The problem is, Bimini's can act like air foils. That is, depending on each individual design, length, width, curvature, and more, they can have an affect on how the boat performs. When that happens, there can and often is, some serious strain on bimini mounting points. Some can push down on those mount points and some will potentially LIFT on those mount points. Our boat is easily capable of 50 mph with its 350HP Yamaha. But, the double bimini that came with it, has a tag right near the center top bar that states, the speed with the Bimini's up should NOT EXCEED 15 MPH!
Now, 15 mph is like walking. So, we often are at speeds of 25-35 with both Bimini's up. I'm pretty sure the engineers that design those Bimini's and stipulate the limits of speed during full deployed Bimini's, take into account that folks will meet and surpass those speed limits. But, they've got to put out those limits for the company liability. Yep, it's a pain to put up and take down, just because you know you're going to exceed the speed limits of the deployed Bimini's. Just because 99.9999% of us get away with over speeding the *supposed* speed limits of our Bimini's, doesn't mean it's ok to do it. It just means we've gotten away with it so far, without damage or ramifications.
There are multiple brands and makers of Bimini's out there. Some are stronger and made considerably better than others. Ours is square tubing and is quite strong and well built. But, we've had friends that say theirs was broken within 2-3 times out with their new boats. (Not Benningtons) They say their tubing was seriously weak.
Scott
