How should the bimini mountings be installed?

[kozman01]

I have a 04' Sea Ray 180 and had the bimini top installed by the dealer last season. The mounts where the legs of the bimini attach to the boat are screwed in, with whit small screws in my opinion. To me it seems like that's not much to hold those mounts to the fiberglass of the boat. Is it suggested anywhere that you drill completely through the fiberglass where those mountings are located, put a backing plate on and bolt them to the boat? It just seems when your running across the lake, that top likes to shimmy around alot and I know there has got to be tremendous pressure on those little screws. Or, should I just leave it alone and when the screws do work there way out, just bolt through with a backing plate then? Thanks for any help!

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

On my old bayliner they were drilled thru and bolted on. How thick is the fiberglass where they were screwed in?

 

[QC]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

I have mounted a couple of Bimini's and was assisted by a boat rigger on one. He taught me how to use those short screws. He used the drill motor and screw at high speed and very light pressure to get the gelcoat a little hot (have no idea if this works, but he said that it helps keep the gelcoat from cracking) and then rammed her home with a lot of pressure and no pre-drilling. I ran the first one of those boats often over 50 MPH into the wind with the same Bimini for around 8 years. Those screws never budged an inch.<br /><br />On the second one I had a front Bimini strap break going around 40 into the wind and the stainless tubing of the "leg" bent like a pretzel. The screws are as tight as ever. I also have a friend who has broken the end fitting where the leg mounts to the gunnel mounted bracket. Again no evidence of the screws moving. He also ran 50ish into the wind often.<br /><br />My opinion is that those screws are not the weak point

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

As long as the screws are tight,the straps hold the top in place and there really isnt much pressure on the mounting at all.

 

[QC]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

Yeah, what charlie says, if the straps are tight the pressure on the legs is down.

 

[navigator336]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

The straps definitely take the load. Their mounts need to be such that the strap is not vertical so that the load on the mount is at least in part a shear force (in which case a small screw is fine). QC, that's an interesting way to avoid the gelcoat cracks. I always "countersink" the hole just through the gel coat with a drill larger than the screw to prevent the crack. I'll have to try your technique.

 

[kozman01]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

Wow, quick replies full of useful content!! Thanks gentlemen, my OCD will simmer down a bit now, but I'm still worried about having the bimini up when I'm towing the boat. I don't mean deployed, but tucked away in the boot. It seems like it takes alot of stress being pushed around while it's being towed. Anyways, I'm sticking by your observations and will leave it at that. Thanks again!!<br /><br />I think on my boat the clip that you attach the strap to is screwed in to the gelcoat as well. I'll just keep an eye on it, if it starts to come out, backing plate it is.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

Had a Ranger and it was screwed in. Would have prefered the bolt with backing plate as you mentioned.<br /><br />This is a '89 that has seen 55 mph (top wasn't up). Screws are still in place. None loose, haven't had to tighten any.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Solittle]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

I never tow the boat with the top up unless I don't expect to go over 40 mph. If it starts to let go you can't see it.<br /><br />On the mounting I like the tracks that mount on top of the gunnel. That way I can slide it back over the transom and out of the way when I want to take it down.

 

[QC]

Re: How should the bimini mountings be installed?

I think kozman is talking about the Bimini up but stowed. No forward straps and the bimini in the "boot" but standing up on solid rear supports while towing. Personally, I think that condition is the least stressful on those screws.<br /><br />I have seen one of those strap mounts come loose on another guy's boat as well, but it gave a lot of warning. I carry an assortment of stainless screws that allow me to put in a larger one if something pulls when I am out. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have constantly tightened hardware all year, every year on all three of my boats. Mostly interior stuff.