Sun Shade question

Question for you guys....do you prefer sport brella or Bimini top? I don't have either and looking to get one or other and was looking for some pros and cons of both. Boat is a 17 ft xpress.

thanks in advance

Prefer to go TOPLESS

I have the Brella and it does a good job but I think with my set up I could get some more shade with a Bimini, gonna look into it some more.

I have two sunbrella XL camo and they are great. Can put one in bow and one on stern and have good coverage. It depends on how you have your boat set up. I have a 1754 War Eagle. Can PM you some pics if you are interested in my setup.

Bought a brella from home depot last year for 39.00. It fits perfect in the front seat hole. Just troll into the sun and really like the shade it offers during cranking season. It has a grumlet on either side. Use two short bungees afixed to the gunnel cleats to keep it squared up.

Brella, easier to work poles off each side of the boat. Cheaper too.

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I went with a Bimini top on my Tracker thinking maybe the wife might go out in it if I had a top. So far that has not happened. However it is nice in the 95+ heat we are having here now and it will keep some rain off you unless it is blowing sideways. It can be in the way at times but it takes about 30 seconds to take it off the boat so I can use it when I need to and store it when I don't.
If you happen to decide on one of these, I highly recommend these folks

http://www.boatcoversdirect.com/prod...FSwS7AodYxcATQ

They are located in upstate SC and are real good to work with. You can call them and they will talk you through the process or you can build it on line unless you have a really unique boat. I made sure I could stand up under it so I could watch my poles front of rear and still be under the cover.
I have considered making a holder for an umbrella so I could sit up front in the shade, just have not done it yet. I plan to make a PVC holder which slips over the seat pedestal and extends behind the seat with and upright piece of PVC to hold the umbrella. All you need is 4 PVC "Ts" and a short section of PVC in the right size to slip over the pedestal. I think mine needs 1 1/4 inch pipe.

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PS this is an old picture. Pre I-Pilot days.

I have one but I've yet to sit under it seeing how it doesn't cover the front of the boat. My father who always fishes with me loves it.

I purchased two Nautica umbrellas at Sam's last year. They are not quite as big as the sport brellas, but in my 17.5' boat they offer plenty of coverage. They was also about half the price as the sport brellas.

I have the PVC holders which slips over the seat pedestals and a piece of 1 1/4" PVC on the side of the console that I can use. I got a pair 6 1/2 foot patio umbrella from walmart years ago for $15. They get in the way of my long poles.

I went with Bimini top. My thinking was better height clearance (Dad is 6'4" and brother is 6'5"). I mounted on a track so the top can slide 36" fore or aft so it provides some adjustability.

I like the sportbrella I have a 2070 Xpress and it works great !! Just stick the pole in the seat plate and you are ready to go, it also is easy to put up and works good in the wind too.

Attachment 165969

I meant to add a pic with my post, above.

http://imageshack.com/a/img513/2804/dfvk.jpg

Both are nice pics.

I like the set up I've got with my Sportbrella. EZ made me a holder where I can swing my brella from one side to the other to allow swinging in a fish from the side.

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