6 or 8 foot Bimini length for 13 Whaler

[RevRun]

I know 6 ft is the standard length of Bimini for a 13 Whaler but I can get an 8ft for $30 more. Is bigger better? Also this will be the 52" tall rather than 44" will this be a problem? They all come with rear bracing bars.

Thanks,
Tom

[contender]

Bigger equals more sun protection, Taller is not a problem if built correctly, my top on my 16 is 6'2" from the floor so you can stand under it while underway....

[Dutchman]

Tom
Most manufacturers give a max speed there bimini is good for and most likely for your 13 that will be over the max speed your boat can run at therefore it wouldn't make a difference as to size and height of the installment.
Go with the best sun protection at the height you want.
I can run my 15 footer with the bimini up when on the water <40 mph but not on land at >40mph speeds.

[AZdave]

You may want to think about the mounting location, then measure where the bows of the folded bimini will lie when it is not is use. I have seen some that folded neatly, and very much out of the way.

[Jefecinco]

The longer Bimini will look a little unbalanced on a Sport 13. But function is probably more important. Unless you will be seating passengers on the front thwart I don't think an eight foot bimini will provide much useful additional shade. On our 13, if we ever get a bimini, it will be a six footer. But, we are just a couple and seldom have guests aboard our small Whaler.