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Aluminum or Stainless for Bimini
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| bccanucker |
Posted on 05/22/09 - 5:59 PM
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As I was about to order the bimini for my Montauk I find there are options of Aluminum or Stainless frames and nylon or stainless hardware. I was about to order all stainless when I noticed a picture of a boat Joe did for a friend and it looks like Aluminum and nylon.
Would appreciate input from you in the know about the merrits of both.
Thanks
Roy Warner
1983 17 Montauk - 1998 Yamaha 115 V4 2 stroke |
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| ioptfm |
Posted on 05/22/09 - 6:10 PM
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Stainless is much stronger and less likely to bend or break compared to aluminum. Stainless will also last much longer than aluminum as eventually aluminum will corode and pit. On the other hand, aluminum is usually much less expensive than stainless
Tom
1979 Sport 15' |
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| Phil T |
Posted on 05/23/09 - 4:21 AM
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I have had both and prefer stainless bows and hardware. Nylon fittings break.
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT |
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| Joe Kriz |
Posted on 05/23/09 - 1:39 PM
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The top you are referring to came that way. Aluminum bows and nylon hardware.
Stainless Steel is the best and also is heavier.
When the nylon fittings break, he will replace those fittings with stainless.
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| bccanucker |
Posted on 05/23/09 - 3:45 PM
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Thanks for the replies. To those that have used both-- Am I right that the Aluminum maybe isn't as sturdy if the crew grabs it and if the bimini is up when running is it noisier in any way?
Where do you buy the sliders?
Roy Warner
1983 17 Montauk - 1998 Yamaha 115 V4 2 stroke |
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| Eri |
Posted on 05/26/09 - 10:07 AM
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I have had both. Stainless twice as much. One thing to keep in mind you will probably not be hanging onto either one. Either one is kinda flimsy and not really designed for holding onto. I actually like the aluminum and nylon as it seems to be a little quieter underway. I have had both up in heavy wind and they both seem to hold up well. The more important part is how and where you mount the retaining straps. Make those really strong as they tend to pull out the eye fittings from the boat if not secured correctly. Stainless is significantly heavier. Corrosion could be an issue but if you maintain your boat properly should not be an issue on either one. Just make sure you get the Sunbrella Fabric as it is really water repellant and durable. Just some thoughts. Eric
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| Eri |
Posted on 05/26/09 - 10:11 AM
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One other thing to be aware of is how you are going to store it folded down. You could either put one inside the gunnels or on top of gunnels. You can get the sliders at Overtons or West. I used a set of 24" sliders which make the top much more useful and also help locate top into a better place when folded. You can see mine up on my personal page.
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| moose |
Posted on 05/26/09 - 11:51 AM
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I have two aluminum tops. I have the nylon mounts and can't imagine a need to go heavier. I put the slides on but really never needed them. I did it to give the option of putting the top up in more than one spot, depending on the angle of the sun. I have sharkskin fabric and I am very satisfied with it. I got mine from "iboats" at a great price and fit. I think the brand name is West End. It's West something anyway. It looks like the day I got it and it is on its third season.
Mike
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| wjsherid |
Posted on 05/26/09 - 12:05 PM
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I did a Stainless and currently have Nylon attaching it to the slide, working on a fix for that, but think the heavy duty stainless is nice
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| MW |
Posted on 05/26/09 - 2:08 PM
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I have "Stainless Steel" tubing, Triple stitched "Sunbrella" Fabric, and Nylon mount's, I'd have more confidence in S/S mount's but, it's a nice set-up. I keep it off the boat because, it takes up too much room folded. I do miss it when it get's VERY hot out though.
Matt |
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