Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

dorelse

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 24, 2003
Messages
624
I've got a 1990 Bayliner Capri. First boat for me, so I'm still learning.<br /><br />This boat came with a full cover pre-installed, so it basically if I get caught in a storm, I can cover up completely, and still stay dry.<br /><br />Anyway, a couple of the plastic mounting brackets, for the top supports broke. Partially due to age, partially do to operator frustration. ;-)<br /><br />Anyway, I purchased some really nice stainless steel mounting brackets, that give it 360 deg. swivel capability, and is much stronger than the plastic ones. <br /><br />My question is, I can reuse one of the holes in the hull, but need to drill a new hole for the other one. What's the techinque for doing this? I assume I need a pilot hole, just like if it was wood...is that all?<br /><br />I'm in IA, so is temperature a factor too? Only drill in warm weather..etc.<br /><br />Again, probably an easy one for most of you, but I'm truly learning as I go.<br /><br />thanks,<br /><br />dorelse
 

Baldguy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
174
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

I have a 90 capri also. Drilling thru fiberglass is not difficult. Sharp bit and let the drill do the work is how I've managed to get nice clean holes where I need em. I ditched the all weather cover and installed a bimini which is more functional for my type of use. I had to completely install new brackets, so by having an existing hole to use....you've most of the work done. :) <br /><br />What I would do is fasten the bracket to the hull using the existing hole. I'd get the bracket positioned exactly where I'd want it. I'd also check the inside of the hull to see where I'm going to be drilling through to to ensure I'm not going to go through anything I shouldn't. <br /><br />Then, I'd use the sharp bit and using the hole in the bracket as a guide, I'd drill the hole needed. I'd also recommend using a washer on the backside of the hole and then the nut.<br /><br />Lemme know how this works out for you.
 

dorelse

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 24, 2003
Messages
624
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

Hey, thanks for the info. I'll be using the supplied screws...so I shouldn't have to drill all the way through. Any difference?<br /><br />Not that it matters, but I see you're from Sacramento. Visited the Train museum a couple times a year. I used to live in Tracy, CA, but my sons allergies to the fruit tree pollen forced a move back to the Midwest. The ragweed pollen doesn't bother him as much.<br /><br />Sorry strayed off topic a bit.
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

Drilling does not hurt fiberglass at all. Baldguy gave you good advise to use ss nuts & bolts rather than screws.
 

pburchett

Cadet
Joined
Jul 23, 2002
Messages
19
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

Throw the screws away and use SS bolts, nuts and washers.
 

dorelse

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 24, 2003
Messages
624
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

Thanks for the input guys. I'm off to the hardware store to get some bolts.<br /><br />thanks again.
 

BlackSmoke

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2002
Messages
116
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

You might also want to install a plywood backing plate before the washers and nuts, to spread the load out across more of the fiberglass.
 

magster65

Commander
Joined
Sep 1, 2002
Messages
2,573
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

What blacksmoke says is true, a big gust of wing really stresses the glass and you may get some hairline cracks.
 

sfborn

Cadet
Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
21
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

Guys, I have a 1987 Bayliner Capri that i'd like to put a bimini on. Looking at getting the Westmoreland with sharkskin. The question I have is how hard is it to install? Do I need a buddy to help me? How long should it take? Are the instructions that come with the top enough?
Thanks!
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

Dorelse: Drill a pilot hole, then be certain to drill the correct sized hole for the screw shank. Fiberglass does not forgive even a slightly undersized hole and it is so difficult to screw in under this circumstance that it is possible to twist off the screw.

Also, be certain to chamfer the hole edge with a countersink, or lacking that, a larger drill. Chamfer so that the full thickness of the gelcoat is relieved. This will keep the gelcoat from chipping and splitting off as the screw enters.
 

azlakes

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 8, 2007
Messages
720
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

Guys, I have a 1987 Bayliner Capri that i'd like to put a bimini on. Looking at getting the Westmoreland with sharkskin. The question I have is how hard is it to install? Do I need a buddy to help me? How long should it take? Are the instructions that come with the top enough?
Thanks!

.. hey sf.

generally a new thread is required so no to hijack the o/p. but here is a link to a post on the topic you mention. pm me or start a new thread if you need further info.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=257525
 

mthieme

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
3,270
Re: Installing Bimini Mounting brackets on Fiberglass.

What blacksmoke says is true, a big gust of wing really stresses the glass and you may get some hairline cracks.

Wow, I knew the glass was thin on those models - is it really that bad?
 
Top