Chain to replace nylon bimini straps? (Fabulous Pics)

pbolden

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
184
Hello everyone,

One of my bimini straps snapped. I'm thinking about replacing the nylon straps with stainless steel chain. This should last forever I would think. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Paul Bolden
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,019
Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Lot's of luck finding stainless chain and I would stick with a good quality web strap..... ...... < no scratching
 

BoatDrinksQ5

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 11, 2012
Messages
377
Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Spray your new straps down with some UV protectant once or twice a year should last for a VERY long time!
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

At 4-5 bucks a foot its gonna get pricey fast lol ( unless you want to order up 50' of it ).

Also..chain is not adjustable.

Im with these guys and keep the nylon straps.

YD.
 

pbolden

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
184
Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for the feedback guys but I went forward with the chain solution. Finding the chain wasn't difficult. Lowe's sells marine grade stainless steel chain (small link) for $3.25 a foot and stainless steel clamps for a couple of bucks. Total cost was less than $15. I had bought 2 new nylon straps (which I've returned) to west marine...cost 31 bucks, ouch! The chain should last forever...I hope LOL.

Here are some pics of the broken strap and the chain replacement.

Paul Bolden

brokenstrap01.jpg


chain01.jpg


chain02.jpg
 

iCam

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
96
Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

I like your idea, If you don't mind the chain rubbing on misc. surfaces and scratching it. BUT to play devils advocate, the web straps have a certain degree of flexibility that allows your Bimini to move to the wind while underway and minimizes the strain and shock to your windshield. By using chain (on that spot at least) you may find in the worst case, having to replace a Bimini pole, glass or a windshield frame, to at least having to constantly re-tightening screws.

Keep an eye on it and if you start seeing something happen, throw on the web strap, and re-group.
 

pbolden

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
184
Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Thanks for the link Yacht Dr. Great idea. I'll be using it.

Paul Bolden
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

Re: Chain to replace nylon bimini straps?

No problemo :) ..

YD.
 
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