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I am about to install some Bimini Support Poles and it occurred to me that they would be less in the way mounted up front using the nylon ties in the back. It would also make more head room in the back for casting. Anyone done this or seen this done ? Any drawbacks to it ?

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Some of the new Whalers are mounted like that.
Take a look at the new Montauk in the link below and then click on Interior. Look at the Bimini Top.
http://www.bostonwhaler.com/Page.aspx...ntauk.aspx

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When the top is up or open it will not matter which side the poles are on, front or back. The strap and poles will be in the same plane to support the open top. When the top is stored or collapsed is where you will get the benefit of having the fixed poles up front. I put a top on my EdgeWater and considered mounting the poles forward but because the top is actually a little too wide for the boat I put them in the stern. I see advantages to putting the poles up front both while in the boat and when boarding the boat.

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You might consider the following. Because I have a trolling motor mounted on my bow which prevents me from storing my binimi forward of the bow rail, I decided to try something totally different.

I mounted SS supports poles on my side rails. It works great. I never have to remove the bimini and its not in the way for fishing. SS fittings are available on the web.

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I have Stainless hinge jaw clamps for the center mount on my rails as well. Mounting the Bimini on the rail gives me almost another foot of head room. If I mount the poles up front I will have to use the same hinge jaw clamps on the rails as well... So it your top permantly open ?

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Joe Thanks for the pic... That gives me a idea of how it will work for me. My SL has the 2 consoles but it should line up the same as the Montauk

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Yeah, mount on the rails. That's where mine is. Reminds me I have to add some pictures to my personal page.

John K.

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i am so close to redoing my page ! i have to scrub her down first as she is a mess...