Suggestions on the length issue of 6' or 8'?

Bigger is always better isn't it? :-)

I'm not sure how long mine is, I'll have to open it up.

No wise cracks from the peanut gallery!

--Mike

"Frogwatch" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Jun 13, 11:54 pm, "Mike" wrote:
Like Wayne says, it depends on how it's supported. The bimini on my boat
says not to exceed 45mph. I've had it up to 50 without a problem.

--Mike

"Frogwatch" wrote in message

oups.com...

With my new homebuilt Tolman Skiff, I need shade. My daughter was
diagnosed with melanoma when she was only 17 and she had never even
burned. Fortunately, she seems to be ok but sun protection is now a
major issue for us here in N. FL.
My Tolman is a 20' long center console type. A T-Top would not cover
enough without looking huge and being unwieldy I think. So, I am
leaning toward a Bimini with stainless frame but I have questions.
How fast can I go with a bimini up? I rarely go faster than 25 and
mostly under 20 mph.
How long should it be? Waste Marine says no longer than 6' for a boat
less than 20'.
When standing at the console, how high above my head should it be?
Do dark colors seem hot to your head being near them in direct sun?
Other considerations?

Thanks y'all.

The only othr Tolman owner who says he has a bimini has a low power
engine so rarely goes even up to 20 mph.
I'd like a big bimini. Holding the 6' tape along my boats sides makes
it look ok and MAYBE 8' is too long. Its hard to tell. Suggestions
on the length issue of 6' or 8'?