To you guys who own a bimini/sport top do you primarily use the top only or is it worth it to add the sides etc….I was thinking the top would be enough but the sides could come in handy on a crappy day in Oct!
I bought a new boat in 2004 with a bimini top, sides, and a rear flap to make the whole thing enclosed.
I have never, not once used the sides or rear flap. Use the bimini on occasion especially in heat of summer while on the water with the family.
ET
I have used the top a lot
and particularly used the sides in cold winds and rains from sides.
used the back cover and bow cover in very heavy storms I got caught in and was glad I had it.
I have an 8′ Bimini that I can stand up under. Used all the time. Keeps the skin cancer to a minimum in the summer and rain of course. Sure do wish I had the front and sides but I I’ve also never fished in a boat with it either. Visibility is my biggest deterrent to the front. But if easily attached/detached and storable I’d consider it on my next boat.
Have the top and sides. won’t go without anymore. especially on those cold openers
If you fish in cold inclement weather you will use the sides. If you only fish when the sun is a issue you won’t need them. Better to have and not need then to need and not have. 
One question you didn’t address is do you have a windshield? I do and don’t use the sides. I do fish in open water all months of the year living in WI. I can see the use of sides if you fish bigger water and make longer runs in good sized waves where spray is coming from one direction for extended periods of time.
I don’t fish those types of water and can duck behind my windshield, as can my passenger, when we do get into those conditions periodically.
ET
Question: where can one find sides and possibly a flap? I’ve a top and like it for the wife when it’s HOT. I feel that sides would be nice and maybe even the rear as well? Any suggestions?
Thanx.
If you end up going with just a Bimini, check out vortex direct. Very happy with mine.
1″ poles. Great prices. Come with vertical supports. Plastic connections, but they’ve held up longer than my $200 more Cabela’s version with sst connections and 3/4″ poles.
– Use sides for running big water, especially on cool or windy days – mandatory if my wife/daughter are in the boat.
Also, very handy to enclose boat w/sides and back to keep dew/rain out if docked overnight.
Bimini – not attached to windshield
Good for hot days & keeping UV to a minimum. If anchored, usually drape towels over the edges to increase coverage; never seems to be enough coverage unless it’s high noon.
Pete
Got mine for the wife and daughter….if the top is needed they are not going out. Even in bad weather I don’t really use it as the windshield provides enough protection. Personally I would spend the money on something else.
Side note, I fish the river year round but not usually any real big water.
The top and side curtains are really nice spring fishing sturgeon on the rainy river.
I only use sides for rain. Fishing on any lake with wind turns your boat into a sail with the sides on.
Really love mine. While late season fishing on LOW, had top on and sides on we used my lil buddy heater to take the edge off!
Worked good while anchored up.
Helped to stay out longer!
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Nick, how do you get that heater to stick to the bimini? 
That is exactly what I am thinking! Did the heater really help?
I use my heater into June, on cold rainy mornings it helps with attitude and warms up the wet hands when you are catching fish. I have arthritis and tying knots with cold wet hands combined with poor eyesight… partners drag squealing.
Mike
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