Finding the right 2006 bayliner 185 bimini top shouldn't feel like a chore, but with so many aftermarket options out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed. You just want some shade so you can stay out on the lake longer without roasting under the July sun. The 185 is a fantastic boat—it's agile, classic, and has just enough room for a small crew—but that open layout means you're totally exposed. Adding a top is probably the single best thing you can do for your comfort levels, second only to keeping a cooler full of ice-cold drinks.
Why Your 185 Needs a Good Top
Let's be honest, we've all had those days where the morning starts out perfect, but by 2:00 PM, everyone on the boat is getting a bit cranky because of the heat. If you're rocking a 2006 Bayliner 185, you've got a great hull, but that fiberglass reflects a lot of UV rays right back at you. A solid bimini top doesn't just keep the sun off your head; it actually drops the temperature in the cockpit by a noticeable amount.
It also changes the way you use the boat. Instead of having to head back to the dock when the sun gets too intense, you can just pop the top and keep the party going. Plus, if a surprise summer shower rolls through—which happens more often than I'd like—having that overhead cover keeps your electronics and your upholstery from getting totally soaked.
Getting the Measurements Right
Before you hit "buy" on the first 2006 bayliner 185 bimini top you see online, you've got to make sure it actually fits your specific setup. Even though the 2006 model year is pretty standard, some boats might have aftermarket accessories or different mounting points from the previous owner.
Most 185s have a beam width of around 7 feet 7 inches. When you're looking at bimini tops, you're usually looking for a width range that covers around 75 to 81 inches, depending on exactly where you plan to mount the brackets. I always tell people to measure the distance between the mounting points on the gunwales (the top edges of the hull) rather than just looking at the boat's specs in a manual.
Also, think about the height. If you're a taller person, you don't want to be ducking every time you move from the helm to the back seat. A 36-inch or 46-inch height (measured from the mounting point) is usually the sweet spot for this size of boat. It gives you enough headroom to move around but doesn't make the boat look like it has a giant kite attached to it.
Choosing the Fabric
This is where people usually get stuck. You'll see a huge price difference between various fabrics, and it's tempting to go for the cheapest one. Don't do it.
A cheap polyester top might look okay for the first month, but after a season of UV exposure and wind, it'll start to fade and thin out. For a 2006 bayliner 185 bimini top, you really want something like Sunbrella or a high-quality solution-dyed polyester. Sunbrella is basically the gold standard—it's breathable, water-resistant, and won't fade for years.
If Sunbrella is a bit outside the budget, look for "600D" or "900D" marine-grade polyester. The "D" stands for denier, which is just a fancy way of saying how thick the fibers are. Higher is usually better for durability. Just make sure it's treated for UV resistance, or you'll be buying a replacement top by next summer.
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Frames
Most kits you find will come with an aluminum frame. For most freshwater boaters, aluminum is perfectly fine. It's lightweight, relatively strong, and it won't rust. However, if you're taking your Bayliner out into brackish or salt water, you might want to consider springing for stainless steel hardware and frames.
Salt air eats aluminum for breakfast. If you do go with aluminum, at least make sure the mounting hardware (the screws and pivots) are stainless steel. There's nothing more frustrating than having a plastic mounting bracket snap while you're hitting a wake at 30 miles per hour.
Color Matching Your Bayliner
The 2006 Bayliner 185 usually came with that classic blue and white color scheme, or sometimes a red accent. Most people try to match the bimini to the hull's gelcoat or the canvas cover they already have.
Pro tip: Black and navy blue tops actually provide the best shade, but they can hold a little more heat than a light gray or tan. However, light colors show bird droppings and mildew much faster. Personally, I think a navy blue top on a white and blue Bayliner looks the sharpest. It gives the boat a more modern, "finished" look.
Installation Isn't as Scary as You Think
A lot of guys worry about drilling holes into their boat. I get it. It's nerve-wracking to take a drill to your pride and joy. But honestly, installing a 2006 bayliner 185 bimini top is a pretty straightforward Saturday morning project.
The main thing is to mock it up before you drill. Have a friend hold the frame in place while you sit in the captain's chair. You want to make sure the top doesn't block your vision when you're up on plane, and you also want to make sure it doesn't interfere with your throttle movement or your fishing rod holders.
Once you find the sweet spot, mark the holes, use a bit of blue painter's tape over the fiberglass to prevent chipping, and use plenty of marine-grade sealant (like 3M 4200 or 5200) in the holes to keep water from getting into the core of the boat.
Maintaining Your Top
Once you've got it installed, you want it to last. The biggest mistake people make is leaving the top up while they're trailering the boat down the highway. Bimini tops are designed for boat speeds, not 70-mph highway winds. That's a one-way ticket to a bent frame and ripped fabric.
Always use the storage boot when you're not using the top. It keeps the fabric from flapping around and protects it from the sun when the boat is docked. Every once in a while, give the fabric a wash with mild soap and water. Never use harsh detergents or bleach unless the manufacturer specifically says it's okay, as it can strip away the water-repellent coating.
Where to Buy
You've got a few options here. You can go to a local canvas shop and get a custom-made top. It'll fit like a glove, but it'll probably cost you as much as a new engine. For a boat from 2006, most owners prefer the aftermarket route.
Websites that specialize in marine covers often have "select your boat" tools where you can put in "2006 Bayliner 185" and it'll spit out the exact dimensions you need. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process. Just check the reviews to see how the hardware holds up, because the frame is just as important as the fabric.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, adding a 2006 bayliner 185 bimini top is an investment in your sanity and your skin. It makes those long days on the water much more enjoyable for everyone on board. No more hiding under towels or cutting the trip short because the kids are getting too hot.
Take your time with the measurements, don't cheap out too much on the fabric, and make sure you mount it securely. Once it's on, you'll wonder how you ever boated without it. There's nothing quite like cruising across a glass-calm lake in the shade of a well-fitted top. Enjoy the season, and I'll see you out there!