Bimini question

[drknute3]

Just got our new ( to us) 2000 Cobalt 206!!! We are very pleased with it thus far. This is the first boat we've owned with a bimini. All of our previous boats had full canvas enclosures that were either up or stored in the hatch. The question I have is when we fold the bimini down and back, is it ok to leave it in this position when towing the boat home on the interstate? It all folds up and lays back on top of the engine hatch. I assume its ok that way but wanted to ask just in case. Happy Boating!!!

 

[zach103]

Re: Bimini question

its certainly better than keeping it up lol.. yah the top should be fine. i see them on the highways all the time like that..

 

[drknute3]

Re: Bimini question

its certainly better than keeping it up lol.. yah the top should be fine. i see them on the highways all the time like that..

Thanks for the info. Also wondering if its a good idea to use anything to support the outdrive when towing? Have seen transom savers like we used to use on OB's and then tose little clips on the tilt rams. Are they needed? Out drive is Volvo Penta DPS

 

[642mx]

Re: Bimini question

The top will be fine rolled up. It looks goofy IMO, but a lot of folks do it that way. No need for a transom saver with inboards.

 

[drknute3]

Re: Bimini question

The top will be fine rolled up. It looks goofy IMO, but a lot of folks do it that way. No need for a transom saver with inboards.

What about the little clips in case of damage to a hydraulic line?

 

[johnbo]

Re: Bimini question

Generally, the issue that triggers the need for the ram clips is a leak somewhere in the trim system, so that the outdrive sags over a period of time. My system has an internal leak, so I don't loose oil, but it will sag to the bottom of travel in a random period of time from 30 minutes to 3 days.

Seems like cheap insurance to me.

Later,

johnbo

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Bimini question

It mignt be wise to attach a small bungee strap to apply just a little force to keep it from bouncing around, do you have to remove the bimini to cover the boat, or how does that work out? Just wondering for if I ever get one.

 

[hard-3]

Re: Bimini question

I tow my 89 cobalt with the bimini laid down oner the sun deck all the time . I find that the plastic fittings vibrated out of the aluminum tubing had to put a screw in them to keep from doing it. also found that tubing was rubbing side of gunnel on outside leaving aluminum streaks , split a plastic tube and slipped over it and solved rubbing. I also got the aluminum support poles to support it in the upright position when underway ,but with bimini not opened up. not as much bouncing around as with just straps holding it about $40 well worth it.

 

[642mx]

Re: Bimini question

What about the little clips in case of damage to a hydraulic line?

If your hydraulics are in good shape then they are not needed. If your hydraulics are in bad shape and bleed off, then the problem should be fixed.... I'm not a big fan of 'bandaids'.

 

[642mx]

Re: Bimini question

do you have to remove the bimini to cover the boat, or how does that work out? Just wondering for if I ever get one.

On my Baja, the cover will go on with the bimini top folded down. Some boats maybe different....