Where to store Bimini Top on 186 Starcraft when not in use?

[outdoorsman1962]

After having MANY boats I bought my dream boat in March of 2017 and ordered all available canvas for all Lake Erie conditions that might come up. On my 1987 Sea Ray 21' Seville , with the boot on I was able to just lift the back compartment behind the I/O engine, and slide the Bimini poles down each side and cover was hidden...not on this Starcraft.
I can't run with it up going to ramp (too flimsy) and only want it on if needed but need suggestions as to where to store ot without tripping over it all day. The boat is a 2017 186 Starcraft Titan with open bow.
I have posted this on other forums just trying to get a good idea that others may have come up with.
Please feel free to offer suggestions without telling me to keep in garage.....I do that..LOL

 

[briangcc]

Sorry to say but I think you have the best solution already. I ran into the same issue when I upgraded last year. My '05 Four Winns was setup so that you lifted the engine compartment and you could lay the top in there out of the way. My current boat, '17 Chap 19 H2O Ski & Fish, doesn't afford that luxury so its either up or it's stashed off the boat.

Good luck!

 

[outdoorsman1962]

I am hoping for some kind of idea where it could lay flat across back and maybe have poles fold in? We shall see and thank you for reply.

 

[JimS123]

The top on my Runabout is attached to the side decks with a bolt/knob that screws into a chrome fitting. There are 2 sets of fittings - one in the position needed if the top is in use; the other set is a few feet aft. If I don't want to use the top I move it to the aft fittings, where it simply lays across the transom out of the way. It has a storage boot so when its down it looks neat.

I leave the top on my Center Console up all the time. If not open it also has a boot to keep the fabric tidy. It is completely out of the way because its up so high and interferes with nothing. When I'm on the road I simply swing it down over the forward casting platform. It also needs to be down to get thru the garage door. When its down I wrap the fittings with a cloth so nothing can scratch the deck.

 

[Bondo]

I can't run with it up going to ramp (too flimsy)

Ayuh,..... Fold it up, flip it forward, 'n secure it to the windshield,....

 

[Scott Danforth]

Got a picture?

 

[roscoe]

Here is what I do with mine Main bimini mounts are on sliding brackets.
There are two set of hardware for the front support poles, so the entire thing can go forward 3'.
It is up and completely out of the way when forward.
Simply pull the pins on the front support poles and lower the bimini down to the hull for highway travel.

 

[outdoorsman1962]

Thank you all for advice and Roscoe TYVM for posting pic of my boat . My bimini dosn't slide but I love idea of folding it forward when on the road. These are items I wish builders would consider along with a small porta potty storage area. I love the Titan and have been looking at bigger Starcrafts but it appears that none have these things so I will have to get used to working around a few things in order to enjoy the awesome ride my Titan gives. Only need a bow cover and temps to warm up and I am ready for Lake Erie Walleye.