Bimini bouncing around?

[Jeepster04]

Anyone have an issues with their Bimini bouncing side to side going down the lake? It does it when we have it folded up but in the up position and when its folded out and strapped down. Its the stock bimini that came with the boat(2007 Four Winns). Kinda worried about it breaking some of the plastic joints or causing stress cracks in the gel coat. Usually Ill have someone hold it but not all people will be doing that if they take the boat out.

 

[Hansolo99]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

Is it pretty squared up. Meaning are all the poles straight if laid flat on the floor. I just bought one that did the same thing and when I took it off the boat I noticed it was a little **** eyed.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

Not too sure about that.. Never had it off of the boat. Theres just no support to keep it from bouncing side to side. Even with the straps out, theres just nothing there. Was curious if we might could add a support somewhere or something to stop it..

 

[Hansolo99]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

Do you have a pic? You can use the aluminum bimini supports that might help??

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

If all the mounting points are in line fore to aft (front strap, main pole mount and rear strap/pole) there's nothing to provide lateral stability.

If you want to reduce side-to-side movement, you need to move the front or rear support inboard or outboard. When I mounted my bimini, I located the front strap anchors about three inches inboard from the main pole pivot mount. When viewed from the stern, the vertical part of the frame forms an angle with the front strap. This angle creates lateral stability.

 

[mattb1974]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

some people here use a cross brace on one side to stop the movement from happening

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

If all the mounting points are in line fore to aft (front strap, main pole mount and rear strap/pole) there's nothing to provide lateral stability.

If you want to reduce side-to-side movement, you need to move the front or rear support inboard or outboard. When I mounted my bimini, I located the front strap anchors about three inches inboard from the main pole pivot mount. When viewed from the stern, the vertical part of the frame forms an angle with the front strap. This angle creates lateral stability.

Exactly. Theres no lateral support what so ever. Im not sure why four winns would mount it like that. I do not have any pics of our boat with the bimini up just yet but it looks just like this:

 

[Thad]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

Mine does the same. Did it with the stainless mounts so I replaced them with plastic to help absorb some of the energy from the sway. It has been on for 9 years and have never had an issue with any cracking. It think it is just the nature of the beast.

 

[security6]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

Mine does the same thing, but it's not too bad as long as I keep it under 25 or so. I get nervous when we get going too much faster. When it is in the furled position, I do hook a rubber strap from one of the poles to a hook in the middle of the boat to stop some of the swaying.

 

[CHEVYJEFF]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

I had same issues when I first installed mine. I had to use the universal mounts (the ones that allow mounting to angled surfaces) up front because of the side windows. What I did to control the sway is as follows.

First, I used all stainless steel connections and mounts in combo. w/ rear aluminum support tubes. I made absoultly sure the mounts are square w/ each other. I used a rubber pads under the mounts between them and the gunwale to prevent stresscracks in fiberglass/gel coat.

Second, made the front strap mounting loc. more twords the inside of the boat as seen in the pic by the bow window walk thru. I also made sure when the straps are tight they are exactly the same length and when straped down they are flat and have no slack in either end of the loop that goes around the bimini frame.

Third, when top is folded back and covered I use the same front straps in combo w/ another set of straps criss/crossed over each other to form a "X" and attach one to each cleat at the rear of the boat to hold it steady

I can do about 50 mph on water before stuff starts getting out of control. Almost 60 on a calm day. If i am going to trailer over 45 mph I lower the top (forward due to windows) and use same straps and front mounts to tie it down.

 

[SeanMcl]

Re: Bimini bouncing around?

Exactly. Theres no lateral support what so ever. Im not sure why four winns would mount it like that. I do not have any pics of our boat with the bimini up just yet but it looks just like this:

Cross your front straps so the drivers side strap clips to the passenger side mount, and vice versa. You might need longer straps to reach, but it will greatly reduce the shimmy at cruise.