Mounting Bimini top
 

Any thoughts on mounting the Bimini top to the windshield vs. the body? I was worried about putting extra stress on the windshield frame with that mount, but see it done that way. So, is this really a issue? Or, go the other route and mount to body? Thanks, Marcus

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

I have heard the same thing that you do not want to mount your Bimini to the windshield. However, I have had bimini's and camper enclosures all attached to the windshield with no issues. I think the concern is that the windshield is not available and would have to be custom made at a crazy price if it was damaged. So I guess under that logic I would be cautious as well. :)


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Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

what ever works best for you. mine was/is mounted to the windshield and never a problem.

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

Zins,

I went through the same decision process last spring. Below is a link to the mounts I used to mount my top on the boat side. Not cheap, but very solid and easy to take on and off. If you detach the front mounts, you can easily lay the top down on the back of the sun pad. Laying the top down is very handy if your boat sleeps in a garage like mine does.

Quick-Release Bimini Top Hinge - Overton's

You may be able to find them cheaper than Overtons. There are also black or white shims available to improve the angle to around 90 deg. on the side of the boat.

Shade is a good thing,

Beach Dog

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

Mine is mounted on the windsheild and lays down nicely just behind the rear seat back... That being said, it would be more stable if it had been mounted to the hull, and I recommend that if you can mount it so it lays down flat. Since these pics were taken I cut mine down about 4" and added struts to the back so I can leave it in the "radar arch" position when not in use.

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

Marcus,
I went threw the same decision last summer when I had a custom Bimini made I went with mounting on inside of wind shield.
Here's some pictures.

Eppy

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...IMAG0385-1.jpg


http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...i/IMAG0387.jpg


http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...i/IMAG0386.jpg

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

I would have to agree, if you are going to do the full camper canvas then mounting on the inside is the key.

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

Mine is mounted to the windshield and I am happy with it. For one, it was 2 less holes to have to drill and made install quite easy. And like PlumLazy said, 2 screws come out that hold the rear struts and it lays flat.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ps2ca5f99b.jpg

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

Mine snaps to the windshield and has two straps that hold it in the back, and the poles in the middle. There's no way to lay it down. If I did no one could sit in the rear seat. I'm not quite sure what I have. Its different than all the ones I've seen so far. Its original though....it has Mariah tags sewn on it.

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Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

I have this same setup, I'm not loving it so far. :rolleyes:

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

You have the convertible top that came standard with every Mariah. It stores behind the engine if you can wrestle it in the holes. Not a easy task and I even cut the holes bigger on mine.

I would like to have a bimini, but would want it to match the boat. My boat color is bimini, go figure!

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

The factory convertible top can be a pain - however it has been helpful when we ran into rain or needed some shade for the kids. I usually snap ours across the windshield, but leave the walk through unsnapped so that I can fold it open. It does block your vision though - unless you are really short or don't mind hanging to the left or the right of your seat to look out lol.

Re: Mounting Bimini top
 

I did a half and half mount, one bar on the wind shield and one on the body just inside the wind shield, it has worked great for years. I'll take some pictures next time I have it out.