Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Bimini top position when stored

Posted by CaptCol on 11/15/21 - 4:54 AM
#1

2013 Super Sport 130. Factory stainless steel frame bimini top, heavy. The bimini top is mounted so that in the laying down aft position it is either on the motor cowling or the engine wires going into the motor. If the bimini is in the arch position it doesn't seem like a safe position for trailering at highway speeds. The bimini mounting screws into the hull are not deep, the hull material is gel coat and foam, and there is no backing plate. Trying to stow the bimini laying forward on the boat doesn't work, the midship attachments will get pulled out, I already repaired one.
How do you trailer your bimini top?

Edited by Phil T on 11/15/21 - 11:40 AM

Posted by Phil T on 11/15/21 - 5:39 AM
#2

Take a photo of all three positions and upload here or post a link.

Was this installed at the factory or afterwards by a dealer?

Posted by butchdavis on 11/15/21 - 7:11 AM
#3

On our previously owned 1999 Dauntless 16 with a factory installed bimini top we frequently towed over a distance of about 100 miles with the bimini top in the "arch" stowed or folded position without suffering any damage.

The heavy stainless steel construction and braced position contributed to the top's stability.

We always used the bimini top zippered storage boot when the top was folded. If I remember correctly we folded the top forward of the console whenever we put the storage cover on the Dauntless.

Posted by CaptCol on 11/15/21 - 7:47 AM
#4

It was ordered with the top by the previous owner. I would assume the dealer installs the tops on site.
I will have to figure how to downsize the files for the pictures.

Edited by Phil T on 11/15/21 - 11:35 AM

Posted by Phil T on 11/15/21 - 11:42 AM
#5

Thanks for the photos.

Based on the angled bow, it appears the bimini needs to be stowed aft or collapsed on a strut, either forward or aft..

Edited by Phil T on 11/15/21 - 11:43 AM

Posted by butchdavis on 11/16/21 - 7:06 AM
#6

On the Dauntless 16 previously mentioned I often removed the bimini top when using the boat for fishing. It was a quick and easy operation only requiring the removal of a couple of clevis pins. When folded the bimini was easy to carry for one person.

Posted by gypsmjim on 11/16/21 - 4:30 PM
#7

When I fish in the Summer I NEED the Bimini to keep me from getting sunburned. That's why I traded in my tinny utility in the first place. So, I can't / won't take it off.

My boat had rails all the way around, so I merely "hang" the Bimini from a rail with a pair of straps.

If I had your boat I would add a small rail on each side and tie the Bimini to it. It will also have many other uses.

Edited by gypsmjim on 11/16/21 - 4:37 PM

Posted by CaptCol on 11/16/21 - 6:35 PM
#8

Yep, summer it's a must have for the daytime shade. I will have to look at adding rails to the back section. I don't like trailering in the arch position, too much swaying with the road bumps and wind blast at 55+mph. I think stored flat with a line wrapped several times around the top and secured on both ends is the safest way to not lose it. I almost lost a top in another boat while trailering, both hinge pins had backed out, fortunately an alert driver got my attention and I fixed the problem.

Posted by butchdavis on 11/17/21 - 7:44 AM
#9

On the Gulf Coast in Alabama I find a wide brim straw hat provides plenty of shade for me while fishing or doing yard work, etc. I find that working a large frisky Redfish from an anchored boat I need to move around the boat's perimeter. Bimini top rails make movement slow and difficult. Moving a rod past the rails with a five pound plus fish fighting to get away is less fun that one might imagine.

Posted by regradaty3 on 06/14/23 - 11:32 AM
#10

We recommend storing your Bimini top boat in the radar position with the boot zipped completely into place. This helps prevent wind, sun and foul weather damage over time. Remember...your top is comparable to a large market umbrella...keep it buttoned up when not in use!

When the playpen cover is fully installed, Bennington "forces" the proper storage position of your bimini top by not offering forward strut cut-outs in the playpen cover. (An ah-ha moment!)

Use all tent poles under your playpen cover, and tighten them securely. The playpen cover helps keep your boat dry and clean, but it is not 100% moisture proof and it is NOT a winter weather cover. A playpen cover is not designed to support heavy piles of snow and ice, or any other additional weight. Owners in severe winter climates should consider inside storage or shrinkwarp each winter.

Edited by regradaty3 on 06/22/23 - 11:47 AM