2015 and later 230: Z5 Bimini vs. regular Bimini?

**axeman** · 08-23-2016, 09:36 PM

I've had 3 230s and every single one I've bought or ordered the Z5. NautiqueJeff showed one way to store it under the cover. On mine, I slide it under the windshield in the main cabin area when towing. Towels on boat lean back pads as well as tower over LINC screen for protection. I bungee it down from the windshield bars in the center walk way all the way back to the back of the Z5 frame.

As a side note, I also had a custom cover made for this last boat so that it covers the tower when towing and the Z5 is off. That way the boat is still clean on arrival.

**charlesml3** · 03-13-2017, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by NautiqueJeff View Post

You can trailer long distances with it attached with no issues. The new ones allow you to roll up the Sunbrella material into zippered pockets on the top, so there is no concern with towing long distances with it on the boat.

Jeff,

Do you have any photos of it rolled and zipped? My Z5 has zippers that run left-right about 10 inches apart on both the bottom and top of the bimini. I can't figure out what they do. I also got some kind of "cover" that came with it and have no idea what that does either...

Thanks!

-Charles

**NautiqueJeff** · 03-13-2017, 10:28 PM

Pictures are hard to come by.

There is a little information here:
http://www.z5sportracks.com/content/faqs

Here's one picture of Noah's boat with the Z5 canvas booted. That's the only one I could find.

**charlesml3** · 03-14-2017, 07:37 AM

There is almost NO information on this at all. In fact, I'm going to go with "there is no information." I even contacted Z5 and asked them. They came back with "What zippers?"

At this point I've sent them photos of their own bimini and the still don't know what they're for. For a premium product at a premium price, their support is terrible.

-Charles

**GMLIII** · 03-26-2017, 03:02 PM

I just purchased a 2017 G23 with a bimini top, and I thought all the tops for the G23 2017's came with surf pockets. I discovered my bimini does not have surf pockets. Does anyone know which 2017 top models come with surf pockets?

**charlesml3** · 03-26-2017, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by GMLIII View Post

I just purchased a 2017 G23 with a bimini top, and I thought all the tops for the G23 2017's came with surf pockets. I discovered my bimini does not have surf pockets. Does anyone know which 2017 top models come with surf pockets?

The only one that comes with surf pockets is: "Bimini - Tower Mounted with Surf Pockets.

That said, the Z5 also accommodates wakeboards and surfboards but they aren't stored in pockets. They rest on the cage above the bimini fabric and are strapped to hold them in place.

-Charles

**GMLIII** · 03-26-2017, 05:08 PM

Thank Charles for explaining. I purchased just the fold down bimini which mounts above the tower.I guess if I wanted surf pockets I could get an upholsterer to sew them in fairly easily? I went with this bimini after reading the reviews that it was the most flexible and easier to move on and off if needed vs Z5 top.

**charlesml3** · 03-26-2017, 09:05 PM

Originally posted by GMLIII View Post

Thank Charles for explaining. I purchased just the fold down bimini which mounts above the tower.I guess if I wanted surf pockets I could get an upholsterer to sew them in fairly easily? I went with this bimini after reading the reviews that it was the most flexible and easier to move on and off if needed vs Z5 top.

Yep. Several forum members here have had good luck with local canvas shops doing surf pockets.

-Charles