Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

[scooper77515]

My upholsterer used all plasting fittings to mount the bimini top to my waketower. I asked for stainless, but he said he uses plastic so the stainless fittings don't corrode the aluminum tower where they come together.

I have seen that happen in jetski engines, aluminum block and heads bolted together with stainless bolts. After a couple years, they "weld" themselves together creating a white flux that is almost impossible to separate.

I don't trust plastic fittings, and want to switch them to stronger stainless. Can I at least use a thin plastic or teflon gasket to minimize contact?

 

[sasto]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

I do......and I use Teff-Gel on all screws and bolts that come in contact with the alum.

 

[scooper77515]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

So is it only a matter of the screws and bolts that puncture the materials, or will the flat bottom surface of the stainless mount sitting on the flat surface of the waketower create an issue?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

I actually prefer the plastic fittings. They are plenty strong for the intended use and in some ways are better. This photo shows my Bimini and its plastic fittings--4 years and no problems. The metal loops holding the front straps wore due to wind vibration. I replaced them two years ago. The plastic are better--self lubricating and do not wear against the strap clip.

 

[scooper77515]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

That is a valid point, about the metal-to-metal wear...

My problem, evident within a week of owning this bimini, is the plastic mounting areas that have screws in them, the screws are already stripping and allowing the screws to work loose. (these are not the anchoring screws, but the hand-driven screws for holding the poles down, quick release screws for assembly and disassembly)

I had to drill out the two on the back to 1/4" and used a spring-loaded clevis pin (I think that is what they are called, have a spring loaded ball-bearing in the end like a ratchet?). Originally had a screw in it and I caught a rider having to push the screw back in while on the water, So I fixed it ASAP.

So now I am worried about the front mount where the main pole is screwed in. I am wondering how long those threads will hold since they are the ones that get the brunt of the wind pressure.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

Yeah, and even if you should break one fitting, they are only about 2 bucks to replace. I made my own locking screws from stainless bolts. I cut down the threads so only enough to use (about 1/4 long) was left and bent the bolt body 90 degrees. Now, the fitting bears against full metal instead of the threads like a knob usually has. I tapped the base on one side, 1/4 X 20 and the bolt is held in by plastic friction. Works real well. If someone ham-handed wants to help and drops a bolt into the water, I just make another. No big deal.

 

[scooper77515]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

When the screw fell out, or started to work it's way out, I just drilled to 1/4" and stuck one of these in.

It is EXACTLY 1/4" diameter, so took a bit of force to get it fed all the way in, then it has that little ball to keep it from ever working all the way back out (the pic doesn't show a ball, but mine has them, sorta like in second pic). And I will hook up to a short lanyard today in case of dropping while assembling or disassembling.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

When the screw fell out, or started to work it's way out, I just drilled to 1/4" and stuck one of these in.

It is EXACTLY 1/4" diameter, so took a bit of force to get it fed all the way in, then it has that little ball to keep it from ever working all the way back out (the pic doesn't show a ball, but mine has them, sorta like in second pic). And I will hook up to a short lanyard today in case of dropping while assembling or disassembling.

You can drill the holes slightly oversized to make it easier.

You can get a lanyard with a piece of flat ss metal with a hole in it and put it under the screw holling the fitting. That way it won't get lost.

The "little ball" will fall out after a couple years (with use) and you will need to replace the pin.

 

[scooper77515]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

I have used them on another boat. I didn't have issue with the ball falling out, but being used in salt water, the spring unside rusted and the ball would either get stuck down or up.

So we replaced them every other year or so.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

I have used them on another boat. I didn't have issue with the ball falling out, but being used in salt water, the spring unside rusted and the ball would either get stuck down or up.

So we replaced them every other year or so.

My balls fell out.

Or rusted like you said.

 

[scooper77515]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

So, the general consensus is that mounting a stainless Bimini anchor base to the aluminum wake tower should be OK?

Do I need any separator, such as gasket or teflon sheet?

 

[sasto]

Re: Is it safe to put stainless bimini fittings on aluminum waketower?

So, the general consensus is that mounting a stainless Bimini anchor base to the aluminum wake tower should be OK?

Do I need any separator, such as gasket or teflon sheet?

I would......you have my vote on the teflon..