Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

[Sea Ray]

I am looking at getting a Bimini Top for my boat. I would like to mount it on the windshield so that it is more centered over the seats.

The boat I have is a 1999 Sea Ray 210 and the windshield is pretty robust so I don't see that mounting there will be a problem. I see that many newer boats also have them mounted there, including the newer Sea Rays.

The problem that I am having is I can not find the windshield mounting hardware. I have been to local boat dealers, called a Sea Ray dealer (200 miles away) and look through the internet, including iboats but no luck finding decent mounting hardware. It is a Taylor windshield with a rounded top.

I would like to order the "rattle free" ball and socket hardware. I have been told that this is the best but I am open to any input.

I would also like to get some opinons on whether a 6' or 8' top is best for a 21' boat. I am going more for function then appearance.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sea Ray]

Re: Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

Surely someone out here can help??

Can someone give me a brand of boat that has these mounts? Maybe I can order directly from a boat dealer?

Any other ideas?

Thanks

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

Sounds interesting. I just assumed I'd have to drill into the frame to mount which I'm not looking forward to. Are you saying this is something different? Have pics or anything?

 

[lrlima]

Re: Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

i just mounted a top to my winshield using the brackets that came with the top. I was lucky as the bracket was the same width as the winshield aluminum. I beleive there is also a side mount available...but if your windshield frame is rounded, it might not work with a specialty bracket. Pics of your setup may help

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

i just mounted a top to my winshield using the brackets that came with the top. I was lucky as the bracket was the same width as the winshield aluminum. I beleive there is also a side mount available...but if your windshield frame is rounded, it might not work with a specialty bracket. Pics of your setup may help

But what holds the bracket to the windshield on your boat? Did you have to drill into the frame?

 

[Sea Ray]

Re: Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

Here are a few pics of how some boats have the bimini top mounted on their windshields. I found these pics on e-bay. I haven't actually seen the boats and there isn't much detail to the mounting bracket. That is where I need the help.

It looks like all of these windshields are simiiar to what I have.

 

[salty87]

Re: Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

have you tried taylor made? they make bimini's and lots of windshield parts. google them.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

8 foot i have a 6 an too small, it is mounted to the frame with deck type connector.

 

[Sea Ray]

Re: Bimini Top Help - Windshield Mount

Yes, I did try the Taylor Made website. I didn't see this kind of hardware on the web site. I even tried calling the number listed but it didn't connect??

OK, 1 vote for an 8' top. any other suggestions?