1-1/4 bimini tops & hardware

[Jobless Recovery]

I am looking to replace the bimini and I'm sure most will agree the 1.25" square tubing would be stronger than the 1" but I what I'm not sure of is the hardware. Our original bimini had the aluminum brackets with the pins attached by a small cable. I found this to be a big problem in that things were always catching on the pins or the bracket (when the bows weren't attached). So we upgraded to the stainless steel type like the ones in the picture below:

The issue is that I have to replace the end caps that have the eye in order to connect the bimini bow to this hinge. The replacement pieces are made of nylon (they look like a black plastic piece (see photo)

Does any one know if these nylon pieces are prone to breaking as they look kinda flimsy. If so, does anyone know if they come in a square stainless steel for 1.25" tubing?

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: 1-1/4 bimini tops & hardware

I've seen a lots of them being used. My gut feeling is that you will get a long life from them, but of course not as long as stainless.

 

[lmuss53]

Re: 1-1/4 bimini tops & hardware

I use 7/8 OD scrap tube from my work and the plastic fittings. I run a sheet metal screw into the tube to hold it all together along with the set screw provided. I just drill a little hole through fitting and tube and run in the sheet metal screw on the opposite side from the set screw.

Whichever hardware you want to use it should all be available at the big catalog places like Overtons or West Marine.

The forward posts also let me swing the bimini forward to stow it keeping the stern open for rods when trolling for Raystown Stripers.

 

[Jobless Recovery]

Re: 1-1/4 bimini tops & hardware

I like how nice and clean it looks with the black nylon hardware. I've seen the aluminum start turn black from rubbing against other aluminum tubing at the pivot points. I'll probably go with straps to hold the front forward. the old bimini has tubing (Like yours) to hold the front front but I wanted to us the straping to cut down on all the extra poles/tubing when it lays down flat. I personally just think the fewer tubes/poles would have less to rattle around when trailering.

 

[lmuss53]

Re: 1-1/4 bimini tops & hardware

You are right about the tubing rubbing and rattling but the straps fall apart about every year so I put on the tubing when I wear out the straps. I also really like the forward leaning stow option the posts give me.

 

[Jobless Recovery]

Re: 1-1/4 bimini tops & hardware

You know, I hadn't thought about leaning it forward - I could see how that would be convenient because we're always having to duck under the rear "closed" position of the bimini. It would definitely free it up back there.

 

[Jobless Recovery]

Re: 1-1/4 bimini tops & hardware

Well I finally placed the order for the bimini top - went with the 1" because the place with the 1.25" didn't have the height we needed nor the colors we wanted. But we also went with the metal hinges because everybody recommended.