Bimini frame on gunwales

[frankthomas]

I bought a Bimini for my 1989 Celebrity 182se. I began to lay out the installation and I realized that it is going to lay along the gunwales and make it awkward getting in and out of the boat as the gunwale is often a step in or out. Is this just the way it is? Sacrifice easy entry for protection from the sun?

 

[ajgraz]

Can you lay it forward?

 

[frankthomas]

Lay it forward during boarding? Yeah I guess I could. Is this a common scenario with runabouts with curved windshields? I am new to boating but loving it.

 

[ajgraz]

Does your bimini have support poles, or is it straps at all four corners?

Where exactly are you placing the deck mounts?

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Yep it can save you from the Sun but do to groin injury may result in no more Son's. Mine is the perfect height to do damage to the twins. It hasn't been on for 4 years.

 

[garbageguy]

I bought a Bimini for my 1989 Celebrity 182se. I began to lay out the installation and I realized that it is going to lay along the gunwales and make it awkward getting in and out of the boat as the gunwale is often a step in or out. Is this just the way it is? Sacrifice easy entry for protection from the sun?

It is going to lay along the gunwales? You mean when the support poles when the bimini is not up? If it's not up and in your way, leave it off. Maybe I don't understand your situation, but most things have trade-offs

 

[fishrdan]

I mounted my bimini on sliders, on the outside of the gunnels, about 1/2" or so from the top surface of the gunnel. When stowed, I slide it back 2-3', to the edge of the transom. The bimini arms that stick up (when folded) are still obstructing the last 3' of gunnel, but the remainder of gunnel is free.

Not an issue on my boat either way, since it's easier to board on the bow.

 

[frankthomas]

I installed the bimini and like it. The poles do lay along the gunwales but as some of you recommended, just flip it forward for boarding. Works great. I bought the rear support poles but I don't think I need them. Can always install later.

 

[JimS123]

A bimini is usually installed over the center of the main cockpit. When boarding, do so forward of the bimini, or aft of it.

We have had one on every boat we ever owned, and would not be out on a hot sunny day without it. Ours is not in the way at all, whether it is up or down.