Figuring out bimini top positioning

[ChrisNCarrie]

We are trying to figure out how to put on our bimini top to our used boat. Our previous boat did not have one, and the seller of our current one did not show us. I think we have it figured out as far as how to have it on and open. But how do you secure it closed but still attached to the boat? Any help would be great!

We have a Regal 222 Valanti Openbow if that has any barring.

Thanks,
Carrie

 

[Expidia]

Re: Figuring out bimini top positioning

Some boaters like these types of supports:

http://www.iboats.com/Westland-Boat...08819473--**********.807782423--view_id.14124


I don't like the Bimini being up there all the time. I have a small boat anyway.

But for now until you decide which way to go . . .
I went to the camping section of Walmart and for a few dollars each they sell these 4 foot long black straps with a plastic adjustable buckle. I loosened the cleats on each side and threaded the black strap underneath and then tightened them back down. Now I just wrap the strap around the Bimini on each side and pull the strap tight.

The straps can be shortened by cutting with a scissors and heating the end with a match so the cut end won't shred.

One last note. Some Bimini frames can rest on the boats gunnel's and scratch them. I went to home depot and bought some of that round pipe foam insulation and cut a piece about 6 inches to support the frame off the gunnel's. I keep them on by using those tiny bungie cords in the Walmart auto section. They come about 15 of them in a plastic jar. They are handy to keep on board.

Here is a pic. You can just make out the foam on the right side just in front of the hanging red preserver. That piece of foam is keeping the frame from scratching my paint. It's on the bottom section so when the Bimini goes up I don't have to do anything as it stays on the bottom tube all the time. It actually keeps my plastic windows from rubbing on the frame and marring the plastic windows when the biminis up too. 3 years later and the windows are still crystal clear.

A canvas shop also has plastic holders that screw into the gunnel's and the frame pops into them to keep it from moving.

At least my strap idea will get you going for like $5 before you decide on a permanent solution. Go to a marina and walk around and see what other boats of your style use!

 

[tsailorh]

Re: Figuring out bimini top positioning

I tried the straps from Walmart, and west Marine and both sets frayed and failed before the summer was out. Neither set lasted more than 3 trips on the water. Then I used some rope I bought a West Marine for 14 cents a foot, and tied the Bimini to the eyelets using the 3 half hitch knots. The knot allows you to tighten or loosen the line, but locks up when put under pulling pressure.

 

[marcortez]

Re: Figuring out bimini top positioning

To keep the bimini "on" the boat, yet not deployed, simply lay it back (or forward).
The mounting hardware attached to the gunwales (the main support) will allow for this.

Once folded and laid back, a "boot" over the fabric/frame will help keep the material out of the sun and any stray fishblood or wine spills off.

Absent a "boot", just fold or roll the fabric up and keep that way with small bungies or pieces of cord tied over the bundle.

See this page........ http://www.iboats.com/Bimini-Top-Mo...0818555--**********.614927437--view_id.693690
for all manners of mounting hardware.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Figuring out bimini top positioning

I tried the straps from Walmart, and west Marine and both sets frayed and failed before the summer was out. Neither set lasted more than 3 trips on the water. Then I used some rope I bought a West Marine for 14 cents a foot, and tied the Bimini to the eyelets using the 3 half hitch knots. The knot allows you to tighten or loosen the line, but locks up when put under pulling pressure.

That's strange that yours frayed. Maybe they have different ones there. Mine were like $2.50 each. They are actually of a nylon fabric so I'm on my 3rd season and they still look brand new. I did the same for my Daughter's boat and hers are on her 2nd season and still look new.

Probably typical junk from China that were the packaged the same, but the product inside was made for Walmart and yours were cheaply made. They may have had different strap material shipped to different stores. If one can find the black "nylon" ones, they should last for years. I know mine are nylon because they melted when I put a match to the ends where I shortened them.

For $5 bucks at least it's a quick solution even if it's a temporary one and probably looks a little classier than rope.

I use "rope" on my other boat.

What I do find fraying is my dock lines. They look good in the box until I use them and then they seem to catch on anything and frays pop out of the middle of the lines. I heat them with a match to get rid of the frays. More China junk!

 

[wildspeed]

Re: Figuring out bimini top positioning

We use Rear Strut Braces to hold ours with some quick release to be able to put it down quickly and when trailering.