Bimini top installation

dthompson43 · 03-12-2018, 03:40 PM

We just bought a Mariah Shabah 242 it used to have a bimini top but the owner removed it. I am looking at putting a new one on but not sure of size and how to mount it. It looks like there are already holes drilled so I am wondering if I can just mount it where the existing holes are. I have attached picture if any one can give advise that would be great. Picture shows where existing hardware is already installed and other wholes drilled. Can I attach it where existing hardware/holes are and is it okay to be attached to the window?

***mikeyt*** · 03-14-2018, 03:41 AM

I dont like attaching a bimini or any other roof covering to the window frame because of the potential stress on that frame / glass. Why not find a local boat canvas/upholstery guy and let him custom make one for you? That way you get a much better fit than buying an aftermarket one of a store shelf and the cost wont be much higher.

dthompson43 · 03-14-2018, 03:41 PM

That is the same hesitation I have with the top on the window frame as well. I just am afraid to drill holes in the boat itself for fear of damaging the gelcoat.

***GaryDoug*** · 03-16-2018, 02:50 AM

There is a little trick to avoid cracking the gel coat over time. After drilling the hole, finish up with a sharp countersink bit, cutting slightly through the coating. That evens out the hole and removes the stress points that can lead to cracking.

dthompson43 · 03-16-2018, 02:25 PM

Thank you for the hint. I will certainly do that. Do you have any opinion of where to mount it? Currently the mount pivots are on the boat so that is good but i am trying to figure out where to put the front and back straps. There is already eye hooks for the back but I think they are too close to the pivots but maybe they are okay where they are. There are drilled holes towards the front of the window frame where I could put an eye hook for the front straps but I don't know if that would cause any issues with the window but would save drilling more holes. The picture I posted shows the holes.

dthompson43 · 03-16-2018, 02:27 PM

Thank you for the hint. I will certainly do that. Do you have any opinion of where to mount it? Currently the mount pivots are on the boat so that is good but i am trying to figure out where to put the front and back straps. There is already eye hooks for the back but I think they are too close to the pivots but maybe they are okay where they are. There are drilled holes towards the front of the window frame where I could put an eye hook for the front straps but I don't know if that would cause any issues with the window but would save drilling more holes. The picture I posted shows the holes.

***GaryDoug*** · 03-16-2018, 03:19 PM

When I bought my Z202 used, it had a Bimini top mounted on the side window frames but farther aft than original because it was larger than an original one. I didn't like that high position so I moved it forward and to the sides of the windows. That brought it a bit lower and far enough forward that I can lay it down in front of the windshield if desired.
Take a look at this boat. It's not the same as yours, but about the same length: Used 2006 Mariah Sc 25, Ashland, Va - 23005 - BoatTrader.com
I am a stickler for using a Bimini as intended, high enough to stand under. But you can certainly use a lower one if desired.

I think you may find it more convenient to use support pipes at the rear instead of straps so you can leave it up and out of the way at times. My top came with a zippered storage bag that can be used in place. See the second photo.

I used these for mounts:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I added the teak spacer blocks because the top frame was too narrow to allow it to move down in the front without them. If you order a top that is wide enough, you wont need to do that.

Tip: Most straps will flutter wildly and noisily at speeds over 25 MPH. To stop that, use one or two twists of the strap before connecting them to the hold down eyes.

Shabah203 · 05-09-2018, 07:05 PM

Thanks for your photos,
I'm looking as well to install one but I noticed on your photos the rear mount is actually inside the row of buttons for your boat cover. Does that mean you have to take it down every time you close up?

***GaryDoug*** · 05-09-2018, 10:39 PM

Those snap buttons are not used. They were for the original covers which were long gone before I bought it. The cover I use now covers the entire boat and uses only the new snaps on the aft trim piece and a trim/tension cord all the way around.

dthompson43 · 05-10-2018, 01:25 PM

I too do not use the original cover. Ours has a cover that covers the entire boat as well. I have never seen out boat with a bimini top which is why I am so confused on where to install it. If I use the existing mounts or drill new ones so it is not attached to the window. I hope to have it on my boat in the next month or so.

Bimini top installation

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