Oftentimes, the bow and stern seating provided on your boat gets left unused. Weather conditions are typically the cause of this; it’s either too hot to stay and rest outside or too cold and rainy to even dare to take a peek.
This is what makes the top extensions for boats so appealing. A top extension, sometimes called a top extender, extends from the roof of a boat to cover the bow and stern. This is especially useful for smaller boats that barely have any protection from the rays of the sun.
With a top shade extension for your boat, you and your crew can stay protected while out at sea. Whether you are at anchor, drifting or trolling, top extenders provide shade to your boat, allowing you to extend your stay in the water and substantially improve your boating experience.
Of course, with all the different brands out there coming out with their own top shade extension for boat, it can be overwhelming to choose just one. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the best ones you’ll find in 2023.
5 Best Top Extensions For Boats
Here are the best top extensions for boats for 2023.
1. Vevor T-Top Sun Shade
The VEVOR Top Sun Shade is seen as the top choice when it comes to top shade extensions for boats. It’s made of high-quality 600D Oxford fabric with two rustproof stainless steel rods. The fabric is free from wrinkles and is highly resistant against sagging, cracking and abrasion. In fact, your top shade extension will still remain stable even at a 20-knot speed. It’s perfect for those who spend a lot of time out at sea.
What makes VEVOR Top Sun Shade even more compelling for customers is that it comes at an incredibly low price compared to other brands. VEVOR also offers discount coupons to its customers, giving you the chance to purchase the best boating equipment and accessories including VEVOR Top Sun Shade.
· Model: ZYTJ5X5
· Size: 1.52 m x 1.52 m or 5’ x 5’
· Rod Lengths: 1.1 – 2.0 m or 43” – 79”
· Weight: 3 kg or 6.61 lbs
Pros:
· Height is easily adjustable
· Simple installation
· Large shade area
· Highly durable
Cons
· Limited color options
2. Axis Extended Rear Bimini Top
The Axis Extended Rear Bimini Top is a stand-alone rear bimini that is mounted directly to the Axis tower, providing additional sun protection and rear shade for everyone aboard the boat. It seamlessly integrates with the overall design of the Axis boat and tower, looking and performing like an OEM option.
It can extend 40 inches behind the tower and deliver usable shade even without the sun directly overhead. The sturdy stainless cantilevered frame of the bimini top is also sloped, minimizing rope interference when wakesurfing or wakeboarding.
· Model: AXS-EB-2022
· Size: 73” x 42” x 5”
· Rod Lengths: 40”
· Weight: 27 lbs.
Pros
· Durable and high-quality
· Easy to use
Cons
· Only suitable for Axis models
3. CoverCraft Top Shade Extension
The CoverCraft Top Shade Extension can be easily mounted with its adjustable straps. It also comes with suction cups to make the top shade extension easily attach to hard tops.
With the fabric being durable and having a water repellent finish, it serves as great protection against the rain.
· Model: TS5BLK
· Size: 4’ – 6’ x 5’
· Rod Lengths: 7” – 8”
· Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Pros
· Stretchable canvas
· Resistant to mold and mildew
Cons
· Limited color options
4. Fishmaster Extend The Shade – T-Top Extension
With this easy-to-install and removable top shade extension, you can extend the shade of your canopy. It comes with adjustable straps and ratchets that you can attach to your telescoping poles and t-top
Made from premium WeatherMax 3D fabric, this T-top extension is highly resistant to fade and comes in colors that last long and can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays.
· Size: 61 cm – 127 cm
· Rod Lengths: up to 5 x 7 ft
Pros:
· Easy to install and remove
· Fabric is versatile and stretchable
Cons
· Limited color options
5. Ocean South T-Top Extension
The OceanSouth T-top Extension allows you to extend the shade area on your boat. It comes with two heavy duty stainless steel telescopic poles, fitting securely into rod holder mounts. The top extension can be used at anchor or when motoring at a speed of up to 20 knots.
· Size: 4’ x 5’ x 4’ – 10.5’ x 9.5’ x 8.5’
· Rod Lengths: 51” – 79”
· Weight: 0.68 lbs
Pros
· Simple to install
· Adjustable height
Cons
· Limited color options
After reviewing all the top shade extensions for boats, VEVOR T-Top Sun Shade looks to be a good choice with all the benefits it can offer. The product comes with excellent coverage, trouble-free installation, warranty and a budget-friendly price, which makes it ideal.
Different Types of Top Extension For Boats
There are two types of top extension for boats:
Bow T-Top Extensions
This type of top extension for boats sits over top of only the bow section of your boat, instead of wrapping around the vessel like a traditional canvas. Bow T-Top covers usually aren’t attached to another piece so attaching them would mean using other means such as bungee cords or straps. Although they are much easier to install, they are also less customizable and versatile.
Stern T-Top Extensions
On the other hand, stern t-top extensions are meant to only protect the stern of the boat. It sits on top of the stern, protecting the passengers from unfavorable weather conditions.
What Should You Look For When Buying A Top Extension For Boats
Before you spend your hard-earned cash to purchase a top extension for your boat, there are different factors you should consider first to make sure that the purchase is really worth your money.
1. Know Your Materials
Keep an eye out for the different materials are used in the construction of the top extension. Is the fabric tough and rugged? Is it anti-mircobial or anti-fungal? Is aluminum used for the framing or is it stainless steel?
Remember that if the materials are cheaper, they’re more likely to rust or wear out in just a few years, more or less.
2. Style and Aesthetics
The style and aesthetics of your top extension do, in fact, matter. If you’ve spent a lot of money to purchase your boat, then you probably want to at least make it pleasing to look at.
Don’t rush into a purchase. Think about the color palettes that would work well with the rest of your boat and make sure it blends with the aesthetics of your boat well.
3. Size and Mountability
This is one of the more important considerations. After finding the right quality and the right materials for your top extension, you need to think about its size and mounting.
Make sure you choose one with dimensions that are just right for your boat. There are cases where you might need to have it custom-made. Either way, the size of your top extension is especially important.
4. Fair Prices
For the most part, purchasing a top extension online is perfectly safe as long as its from a reputable seller and has been proven to be of high quality, such as with VEVOR T-Top Sun Shade.
Make sure to check out all your options and compare the prices. You don’t want to end up paying huge amount of money for a top extension that is being sold a lot less in another store.
Are Top Extensions For Boats Worth It
Overall, top extensions for boats are definitely worth it.
For one, they help protect you from the harmful rays of the sun and keep your boat cool. Not to mention, it also works as a great bug deterrent.
Top extensions also cuts down the glare in the boat, allowing you to read or watch TV comfortably.
Lastly, there are some people who like to sit up in the bow section, putting weight on the bow rail when they want some shade. Not only does it make your boat much more comfortable to lounge around in, lesser weight on the railing also helps reduces any stability issues.
FAQ About Top Extension For Boat
How do you measure boat shade size?
First, you should measure the boat’s bow side from front to back. Then, move to the top bow rail, which is usually found between the driver’s seat and the bow, then take its measurements. If your bow shade is measured in inches, then the width of the boat shade is equal to the total boat size deducted by the length of the top bow rail.
What material is best to use for boat shades?
Vinyl, acrylic and marine grade polyester are typically the ideal options for top extensions.
How fast can a boat go with a top extension?
It can vary according to the quality and the durability of the top extension. But typically the maximum speed you can drive your boat with a top extension is at 55mph.
