This country is obsessed with warranties. If you buy a car, you get a warranty. Buy a television get a warranty. How about that computer, iPod, and blender? warranty, warranty, and warranty. Yes, it's true it seems everything now a days gets a warranty. It is supposed to make you feel good. It gives you confidence that someone is going to stand behind what you are about to buy but if companies didn't sell junk to begin with perhaps we wouldn't need a warranty to feel good about our purchases.
Go back 30 years though. Products were bought based on it's function and reputation, not on how many years the warranty was good for. There is something missing in more and more of today's products - quality. In the aftermarket bimini top industry this has never been more apparent. The choices are almost overwhelming and everyone tells you their fabric, frame, and bimini top is the best. They want you to feel as though you would be crazy to even consider an alternate bimini top from one of their competitors. It is so important to look at the quality of the organization and it's products. Warranties are great but a great product is better. The use of quality raw materials and labor is what it is all about. Don't settle for knock off materials or for companies that try to use them and tell you they are just as good. If they were just as good they would cost the same. The saying goes you get what you pay for.
Now, where to start as a consumer to make sure you get a great bimini top?
Start with the fabric
Bar none acrylic is one of the best if not the best material you can use for a bimini top. There are a few reputable acrylic materials out there. Most notably is the sunbrella brand. Others include Outdura and Recasins. Acrylic will cost you the most money but they have- you guessed it - a great warranty against fading and deteriorating. Don't overlook other materials though such as the different kinds of polyesters - Aqualon, Surlast, and Odyssey III to name a few. Bottom line you need a bimini top to keep the sun and rain off of you. Be wary of materials you can't readily find information out about. If the only place you can get information from on the material is the guy selling you the bimini top, chances are it's a knock off material. Not to say that is good or bad, just be aware of what you are buying.
Now consider the framework
7/8" round aluminum, 7/8" round stainless steel, 1" square aluminum, 1.25" square aluminum. Where to begin? Not only are there many different sizes you also have different wall thicknesses as well in each category. For the money and function go with the 1" square aluminum framework. It is stronger than 7/8" round aluminum, lighter than 7/8" round stainless, and less cumbersome than the 1.25" square. Dollar for dollar it is the best choice. Most pontoon boat walls are made with 1.25" aluminum so many go with that choice - and it's a good one.
It will match the aluminum your walls are made of. It may cost a bit more but for some that is worth it. make sure the wall thickness on whatever you use is at least.058. This gives you plenty of strength so your framework won't bend on you in a few years. Anything less and you may end up with a bent frame in a few years. Also, make sure the aluminum is anodized - preferably satin anodized. This ensures the frame won't "bleed" black stuff all over your boat.
What should be included?
Included in your purchase should be the bimini fabric, frame, rear struts, front straps, installation hardware, and storage boot. Anyone that tells you any of the said items are extra are as bad as the tire shop that charges extra for valve stems.
Bottom line
Call the manufacturer. Ask them questions. Get a feel for how they treat you on the phone. Customer service says a lot about the culture of the business. The culture of the business will tell you a lot about the quality of what they sell. Buy quality not a warranty.
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