IMPAIRED VISIBILITY

The photograph shows a Bimini top stowed by folding it forward onto raised supports located in the bow. It is a second, optional Bimini top intended to shade bow seating when erect. It impedes visibility from the helm when stowed as shown.

A better solution, in our view, would have been to stow this Bimini in an upright position, supported by struts. We acknowledge this may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but safety trumps appearance in our book.

The American Boat and Yacht Council addresses visibility from the helm in its standards

(ABYC H-1, Visibility from the Helm Position), and we at Boating utilize this standard during boat tests. Standard H-1 states, in part, that movable items, such as gear and tops, are not obstructions because they can be moved by the skipper. Therefore, this Bimini does not violate the standard; deploy the top and visibility is fine. However, we maintain that one should be able to run the boat with the top down and not lose visibility. Standards can’t cover every eventuality.

Standard H-1 also states that if one can stand, or use trim tabs or engine trim, to see around or past an obstruction, then the boat complies. Keep this in mind regarding the common complaint about windshield frames impeding visibility, and also realize that a boat underway may be at a different angle than when blocked up in a showroom or at a boat show. This is another good reason for a sea trial.

When boat shopping, be sure to consider visibility from the helm.