Bimini Top

It’s either on your off. Laying it forward blocks the air intake and scratches windshield frame and gel coat. Leaning it backwards also scratches gel in one tiny place and gets in way of boat path and I’m worried dye will leach into motor box upholstery. But when it’s up it’s not a headache at all. Storing it seems to be biggest headache. Factory tops with the “N” IIRC are $1200.

When we lived in Indiana I didn't have a bimini until 2009. We moved to Georgia and the sun is so hot its a must have here. I ended up wilh a cheap one from Ebay or Iboat. I wanted it to be tall enough to walk under and it stays up all summer.

We bought a cheap one on eBay last summer to go on our tower and we love it. I wouldn't dare go out in the summer here in Arkansas without it. Especially with kids in the boat! By cheap, I mean it still cost over $400 but it seems very solid. Be careful towing the boat with it up though.

I don't have a bimini for the Nautique yet, but definitely plan on adding one. My previous boats had them and in the heat & humidity here it would be unbearable without one. A short, 2 hours on the lake wouldn't be too bad, but we usually stay out considerably longer.
I bought a tower before Christmas (Black Friday deal was too good to pass up) but didn't opt for the bimini option because I wasn't sure which type I wanted - hard top over the tower or a traditional style under. Both have their advantages, but I didn't have to make that decision for another several months. As such, I'd be interested to read more input as well - might help me decide which way to go.

I swear by it. I have the same skin as OP probably (am from the Netherlands) and now live in Costa Rica. That's a lot of sun for a white boy like me!
Both on my ex-2001 and my current Super Sport I have one that's tower-mounted. The one on the 2001 I had up or down in a minute. Because the SS is a bit wider it's a little bit harder to do on your own (if it's really windy it sometimes turns into a slapstick where one side comes down when you try to put the screw on the other side in. Then the same on the other side. Then the same again on the first side. Repeat endlessly....:p )
But anyway I put it up and down every time I go out. I'd NEVER choose one that goes over the tower as that'll give you a couple square centimeters of shade, and only around noon. Lower and bigger = better.

I'm looking to get one from my 97 SN (same basic boat as the OP) this spring as well. Pretty settled on a ANP based off of lots of reading last year, but still need to decide on length. Does 5' seem to be the go to size for these boats?

Otto Throttle

Did you end up making the decision to get a bimini?

Stephen