z202 Convertible top hinges?

Buckeyeinatl · 07-17-2014, 01:54 PM

Hi all, I'm trying to track down the hinges that were used that mounted on top of the windows to hold the convertible top in place. All I have is the holes, and they look about 7/8" apart. Looks like the previous owner removed the hinges entirely. Anyone know the manufacturer/part number? Sorry if this is addressed somewhere in the forums I tried to search but I'm desperate to find them today.

Thanks!

***mikeyt*** · 07-17-2014, 05:02 PM

I'm not sure i've seen these 'hinges' you are referring to. Most of us have snaps that fit into the channel along the top of the windshield and side windows. If that's what you mean, IBoats.com sells them as 'top-loks'. I'm sure they are available at any local marine hardware store.

Buckeyeinatl · 07-17-2014, 08:04 PM

Thanks for your reply - The convertible top snaps down yes, but the U shape arm that holds it up attaches to two hinges on either side of the boat, and that hinge screws (with two screws) into the top of the window framing. On my old boat these were standard Sea-Dog 90 degree hinges, the screw holes that are there on this frame are only about 7/8" apart and to narrow for the screw holes on the hinges I've seen so far.

These are the ones I obtained for my old boat. the screw pattern is too wide for this boat:

Stainless Steel Convertible Top Deck Hinge Removable Pin 90° SeaDog Line 270210-1

thanks in advance for your help.

OT: Miket per your sales on other threads I just put on Nauticus SX 80 lb trim tabs today. I hope to soon give a review before and after of them.

***mikeyt*** · 07-17-2014, 09:13 PM

Ahh, now i understand. Yours is different than my set-up. If yours are mounted to the window framing you can simply drill another hole to fit new mounting brackets if necessary. Or wait to see if someone else here with similar brackets can tell you what brand they have to see if they can be matched up.

As for the Smart Tabs.... "my sales on the other threads"? I dont sell them but i have them and like just about everyone else here who has installed them they are well liked!

Note though that those 80# arms may be a bit strong for your boat and you might have to swap them out for a pair of 60# arms. I'm pretty sure Nauticus will do that for you at no charge if needed.

Buckeyeinatl · 07-21-2014, 11:28 AM

I'm considering doing that, as far as the mounting holes, however I ordered a pair in and it seems that they wouldn't fit well by hinge angle, so back to the drawing board on this one.

I'm joking about the sales part! I've seen a lot of people sing their praises and I'm fairly sold. I'll do a full write up on the smart tab topic thread.... I'm still trying to figure out about the 60 vs 80 lbs, I talked to nauticus prior to purchase and install at length and they are swearing by the 80 however, the boat will not trim up more than 50% according to the trim gauge and I don't think I had that issue prior to the trim tabs.

Other than this I ran a poker run, one of the largest in the country, and the boat was able to runabout 40-44 mph on highly choppy (2-3 foot waves) water. I'm set at #2 hole on the tabs.

Buckeyeinatl · 08-18-2014, 03:05 PM

Bump - is there anyone with a 202 that can at least take a picture of these hinges that are on the windshield frame, or unscrew one and look to see if they have a model number ? I have called Sea Fox, Taylor Made, talked to iboats and I've exhausted everything I can find as to what hinges I can get that will fit. I'm just very leary of buying any new hinges, drilling new holes, to find out they don't work exact.

***ColoradoDiablo*** · 08-18-2014, 04:00 PM

I have never seen bimini top hinges with a mounting pattern eye to eye of 7/8"

The bimini frame itself is 7/8"or 1".

Here is a pic from the gallery of a 2000 Z202. If you look in the top left corner of the pic you can see the bimini hinge on the top of the windshield side frame.

The Mariah Owners Club - Gallery - Z202 Shabah Interior

Zoom in on the pic , it does seem to have a "weird" design to it.

You might try Doug Russell Marine or M&H Marine.
They both have a large selection of hardware.
Most hardware was either Attwood or Taylormade I believe.

Buckeyeinatl · 08-18-2014, 07:52 PM

Thanks, this has a few clues for me, one that it is stainless steel and not nylon, and the other, most of the hinges I've seen have the screw mounts "outside" the upside down V shape, and this one looks like it mounts within the upside down V part. So that's two hints I didn't have before. However it does appear that since I've never seen it before, it may have been proprietary

I did call Taylor Made but they claim they do not make or have information on what would have been there. When you say Doug Russell, a quick google search showed Doug Russell Marine in Worcester, MA, is this what you are reffering to? Thanks.