Biminis, Dodgers, and Camper Tops

We don't know about you, but the phrase "bimini top" conjures up a mental picture of a boat sheltered by a piece of women's swimwear. Luckily, the real thing offers a lot more coverage for your boat, and, like the bikini, the bimini's name was inspired by tropical island life.  Bimini, in the Bahamas, is only 50 miles from the coast of Florida and is made up of two small islands. Famous as the haunt of rumrunners and writers, Bimini attracts visitors from all over the world to its clear waters, white beaches, and almost endless sunshine. [caption id="attachment_719" align="aligncenter" width="922"] Alice Town Beach, North Bimini, bahamas.com[/caption] It's the Bahamas' intense sun that gave rise to the open-sided canvas shelter spotted on boats and Jeeps alike: the boat bimini. [caption id="attachment_717" align="aligncenter" width="324"] QuadraTec[/caption] As we said above, a bimini top lacks sides, so it's most effective as a sunshade. With the addition of side curtains, however, a bimini can be transformed into a dodger or spray-shield, which is a shelter often seen on sailboats and ocean-going powerboats. Open only to the stern, a dodger shields the cockpit and cabin entrance from wind, rain, and spray. [caption id="attachment_720" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Drew Lambert[/caption] With the addition of a rear curtain, you get a boat camper top. Some camper tops come as a kit with a "roof" and sidewalls, but some boaters just add side and back curtains to their bimini as they like. Camper tops keep out wind, rain, and bugs, turning your boat into a comfortable, floating cabin. [caption id="attachment_721" align="aligncenter" width="2400"] Dowco[/caption] We have a huge selection of bimini and camper tops in stock and ready to ship. Find us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter and boost your savings with exclusive coupons!