bracing a bimini

[djspady]

I just installed an 8' bimini on my 252 Cobalt. It is all stainless with the braces that hold the bimini up like a tower. My problem is that the top really seems loose and sounds like it is going to come off. I tightened every connection. It is almost 8' wide so it is a huge top. Has anyone figured out how to brace this thing besides the back angle brace? It flops around because of the clearances in the fittings and it racks too

 

[DBreskin]

Re: bracing a bimini

Pictures always help us to understand what you're writing about.

You can minimize racking or side-to-side sway by locating the deck end of your front straps a few inches inboard (or outboard) of the main bow mounts. If the strap anchors are in-line (fore to aft) with the main bow mount and the rear brace mount there is no resistance to sideways movement.