DeckTent Inflatable Bimini Small — Overview
The DeckTent Inflatable Bimini Small is the compact version of DeckTent’s portable inflatable bimini sun cover — quick-deploy shade for ribs, tenders, day-boats and small sailing yachts. UPF 30 fabric blocks 97 % of UV rays; adjustable rail straps secure it to standard rail systems, and the windproof structure stays in place at travel speeds of up to 25–27 knots.
Inflates in minutes with the supplied pump, packs down into the included carry bag, and lives on board without permanent fixings. Two sizes — XS (2.1 × 2.4 m) for ribs 4.9–7.5 m / sailboats 8–11 m, and S (2.3 × 2.85 m) for ribs and motorboats 7.5–11 m / sailboats 10–15 m. Larger boats should look at the DeckTent Bimini Large.
UPF 30 Sun Protection
The bimini fabric blocks 97 % of harmful UV rays — reliable family protection for long sun-deck sessions on small craft.
Quick Inflate / Quick Pack
Inflates with the included pump in minutes; deflates and packs into the supplied carry bag just as fast. No permanent mounting required — perfect for ribs and tenders where deck space is limited.
Windproof up to 25–27 Knots
Adjustable rail straps and the rigid inflated structure keep the bimini stable at travel speeds up to 25 knots and against gusts up to 27 knots.
Pressure-Relief Valves
Integrated pressure-relief valves prevent overinflation — important when the bimini sits in the sun on a hot deck.
Bimini Details & Specifications
Two sizes within the Small package, plus key features.
| Size | Dimensions (L × W) | Ribs | Motorboats | Sailboats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 2.1 × 2.4 m | 4.9–7.5 m | 5.5–7.5 m | 8–11 m |
| S | 2.3 × 2.85 m | 7.5–11 m | 7.5–11 m | 10–15 m |
| Fabric Protection | UPF 30 (blocks 97 % of UV) |
|---|---|
| Wind Rating | Travel: up to 25 knots · Gust: up to 27 knots |
| Mounting | Adjustable straps to standard rail / handrail systems (no permanent fixings) |
| Inflation | Manual pump (included); pressure-relief valves prevent overinflation |
| Storage | Carrying bag included — packs down for on-board stowage |
| Construction | Marine-grade inflatable, salt-water resistant materials |
| Use Case | Sun and weather protection on ribs, tenders, day-boats and small sailing yachts |
DeckTent Small vs. Large
DeckTent offers two bimini ranges. Choose by boat length:
| Range | Sizes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bimini Small (this product) | XS (2.1 × 2.4 m) and S (2.3 × 2.85 m) | Ribs, tenders and day-boats up to 11 m / sailboats up to 15 m |
| Bimini Large | M and L | Motorboats and sailing yachts up to 25 m |
Who is the Small Inflatable Bimini for?
The Bimini Small is designed for compact craft that need shade without a permanent hardtop:
- Rib and tender owners (4.9–11 m) who want quick-deploy shade on the foredeck without retrofitting a fixed bimini
- Day-boat owners (5.5–11 m) who want UV protection for family day trips
- Sailing-yacht owners (8–15 m) who want a portable cockpit cover for long passages
- Owners of large yachts who use the bimini on the rib / tender as a guest shade option
- Travel-focused owners who need a packable sun cover that lives in a locker until needed
Larger motorboats and yachts (10–25 m) are better served by the DeckTent Bimini Large.
FAQ — Sizing, Installation & Use
Which size do I need for my boat?
XS (2.1 × 2.4 m) suits ribs 4.9–7.5 m, motorboats 5.5–7.5 m and sailboats 8–11 m. S (2.3 × 2.85 m) suits ribs and motorboats 7.5–11 m and sailboats 10–15 m. Larger boats use the Large bimini.
How does the bimini attach to a rib or tender?
Adjustable straps secure the bimini to your boat’s standard handrails or grab bars. No drilling, no permanent fittings required.
Can I travel under shade on a rib?
Yes — the windproof inflated structure handles travel speeds up to 25 knots and gusts up to 27 knots.
How long does inflation take?
A few minutes with the supplied pump. Deflation and packing into the carry bag is just as fast.
How strong is the UV protection?
The fabric is rated UPF 30 — it blocks 97 % of UV rays, enough for safe family use during day trips.
What do the pressure-relief valves do?
They vent excess pressure during heat expansion in the sun — the bimini can sit inflated under a hot sun without overinflation damage.
How do I store the bimini between trips?
Deflate, pack into the supplied carry bag and stow in a dry locker. Rinse with fresh water after salt-water exposure and let everything dry before storage to prevent mildew.
Is the bimini salt-water rated?
Yes — marine-grade fabric and components for full salt-water use.
Can I deflate the bimini quickly if conditions change?
Yes — release the valves and the bimini deflates within minutes. Pack into the bag and stow.
Can I use this on a tender carried by a larger yacht?
Yes — ribs and tenders carried as superyacht support craft are a typical use case. The bimini packs into the same locker as the rest of the rib equipment.
Does the bimini work on a sailing yacht with backstays?
The adjustable straps work with most standard rail and stay configurations on sailing yachts up to 15 m. Check clearance under your backstays before purchase.
What is included in the package?
The inflatable bimini in your chosen size (XS or S), adjustable rail straps, the inflation pump and the carry / storage bag.
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