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I would like to add a bimini to my Dauntless 15 and I have a few questions.
1) What is the disadvantage of mounting it on the rail. To my thinking this would be quite tidy. No holes, or rails. I can completely remove it with out a trace. Am I missing something?
2) 3 bow or 4 bow? 3 bow (6' ) seems to be much more popular. A 4 bow (8' ) would offer more shade, but maybe it would be too cumbersome.
Your thoughts and advice are appreciated.

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Tig-
Are you thinking about mounting the tracks on the rails? If so, I don't think that would work. I recommend mounting to the hull. There can be a lot of stress with wind and boat speed.

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I wasn't going use tracks. You can buy clamps for the rail that are the similar to the deck mounts. The bimini pole mounts directly on them.

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Tig,
I'll shoot a few pictures of the track I have mounted to my hull. It is a 3 bow. Take care.

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Hello Tig, it's been a while. I know exactly what your trying to put together. Assuming your deck rails have no issue with fasteners not staying tight, you might be able to do the assembly. Remember that the bimini will add some upward pull to the rail section were it's mounted. Another issue is that the rail has a slight curve as it heads towards the bow (unless you have the short rails that were offered in the sportsman pkg.), the curve might cause a little binding when lowering the bimini. Another idea (if you finally do it Tig) which I have been contemplating is instead of using bimini straps at the rear (only) to secure the bimini when open, incorporate 3/4 dia. stainless support members with the clamp style fittings. These will allow me to retract the bimini yet keep it upright but angled back (like a radar arch) this will allow me to move about more easily. Good look with the layout.

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Tig - I've done exactly what you are asking about. Take a look at my personal page for pics. A few comments... I'm personally not too worried about the stress on the rail. The track was mounted with two screws, the rail has a total of ten screws holding it in place. This would spread out the load over several points, all of them with phenolic board underneath. Use "jaw slides" to mount the bimini to the rail. Standard item, just make sure you get the right size for the diameter of your rail. I also have added the back supports that dauntless-n-miami describes. Good luck.

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Thanks all, for the pictures and advice.
tallasseetn, your setup is exactly what I had in mind right down to the rear supports.

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A simpler question...I'm putting a bimini on my 1969 13 footer. When mounting the eye-rings and supports to the hull, do you screw directly into the hull or bore out a larger hole than needed and fill with an epoxy to screw into? Thanks a lot!