bimini top repair question

[Ciscovet]

I have a 2001 sea ray 180. Last week as I was driving, I heard a loud thump. I turned around to see that my bimini top was damaged. I got a better look at it and it looks like both the plastic pieces that attach onto the connector on the boat have popped out of the bimini metal tube. Looks like it has been crimped at the factory.

I have managed to fit the piece back into the rod but am wondering whether I should glue them on or drill a hole though the whole assembly, run a bolt and a nut to keep it from slipping out. What do you guys think.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: bimini top repair question

I would go for the small bolt.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: bimini top repair question

Agree

 

[oldjeep]

Re: bimini top repair question

I'd use a long pop rivit

 

[Expidia]

Re: bimini top repair question

I had the same issue on my Daughter's rig. My inexpensive Chinese made frames are just crimped and tend to let go. I don't know how they get away with this to save on a small screw. I went with drilling a real small pilot hole close to the crimp and then screwed in a real small sheet metal screw maybe 1/2 an inch in length. I did this to the frame on the other side of the boat too.

This tubing is real thin anyway. In my opinion, keep the holes and screws as small as you can so as not to weaken the overall structual integrity.

We have two rigs both with the cheap online bought bimini's. I've already snapped a bow just by touching a piling while docking. Had to order a replacement from Westmoreland. No complaints with the Sunbrella fabric . . . it's great stuff. It's just the frames are crap.
Next boat or if I have to replace this frame I'm getting stainless steel. Tip: don't let others use the frame to steady themselves when they get in your boat or let anyone grab your frame from the dock while they pull you in closer as the frame can snap like a twig.

* if your frame is aluminum don't use stainless steel screws as it could cause a galvanic reaction and further weaken the aluminum.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: bimini top repair question

Sheet metal screw or a pop rivet. The pop rivet is a cleaner look, but many people don't have a rivet gun and the proper size rivet handy.

 

[Ciscovet]

Re: bimini top repair question

Thanks for the suggestions..

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: bimini top repair question

Depending on the plastic`s age a pop rivit may break it up and why I would go with a through bolt. Some thing like a # 6 or a #8

 

[pevaguy]

Re: bimini top repair question

I would recommend a small bolt and glue used together.

 

[Maclin]

Re: bimini top repair question

I bought new ends and was able to center punch the tube to restake it, no problems yet 5 years later.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: bimini top repair question

I bought new ends and was able to center punch the tube to restake it, no problems yet 5 years later.

This is the correct method and allows the end to rotate if necessary to relieve stress on the mounting bracket.