Our boat is a mixture of a fishing boat and a family boat which both involve being out and exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time. To enhance our on the water experience with some shade and protection from Mother Nature, we decided to try the Kemimoto 4 Bow Bimini Top. Before even ordering the top, I checked out some of the reviews online which made it seem like solid construction, easy install and a great value for the money.
Ease of Installation
Any time you’re going to be drilling holes into your boat, there’s going to be some trepidation. The paper instructions that came with the top were relatively vague given the flexibility of the install and the customization available to you. The instructions pointed you online where there were some great resources that gave me the confidence I needed before getting the drill out. Installation can always be an imposing task, but this top was extremely easy to put together. Everything you needed in terms of hardware, brackets and even a screwdriver were included in the package which helped ensure things go smoothly.
We quickly put the top together and mounted the brackets using the instructions to guide placement. The mounting brackets had a space molded into the bracket for the nut which prevented the nut from spinning and made installation even easier. I had installed this while my boat was in the water and this small detail minimized the risk of dropping something in the water. The brackets mounted easily and after some quick adjustments to the front straps, we were fully set up in about 45 minutes. While not impossible to install by yourself, I’d recommend having an extra set of hands for placing the cover and checking for fit.
Materials and Durability
The top itself strikes a balance between being durable and sturdy, while still being lightweight enough to move and store with ease. The frame is all aluminum which makes it lightweight and easy to maneuver while still being very rigid. All the mounting hardware was quality stainless steel and included very user-friendly quick release pins which are easy to use and lock into place. Between the stainless hardware and marine grade aluminum frame, it is clear that this top was made with saltwater usage in mind. The quick assembly and disassembly are especially useful for anyone that would remove the top and store it indoors when not in use. The fabric is marine grade 600D polyester which is water resistant, UV resistant and tear resistant. When folded up, the boot fit properly and had enough room where you didn’t have to fight to make it fit. I recently had some custom canvas work done for a mooring cover and the craftsmanship of the seams and double stitching were of the same standard.
Functionality and Performance
Once in place, we took the boat for a spin to see how the top would meet our needs and were immediately impressed. We cruised at about 30 MPH and the top rode true with minimal chattering and shaking. One of the things that stood out with the top was how tall it was, giving you full usage of the deck beneath it. I’m 6’ tall and was able to fully stand up and still have plenty of clearance while under the top. Some sunshades and camper tops in the market that we explored made the deck feel more enclosed whereas the Kemimoto was tall enough to feel open and still feel the breeze off the water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kemi moto 4 Bow Bimini Top is well designed and highly functional. It comes in at a price point that couldn’t be touched by a custom canvas shop, but still provides a similar level of quality and versatility. The scariest part was the installation and with a little bit of pre-work online, you can minimize the risk and install with confidence. For my usage case, this top provides a very cost-efficient way to be more comfortable and protected on the water. I really liked the ability to quickly install/remove the top to best fit how we’re using the boat that day and the space provided by the height of the top.
Bonus
I also received a set of flat Kemimoto boat fenders that were a huge surprise. I’ve been boating for 40 years and in that time, there haven’t been any real innovations in boat fenders. Due to their flat design, these fenders didn’t roll out of tight spaces after repeated compressions which really gives you peace of mind.
They also worked great to go around a piling to provide a softer cushion. The Kemimoto bumpers don’t fully replace the common cylindrical fender but excel in some specific usages like rafting off with another boat and adding additional cushioning to specific areas along a dock.
Both products can be found readily available on Amazon as well so it would be a great idea to head over there and take advantage of Amazon Prime Day. You can find the bimini top and bumpers on Amazon at the links below!
OR…you can head directly to their Amazon store and check out all their great products from Off-Road, On-Road and Marine to specialized clothing and gear, definitely worth a look!
