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As I was about to order the bimini for my Montauk I find there are options of Aluminum or Stainless frames and nylon or stainless hardware. I was about to order all stainless when I noticed a picture of a boat Joe did for a friend and it looks like Aluminum and nylon.
Would appreciate input from you in the know about the merrits of both.
Thanks

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Stainless is much stronger and less likely to bend or break compared to aluminum. Stainless will also last much longer than aluminum as eventually aluminum will corode and pit. On the other hand, aluminum is usually much less expensive than stainless

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I have had both and prefer stainless bows and hardware. Nylon fittings break.

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The top you are referring to came that way. Aluminum bows and nylon hardware.

Stainless Steel is the best and also is heavier.
When the nylon fittings break, he will replace those fittings with stainless.

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Thanks for the replies. To those that have used both-- Am I right that the Aluminum maybe isn't as sturdy if the crew grabs it and if the bimini is up when running is it noisier in any way?
Where do you buy the sliders?

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I have had both. Stainless twice as much. One thing to keep in mind you will probably not be hanging onto either one. Either one is kinda flimsy and not really designed for holding onto. I actually like the aluminum and nylon as it seems to be a little quieter underway. I have had both up in heavy wind and they both seem to hold up well. The more important part is how and where you mount the retaining straps. Make those really strong as they tend to pull out the eye fittings from the boat if not secured correctly. Stainless is significantly heavier. Corrosion could be an issue but if you maintain your boat properly should not be an issue on either one. Just make sure you get the Sunbrella Fabric as it is really water repellant and durable. Just some thoughts. Eric

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One other thing to be aware of is how you are going to store it folded down. You could either put one inside the gunnels or on top of gunnels. You can get the sliders at Overtons or West. I used a set of 24" sliders which make the top much more useful and also help locate top into a better place when folded. You can see mine up on my personal page.

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I have two aluminum tops. I have the nylon mounts and can't imagine a need to go heavier. I put the slides on but really never needed them. I did it to give the option of putting the top up in more than one spot, depending on the angle of the sun. I have sharkskin fabric and I am very satisfied with it. I got mine from "iboats" at a great price and fit. I think the brand name is West End. It's West something anyway. It looks like the day I got it and it is on its third season.
Mike

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I did a Stainless and currently have Nylon attaching it to the slide, working on a fix for that, but think the heavy duty stainless is nice

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I have "Stainless Steel" tubing, Triple stitched "Sunbrella" Fabric, and Nylon mount's, I'd have more confidence in S/S mount's but, it's a nice set-up. I keep it off the boat because, it takes up too much room folded. I do miss it when it get's VERY hot out though.