what is the Best height for Mills Suntop on Katama?

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Author Topic:   what is the Best height for Mills Suntop on Katama?

NHKatama posted 04-02-2003 10:41 AM ET (US)
I was all set to order a Mills Suntop(Bimini)for my Katama. When I talked to Bob Mills he told me that the model that he carries for the Katama has a height of about 5'6". I asked if I could use the Montauk Top which is 6'2" tall. He said that the lower top will provide much better shade. I am 6'tall and I drive this boat about 85% of the time sitting down. So I am not really sure which way to go with this. I like the idea of having more headroom. But if the higher top does not provide much shade while seated, then it is useless for its' intended purpose.
On the other hand will I be unhappy when I try to move around the boat with the lower one. Boston Whaler must have given some thought to these issues when they designed this lower one I guess. Anyway any Katama owners out there that have a suntop? And if so which one do you have and what do you think?
You Guys are a wealth of information. When I get my boat done I will be sure to post some pictures.
Thanks, ~~~~Pete
whalernut posted 04-02-2003 04:53 PM ET (US)
Hi Pete, did you get my email? Anyway, my buddyn Sam Barril(samars) on the site here has a 1967 `13 Sport, and he got a bimini about 6-6`2 high, reasoning is so most people could walk under it and not have to duck, I have been in it and I agree with getting the higher bimini, you won`t regret it :) Jack.
Samars posted 04-03-2003 03:34 PM ET (US)

Pete...Sam here, I got a 60 inch high bimini.
Here is why...for the most part I fish in the morning or evening and no matter what height bimini, the sun is still too low on the horizon to make much differene. The height does make a difference when I fish though, as the extra height allows easy travel with-in the boat and I can fish and cast easier. I also can stand up under the top (I'm 5'6"). One last concern I had and took many measurements to ensure all would work...I can flip the bimini forward or to the rear (depending if I fish alone or from the front or rear). It lays perfectly just behind the bow light in its forward position. Flipped rearward, it sits perfectly just forward of the motor on the divider between the motorwell.
I have plenty of room for moving around and nothing gets tangled or caught up while running with it in the rear. I bought mine from America-covers and there are slight adjustments that can be made for height (perhaps an inch or two).
The best part is the height is perfect for fishing and standing while it's raining...I stay high and dry and my cigar doesn't get wet ! !

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Author	Topic: what is the Best height for Mills Suntop on Katama?
NHKatama	posted 04-02-2003 10:41 AM ET (US) I was all set to order a Mills Suntop(Bimini)for my Katama. When I talked to Bob Mills he told me that the model that he carries for the Katama has a height of about 5'6". I asked if I could use the Montauk Top which is 6'2" tall. He said that the lower top will provide much better shade. I am 6'tall and I drive this boat about 85% of the time sitting down. So I am not really sure which way to go with this. I like the idea of having more headroom. But if the higher top does not provide much shade while seated, then it is useless for its' intended purpose. On the other hand will I be unhappy when I try to move around the boat with the lower one. Boston Whaler must have given some thought to these issues when they designed this lower one I guess. Anyway any Katama owners out there that have a suntop? And if so which one do you have and what do you think? You Guys are a wealth of information. When I get my boat done I will be sure to post some pictures. Thanks, ~~~~Pete
whalernut	posted 04-02-2003 04:53 PM ET (US) Hi Pete, did you get my email? Anyway, my buddyn Sam Barril(samars) on the site here has a 1967 `13 Sport, and he got a bimini about 6-6`2 high, reasoning is so most people could walk under it and not have to duck, I have been in it and I agree with getting the higher bimini, you won`t regret it :) Jack.
Samars	posted 04-03-2003 03:34 PM ET (US) Pete...Sam here, I got a 60 inch high bimini. Here is why...for the most part I fish in the morning or evening and no matter what height bimini, the sun is still too low on the horizon to make much differene. The height does make a difference when I fish though, as the extra height allows easy travel with-in the boat and I can fish and cast easier. I also can stand up under the top (I'm 5'6"). One last concern I had and took many measurements to ensure all would work...I can flip the bimini forward or to the rear (depending if I fish alone or from the front or rear). It lays perfectly just behind the bow light in its forward position. Flipped rearward, it sits perfectly just forward of the motor on the divider between the motorwell. I have plenty of room for moving around and nothing gets tangled or caught up while running with it in the rear. I bought mine from America-covers and there are slight adjustments that can be made for height (perhaps an inch or two). The best part is the height is perfect for fishing and standing while it's raining...I stay high and dry and my cigar doesn't get wet ! !