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Greetings
As a final step in my restoration attempt I would like to install a Bimini. Have noticed framing mounted on the lower gunnel, on top and even on the aft railing. I would like it to fold down into the bow area. A typical 60" lower gunnel mount may not give me enough headroom. Just wondering what others might have used . Thanks

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I have had the Bimini installed in both the older version location and the newer version location.

The original and older location is inside the boat which takes up room.

I always preferred the newer location that is outside the railing and in front of the bow rail when in the stored position.
Take a look at the newer version. The Bimini is mounted on sliders on top of the gunwale and outside the railing.
http://www.whalercentral.com/images/p.../sandy.jpg

Here is a 1977 Montauk with the newer version.
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...?user_id=5

Here is my boat where I was just getting ready to move it to the outside before I sold it.
http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/Montau...ntauk.html

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Last season I installed one using the upper gunwale version like the ones Joe shows above with the longest slide mount I could find. 4 foot or maybe 5 foot. It allows me to store in front of the bow rail or on top of the Eastport seat. And with the addition of a extra set of strap cleats I can move my shade area to either stern,bow or center.

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Thanks for the input, now I have something to think about. I don't have bow rails and my custom cover may not be able to accommodate the top if it isn't below the gunnels. Joe do you have any thoughts on changing the blue interior to white? I haven't been able to find a 2 part Urethane like Perfection that I can get in the blue. I know it is probably heresy to consider that but I may have to go that way.
Thanks, Dave

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Even if the boat doesn't have a bow rail, the bimini would sit on top of the bow (and gunwales) behind the light rather than sitting in the boat on top of the bow locker taking up lounging or foot room when possibly fighting a fish.

If your cover won't fit then that style may not work for you.

Color is up to you but there are lots of posts about the blue color.
I always hated changing the color of anything, including an automobile. Any chip and the old color shows through looks 10 times worse than it really is.

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Joe, couldn't agree more regarding chips etc showing. Did this with another boat I owned and was only happy with the color change until I started using it. I have a currituck with bimini mounted on rear rails and have been very happy with it. I'm also tall so it gave me much more room while standing to drive without getting a custom height frame.
Good luck

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Joe
I just joined this site and came across your article on bimini top locations. I have a 1989 17 Montauk and would like to add a bimini (never had one on this boat). I like the outside location on gunale outside front bow rail. What brand or company would be my best choice and I believe I would need to add the track option.

Thanks
George