Bimini Top

[Firemedic4]

I have broken the front arm on my Pontoon Bimini top. It is the 1 inch square aluminum frame. Is there anywhere online I can order just the arm/Frame and not have to buy a whole new top. Thank you for the help.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Bimini Top

Try one of these connectors:

Straight Connector - Tubing Connectors - Aluminum angle, Aluminum tube, Aluminum extrusions, Anodized aluminum, Aluminum pipe, Aluminum channel, Extruded Aluminum angle, brunner enterprises, Aluminum bar, aluminum rod, aluminum edging, aluminum tubin

Cut out the bad part, buy some extra tubing, cut to fit with the connectors on both sides.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Bimini Top

If you don't feel like the repair option, I've seen many a bimini part being ordered at my local marine supply store. It makes me think the part can most definitely be ordered, but without your boat specifics it would be hard to make a recommendation. That being said, I think the best bet, if you don't want to look at a repair, is remove the broken piece and take it to a shop and order it.

One quick question: Does the broken tube go all the way, over the top (left in your picture) and down the other side? If that's the case, the repair option will likely be much less money. If you are lucky, maybe you don't even need to splice in a new piece. Just cut the tube at the break and install the connector.

 

[Firemedic4]

Re: Bimini Top

So the down fall to this situation is that the boat is 2 hrs away in storage at the lake, so I don't have to tow it back and forth. Which is great on saving fuel but bad for anything that goes wrong or needs repair. I have found a site where I can order the piece I need ( Replacement Parts - 8' Bimini Frame ), as long as it is not 1 whole piece from side to side. I would assume that since my Sun Tracker Pontoon is a Signature Series, these replacement parts that are "Guaranteed to fit ONLY Signature Fames" would fit. I am going to call the company tomorrow and see what they say. If all else fails I can use the $30 replacement piece (Part H) to make the repair or order the whole front piece (Part H, E, A & I) for about $100.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Bimini Top

Cool....nice resource for bimini parts....thanks!

 

[Firemedic4]

Re: Bimini Top

Yea, I actually ordered that piece that I need from that Pontoon Specialist website and plan on connecting it to the frame on the top. That way you will not be able to see the repair because it will be hidden by the top it self. I looked at the connectors that you posted earlier but it was $12.15 to ship a $3.23 part. I think I am going to us a wooden dowel inside the frame and some brackets with bolts to hold it in place.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Bimini Top

^^^ Great idea with the dowel rod.

 

[Firemedic4]

Re: Bimini Top

I was also considering buying just 1' of 3/4" square aluminum tubing for $1.25 (Order Aluminum 6061 Square Tube in Small Quantities at OnlineMetals.com) to use as the internal support. That way it would hold up just as long as the other tubing and there would be no need for any external brackets, just a few thru bolts or self taping screws on the outside.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Bimini Top

That is a good point about aging. The wood might change over time. If I could find a piece of tubing that would fit perfectly inside the broken tube, I think I would just JB Weld (or some other epoxy - isn't there an aluminium colored one?) it in place. That way I could file/sand the sides for a smooth exterior finish. I wonder if that connector can be found elsewhere for less? The Internet is a BIG place.

 

[Firemedic4]

Re: Bimini Top

JB weld is a good idea too but I think with the possibility or the frame torqueing/twisting in the wind using some small thru bolts with a little locktite will make sure that it lasts and will not need future repairs or coming loose. Thanks for the ideas/tips.

 

[Firemedic4]

Re: Bimini Top

So I ordered the replacement parts from Pontoon Specialists and they came yesterday while I was at the FD. Got home from the FD this morning and these are the parts that I got/ordered. Part E and H for ($45.62 shipped). Part H is the replacement frame and part E is the 3 inch square insert that fits perfectly inside the frame. I am very happy with the parts and am expecting them to work exactly as needed, as long as the frame is long enough. Looks like I will have to cut the existing frame up top and make the repair, since I think my frame is all 1 piece. Will also have to drill a few holes for eyes straps that connect the strap from the frame to the boat. Shouldn't take to long to repair. I will be heading up to the lake next week and will keep you guys updated.

 

[Firemedic4]

Re: Bimini Top

although the outside diameter is the same. The thickness of the 2 is different. So I will either need to figure out some way to connect them together or order the other 2 pieces (another $65).