A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

[Helenhiwater]

On the first day out with our new 232 FunDeck GS we learned that it takes 3 Sumi wrestlers and 2 well placed kids to handle one Bimini top - much less two. The brackets had no correlation to the frame of the top. Needless to say, we ditched the forward top. We also ran into stormy weather as seen at this link:
http://applevalleylakecumberland.wo...tormy-weathershelter-under-the-playpen-cover/

What I would like to know >>> is there some kind of bracket that is more user friendly, and if so can it be installed in place of the ones presently used?
Actually ~ the way those frames naturally move with the rocking of the boat ~ I am worried that they may break out of the fiberglass.
Thank you,

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

Sorry for the rough day... The lake looked mean in the video!

I admit the stainless frame Bimini is very heavy, but I can easily have it in position by myself in less than 1 minute. Did you have it in the lower storage position, rather than the more upright position for deployment of the top? On my boat I simply remove the storage cover, remove the forward locking pins, and place the bottoms of each forward frame pole into the respected mounting receivers located forward on the gunwales, port and starboard sides slightly in front of the helm. Then install the locking pins...

There should also be a rear stabilizer bar that keeps the frame from rocking. the top of the bar mounts near the port side of the frame, and the bottom near the center of the boat, behind the rear seat of the stern. It also uses the locking pins.

PS, I see in the video the top is in the lowered position with the short bars. In order to deploy the top, the longer aft rear poles need to be in there place. Then the forward poles can easily be moved in position to open the top. It should look like this.

Not like this.

 

[Helenhiwater]

Re: A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

Thank you Bear for the instructions,
I did not give enough information in my post. What I meant to say is that whoever it was that placed the mounting receivers on the boat, had surely forgotten his glasses that day. The ones on the front did not match and one of those was slanted so that you could not place the pole into it without a fight. When we brought the boat home from the dealer the receiver in question was secured with a wire because even they could not get the pin through. The locking pin could not be closed because the receiver was too close to the boat ridge. The ones on the side were also slightly slanted and therefore extremely difficult to place the pole into. We took the forward top off because it was nearly impossible to get into the receivers. What I need to know is >>> can these receivers be repositioned without weakening the glass? - (how much of a brace, (if there is such) is underneath?. Otherwise, the Bimini tops are great to have. However, if I kept the forward one on in the lower position I would have to use the bolster seat to see to drive and playing on the front deck would require stepping over the top. Once the receivers are aligned - there will be no trouble with positioning. We have to be able to lower the top because of the clearance into the boat garage.
Thank you again Bear for your help,

http://applevalleylakecumberland.wordpress.com/some-pics/into-the-sunset/

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

I don't believe there is any undermount support on these.

What I'd suggest is leaving the existing mounts in place (if room allows) and place new ones in the location(s) you want.

I'd purchase the mounts, use double sided tape to hold them in place until you're happy with the locations. Then, drill new pilot holes and screw them in place with the proper SS screws.

I wouldn't relocate the existing ones.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

Sorry I didn't get back sooner, and misunderstood the issue...

NelsonQ has a good idea, and if there really this messed up, it's the way to go...

I would insist the dealer fix this issue!!!!!!!!

Is the other boat in the pic your second toy?

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

So your boat has two Bimini tops? Cool! Do you have pics of the front you can share?

 

[Helenhiwater]

Re: A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

Thank you NelsonQ
Thank you Bear
Because we took the second Bimini off ~ I can only show you how it looks today. If I ever decide to use the second top ~ I will have the receiving brackets moved. Because the boat is a new 2008, originally stored at a defunct dealer in AZ., we do not have a warrantee. We do have a warrantee on the engine and outdrive. We purchased this boat in WI - I think that is Bear's territory - which is over 500 miles away from where it is today. The problem with the Biminis is a small thing when compared to the absolute joy of using this boat. We have been boating for many years and have had several boats. This one is the most FUN! We are fortunate to have gotten this boat, (a 23' I/O), because this model is no longer made and none of the other models would have been as perfect as this one.
This photo was taken today - Sept. 23, 2010, temperature in the upper 90's - quite a bit warmer than usual.

http://applevalleylakecumberland.wordpress.com/some-pics/

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

Cool boat!

That lake looks incredible....

What is the top end speed for your boat? Is the engine the 4.3 V6? Or do you have a V8... I can't remember?

 

[Helenhiwater]

Re: A two bimini top Hur. is one too many

I have not pushed it to see the top speed. However ~ I have gotten it to a little under 55mph. I think with the trim up to perfect it could hit somewhat better. The engine is a 350mag B1. I have skiied with it and it is not the same as a deep hull. However ~ I like the split ~ don't know about using a knee board yet ~ I will ask my grandson. Still I would want a ski pylon. Loved the stereo with 4 speakers ~ however, I miss my dedicated iPod port which I had on the SeaRay. Still ~ with over 4000 songs ~ it will last the day.
Boating and water sports is still 'on' in KY. After that ~ it's the most beautiful Fall display you would ever want to see from a deck boat.