Bimini from towerbiminis.com - what about folding down the tower?

[jkallen21]

So, I have a 2006 Super Air Team Edition that I need a bimini for. I have done my reading and believe that for the money (assuming some sort of discount), towerbiminis.com is my best value. So, now the question of above or below the tower comes up. I have seen a discussion on this board about over/under, but no one really answered my questions, so here goes:

1) Can the tower be folded down with the bimini in place? TB says yes, but I can't see how if the bimini is "over" the tower? What about "below" the tower? If it cannot be, how difficult is it to remove the TB top? I may want to do this anyway just for weather reasons to keep the top in good shape.

2) I am 6' 3" and my young son is not far behind. The boat is new to us so I have not had much time in it to notice if my head already hits the speakers which are below the factory tower. What is the experience for you guys on this? Do you tall guys hit your head on the speakers? If so, I see no issues mounting the bimini "below" because I'll be ducking already. It might even be a softer landing spot for when I accidentally do come in contact with it as opposed to a speaker.

Love to hear your experiences.

Thanks

[OKWAKEBDR]

Yes, with a Tower Bimini the tower can be folded down, you just have to close up the bimini (takes about 30 seconds).

You will hit your head on the tower speakers.

[HS]

I have had both under and over from TB. Following the installation, it's a five minute put up take down process, real easy. As I recall, I don't think it can stay up when the tower gets folded over and lowered. The over style gives more headroom and still gives good sun protection.

[Quinner]

With an under mount: Tower will not fold with bimini in place! There are 3 attachments on each side, 1 on lower fixed tower hoop and 2 on fold-able portion of tower, 2 of 3 need to be removed leaving only the main bar on the fixed portion, you can then boot up the bimini and the tower can be folded. If you want to competely remove the bimini you will then pull the last pin (ea side) and it can be removed. It does take about five minutes to boot it up and remove the bimini.

The under mount will give you the best sun protection and IMO is the best looking, the over the tops are Fugly, IMO.
Speakers will be head bangers, having the bimini below the speakers will eliminate them from the equation as the bimini will be the head banger, and as you noted the bimini has a little more give then the speakers typically.
I am a few inches shorter however have never had a problem banging my head, you just get used to ducking a bit and it becomes second nature. Guests need to be reminded though.

BTW, my experience is on a 206 so your 210 may tower/floor height could be more?? You can click the link below to see a picture of the setup I am describing.

[ski4evr]

Plus 1 for under tower, the closer to you, the better the shade, which is the whole reason for a bimini. We put up and take down the bimini daily, and is about 5 min each way. It stays on the tower booted up and strapped to tower. I never bang my head on the bimini, its visibility helps I guess, but for some reason if it leave it stowed I get at least one hard head knock every time on a speaker. go figure.

[2001SAN]

Plus 1 for under tower, the closer to you, the better the shade, which is the whole reason for a bimini.

In Ireland the biminis are for keeping the rain off...