Positioning my Bimini Top

[Airden]

I have a 1997 17' Trophy (Bayliner) CC. When the bimini is attached to the mounting brakets and its folded away and put in its boot, it sits on top of the OB motor is the motor is trimmed up. Its ok when parked because I trim down and the bimini just sits over the back of the boat. I am guessing the best thing to do is relocate the mounting brackets forward a few inches to let the top clear the motor when folded down.

So when removing and replacing these brackets, can i simply screw them into the boat or will i need to figure a way to get behind the screws with nuts? How is it generally installed? I could easily go and remove a screw now, but dont want to screw anything up yet....

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

Does the bimini resting on the O/B really bother you that much? The other option outside of moving the brackets is to install support poles and have the bimini stored in the elevated position like many runabouts do, however it would make casting a pain on the rear of the boat.

 

[Airden]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

I do not like how it sits on top of the OB motor when traveling.... I wouldnt mind moving it, but its a fiberglass boat and I dont know how much of a pain it would be to reinstall brackets or even the support poles. Is it strong enough to just screw directly into the boat using wood screws?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

You can buy some aluminum rails that mount on your gunnels which allow the Bimini top to slide forward or backward.... hopefully they might solve your issue.

 

[Airden]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

The biggest problem is having it rest on the OB while running in the water and trimming. I need to remove it all together at home if I know I will not be using it that day.... Kinda becoming a pain in the azz.

 

[Airden]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

and the rails would attach to the gunnels with simple wood screws? Thats really my biggest concern. Popping new holes in the gunnels when I have -0- access behind them. There is no way to get back there to put a nut on a machine screw. My only option is wood screws, but is that strong enough to support the parachute effect on the top when running on the water?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

You can mount the rails with multiple stainless steel wood screws and some type of glue or cement....that'll hold it without backing nuts/bolts. etc....then you can slide your Bimini forward and back about 2' total movement...may solve your problem.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

Have you thought about replacing the rear straps with poles? it would keep your bimini stowed in an upright position...

http://www.iboats.com/ENDURATop-Bim...7987003--session_id.536080131--view_id.268499

 

[Airden]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

Thanks Robert... I may look into that....

Lipp...... I have thought about it, but they cant ride too high, I like parking under my carport (8 1/2' clearance)

 

[mippel]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

Thanks Robert... I may look into that....

Lipp...... I have thought about it, but they cant ride too high, I like parking under my carport (8 1/2' clearance)

How about adjustable ones?

http://www.iboats.com/Taylor-Made-A...4187648--session_id.124995593--view_id.470240

 

[the vision]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

If your top is tall enough cut it down 2-3 inches.Maybe this will help you won't have to move anything and no money spent.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Positioning my Bimini Top

You'll be fine using screws (no nuts) to mount the sliders since the screws are spaced about every 6", lots of holding power. If you are worried about the screws loosening, put some 5200 or lock-tite on them. Just be sure to countersink through the gelcoat and reverse the bit, so it doesn't crack driving the screws through the gelcoat.

I'm really glad I put sliders on my boat when I installed the bimini as I'd probably be hating it if I didn't mount it on sliders, either in the way of not giving shade in the right area. I put on 2' sliders and wished I went with 3' sliders, longer sliders so I could set it further forward while trolling.