Clear Plastic Bimini Tops: Cost And Benefits

Clear plastic for a bimini top can be expensive and hard to work with. It is often used to protect against the wind and cold on boats. The material is called isinglass and is used to make side curtains and aft curtains.

Clear plastic that will snap to the windshield

Clear plastic for a bimini top can be sewn with an average house machine, but it is recommended to only sew two layers together at a time. It is also suggested that you watch a couple of how-to videos on making boat covers, as the same principle is used. You can buy a vice grip snap set tool for snaps.

The clear plastic is not cheap, so it is recommended to buy a couple of cheap bed sheets and make a mock-up of what you want before cutting the plastic.

The material that the forward three parts of a bimini top are made from is called isinglass. Aft curtains are usually made from canvas or sunbrella, but you can also have an isinglass aft curtain made if that's what you want.

Side curtain spacers are used to keep clear vinyl boat enclosure panels off of the metal frame so they don't burn or get scratched by the metal frame.

Attaching clear plastic to the bimini top

Clear plastic can be attached to a bimini top to protect from the wind on cold days. The plastic is usually made from isinglass, a type of clear "plastic". The plastic can be sewn with an average house machine, but it is recommended to only sew two layers to each other to make it easier. It is also recommended to watch a couple of how-to videos on making boat covers, as the same principle is used.

To attach the clear plastic to the bimini top, you can use a vice grip snap set tool for snaps. You can also use pole clips to attach the support pole to the frame or to other tubing on your boat. These pole clips work for 7/8" OD Tubing and hold your poles securely, eliminating scratching and discoloration on enclosures.

It is important to note that bimini tops do not take wind very well, so if you are using clear plastic to protect from the wind, you may need to consider tilting the bimini top forward when needed by adjusting the straps.

Additionally, if you opt for a full enclosure, the fourth part of the set is called an aft curtain. Aft curtains are usually made from canvas or sunbrella and some have a window. However, you can also have an isinglass aft curtain made if you prefer.

Clear high UV plastic vinyl

Bimini top parts are under a lot of stress, so it's important to consider replacing them with heavy-duty parts. Side curtain spacers, for example, are used to keep clear vinyl boat enclosure panels off the metal frame to prevent burning or scratching. Pole clips are another example of a heavy-duty part, which can be used to attach the support pole to the frame and eliminate scratching and discolouration on enclosures.

The material used to make the forward three parts of a full bimini top enclosure is called isinglass. Aft curtains are usually made from canvas or sunbrella, but they can also be made from isinglass if desired.

Isinglass aft curtains

Clear plastic for a bimini top can be made from a clear high UV plastic vinyl, which can be sewn with an average house machine. It is not a cheap material, however.

Isinglass is a pressed-polished vinyl sheet glass used in the marine industry on high-end boats and cars. It is flexible, clear, and resistant to creasing, scratches and yellowing. Isinglass is also used in curtains for screened porches and patios, and can be used to temporarily enclose a space for winter, giving restaurants more space to seat customers when the weather is uncertain.

Isinglass was first manufactured in the early 20th century for horse-drawn carriages and early cars. It allowed the driver to see in any weather. It was also used in kerosene space heaters, with a circular window through which the flames could be seen.

Aft curtains are usually made from canvas or sunbrella, and some have a window. However, you can also have an isinglass aft curtain made.

Side curtains

Isinglass is a clear, high-UV plastic vinyl. It can be sewn with an average household sewing machine, but it is recommended that you only sew two layers together at a time. It is also recommended that you make a mock-up of your design with cheap bed sheets before cutting the isinglass.

Isinglass is not cheap, so it makes sense to replace plastic bimini top parts with heavy-duty alternatives where possible. This includes choosing heavy-duty snap hooks over wire snap hooks.

Frequently asked questions