Comparing Our Products: autobimini vs. autobimini lite
When investing in your pontoon, you have every right to research the best products on the market to add those extra layers of luxury, convenience, and enjoyment to your boating experience.
In fact, our team here at autobimini encourages it!
It’s pretty easy to see why the autobimini product lines are the most respected for premium quality, sound mechanics, and exceptional design compared to other automatic bimini top options.
So, how do you choose between our two elegant tops?
We’ve put together this guide comparing our autobimini and autobimini lite automatic bimini tops so you can see exactly how they work, what separates them, and why you may want one over the other.
Style & Design
In terms of style and design, autobimini and autobimini lite appear almost identical. From structure to materials, our goal is always beauty and heavy-duty resiliency.
Structure
The skeleton of both types of electric bimini tops is made from 1.25” x 0.125” aluminum square tubing. This makes the frames 50% thicker than other brands and allows them to withstand higher speed ratings.
The frames for both come in either light sandblasted aluminum or a matte powder-coated black finish. Our customers rave that both finishes look better than the competition’s glossy ones.
Both use a 4-bow design for stability and to create an elegant arch top that allows riders to move around easily while enjoying some shade.
Canvas Top & Boot
Both autobimini and autobimini lite benefit from marine-grade canvas for the top and boot. This heavy-duty canvas stands up to rain, sun, and continual use with its 600-denier solution-dyed water-repellent and abrasion-resistant fabric.
The canvas meets the maximum sun protective rating achievable for fabrics at UPF50+, so it’s guaranteed to provide the highest level of shade and sun protection money can buy.
The marine-grade zippers work flawlessly, and the system even comes with tie-down bootstraps to hold the boot in place during higher-speed travel.
The tops and boots come in seven colors, so you can find a perfect match to your pontoon and always ride in style!
Ease of Use
If you like loads of tech, you may find that the autobimini has all the components you love. However, if you like simplicity and don’t mind sticking with analog systems, autobimini lite is the choice for you.
Top Control
To automatically move the shading canopy up and down, autobimini offers several options: a helm-mounted switch, FOB, and an app on your smart phone. Boaters can effortlessly add shade no matter where they are on the boat.
The autobimini lite model only uses the helm-mounted switch, usually connected close to the steering column and easily accessible for the driver.
If you’re fishing and can’t leave the line, or you’re comfy and don’t want to move to the front of the boat just to put up some shade, having a FOB or app is more convenient.
Of course, we also understand if you have kids who love pushing buttons, and you’d prefer to consolidate all control to the helm-mounted switch!
Top Positioning & Safe Boat Speeds
The autobimini lite moves to three common positions: Up, Down, and Radar. While in the Up position, we recommend staying at 25 MPH or 35 MPH if you use the support arms. When in Radar, you can go up to 50 MPH safely. When the top is down, and in the boot for towing, 70 MPH is fine.
For autobimini, you can start, stop, and leave the canopy in any position. We recommend following the same speed guidelines as for autobimini lite. The exception is when moving in the Up position with the support arms, autobimini can go up to 45 - 55 MPH.
Mechanics
You’ll notice the biggest difference between our two models in the mechanics. However, each motor and operating style is as advanced as it gets and guarantees long-lasting, smooth operations, ease of use, and instant shade!
autobimini lite Mechanics
For autobimini lite bimini tops, the heavy-duty aluminum frame connects to dual electronic actuators that smoothly position your bimini top into the Up and Radar placements with the helm-mounted switch. While the system uses a hard stop/start, you’ll notice the mechanics are gentler than other brands.
To reverse your autobimini lite, the machine runs on a heavy-duty reversing contractor that doesn’t skimp on power.
With an 8A circuit breaker and 12VDC battery power, autobimini lite stands up to everyday use while on the lake and will be one of your most reliable boating accessories.
Autobimini Mechanics
Our autobimini tops are powered by a smart controller with pulse-width modulated (PWM) motor control. PWM control uses microprocessor-controlled digital transistor outputs to deliver smooth motor control.
You’ll see smoother motor control, soft starts and stops, electronic synchronization between the actuators, and built-in safety protection. The PWM motor control is gentle on the system's mechanics, so you’ll also get longer motor and bimini frame life.
PWM motor control is market-exclusive to autobimini. No other supplier on the market offers digital PWM control.
Coupled with a 20A circuit breaker, smart technology for Bluetooth control, and smartphone diagnostics for easy troubleshooting, autobimini has every advantage over other automatic bimini top brands.
When Making Your Decision
With the cost difference being fairly minimal, our recommendations on choosing between the autobimini and autobimini lite boil down to these questions…
Are you installing it yourself? If so, what level of complexity do you prefer?
The autobimini option requires a good deal of mechanical and electrical expertise when installing. Though the instructions are detailed and extensive, having some general knowledge of how these systems work is helpful.
The autobimini lite option still requires this same level of knowledge but has fewer steps and fewer features to connect when all is said and done.
If you’d prefer to have one of our exclusive dealers perform the installation, then focusing on the convenient features may be more important to you than the mechanics.
Do you prefer simple designs that work well without including all the bells and whistles?
Then autobimini lite is the best choice for you!
The simple yet effective design provides maximum comfort at minimal effort, so you can focus on relaxing on your pontoon, staying cool and comfortable, and enjoying your time on the water.
Would you rather have options for the canopy’s mobility or like having analytics at your fingertips?
The original smart tech autobimini fits the bill.
With its multiple smart tech features and streamlined mechanics, autobimini provides all the options you need. Plus, the diagnostic feature in the app allows you to monitor your autobimini, control the top, and enjoy more advanced settings than any other automatic bimini top available.
Got More Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
If you aren’t sure if you can install autobimini on your specific pontoon or boat model or need help troubleshooting a problem with the installation, contact our team!
Our support team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about our products, installation, troubleshooting, compatibility, and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out today and enjoy the ride more tomorrow!