Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

[DYLBOSS]

So I finally got around to installing the bimini cover that I bought at the end of last season, Westland Sharkskin Plus. Got everything hooked up. What's happening is that the entire cover is swaying back and forth when it is in the boot or expanded out while on the water or trailering. Not sure what I did wrong.

I just went out today on the water, and the entire boom was swaying from port to starboard so badly that I was concerned about something breaking. Seems like something isn't right. I'm concerned about the mounts getting loosened.

Any thoughts or experiences with this?

Thanks.

 

[pinellas50]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

Did you get nylon hardware or upgrade to stainless steel? I'm guessing you have support bars in the back instead of straps?

When deployed, tighten the straps down as much as you can. Make sure to put a couple of twists in the straps so they don't vibrate in the wind. I have read that some folks fixed sway problems by moving the strap mounting points inward some. The straps pull the top towards the center, this is happening on both sides, so the top becomes more stable.........if that makes sense. I don't think mine really moves at all when deployed even when cruising into wind. Mabey slightly with hard gusts or something but it is very stable.

I don't know what to tell you about sway when the top is collapsed and wrapped in it's boot. Assuming you have support bars. I think all will sway some because of the frame flexing. I have SS mounts on mine and the sway when the top is collapsed isn't anything to write home about.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

Mines the same way, thats why some of the searay deckboats accually have a cross bar from one side to a small fitting in the back center of the transom. It never moves then.

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

I have the same top and fabric with nylon hardware and back braces. When in the boot there is some swaying but nothing that seems excessive. When I tighten the straps its rock solid, I've had it up to 45mph with the top open and no problems at all.

Tighten the screws a bit to reduce the play between the fittings. Don't over tighten or you will strip them out though. A strap or bungie cord pulling to each side would probably fix this entirely if you have a place that's suitable. As already stated when the top is up twist your straps and get them tight so the top has little or no wrinkles. If you can angle the clip point in relation to the attachment to the top it will also add stability.

 

[DYLBOSS]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

Did you get nylon hardware or upgrade to stainless steel? I'm guessing you have support bars in the back instead of straps?

When deployed, tighten the straps down as much as you can. Make sure to put a couple of twists in the straps so they don't vibrate in the wind. I have read that some folks fixed sway problems by moving the strap mounting points inward some. The straps pull the top towards the center, this is happening on both sides, so the top becomes more stable.........if that makes sense. I don't think mine really moves at all when deployed even when cruising into wind. Mabey slightly with hard gusts or something but it is very stable.

I don't know what to tell you about sway when the top is collapsed and wrapped in it's boot. Assuming you have support bars. I think all will sway some because of the frame flexing. I have SS mounts on mine and the sway when the top is collapsed isn't anything to write home about.

I did get the nylon hardware, not the stainless steel. I also have straps tightened and secured down, in addition to the struts when it is in the boot and not deployed. Just can't seem to make sense of it.

The rear hardware for the struts does have a pivoting bracket so that you can mount it at an angle, which moves back and forth. I'm guessing this is not helping the situation, but I'm not sure what to use instead, because the location where I mount the rear struts on the gunwhale is slightly angled downward.

 

[rbh]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

If you can go with the heavy gauge stainless pipe, and all deck mount pieces that are screwed or rivetted in, bolt and back plate.

 

[sbbamafan]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

You have to have some form of lateral support. Mine did that too. Most do. Look around at your lake or other boats and you will see that most do. They are easy to add. Here are some pics of mine and you can clearly see the brace running from the starboard rear support to the middle of the transom. FYI - a short brace is just as good as a long one, maybe better because of less flex. I just didn't have nearer place to attach to on my boat. It can come from any of the bows - just so long as it is going perpendicular or at a pretty good angle, to any point on the side. If I were doing it again, I might have installed it from the front bow to the windshield just because mine gets in the way when I use my pylon ski mount at the front of the sunpad. It also makes it a little more difficult to board the boat. If attached to the windshield, there could be visibility issues and/or not enough support. Like anything - there is always a compromise. Either way, the additional support will make all the difference in the world.

http://gs347.photobucket.com/groups/p457/OMZOITVF70/

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

So I finally got around to installing the bimini cover that I bought at the end of last season, Westland Sharkskin Plus. Got everything hooked up. What's happening is that the entire cover is swaying back and forth when it is in the boot or expanded out while on the water or trailering. Not sure what I did wrong.

I just went out today on the water, and the entire boom was swaying from port to starboard so badly that I was concerned about something breaking. Seems like something isn't right. I'm concerned about the mounts getting loosened.

Any thoughts or experiences with this?

Thanks.

mine just has 4 straps that hold it on, with SS mounting hardware. It moves a lil bit if its windy, but other than that its pretty stable. And thats without rear bars, just straps. Do you have any pics of yours? maybe something is off on yours.

 

[Hansolo99]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

How large is the the bimini??

 

[DYLBOSS]

Re: Installed Bimini - Seems unstable........

mine just has 4 straps that hold it on, with SS mounting hardware. It moves a lil bit if its windy, but other than that its pretty stable. And thats without rear bars, just straps. Do you have any pics of yours? maybe something is off on yours.

I'll try to get some pics up when I go out on Sunday. I think it must have to do with those nylon angle mounts that pivot inboard or outboard.