat is in the water, then our bimini is up. We usually enter off the back (built-in swim deck? it's an OB so I have two!) and then onto one of the rear seats, or the support frame is the seats are removed (fisherman package). I will usually get in first to help others because they always seems to try and grab the bimini frame for support. Kids will usually come in from the side of the bow (because they don't want to wait on the adults).

There is enough room to enter onto the rear seats from the side with bimini in place, just make sure that they aren't using the frame to support their weight while coming aboard.

www.iFourWinns.com

Entering boat with bimini

Who is online