Bimini Top

dhcody

I have a 2013 SS188 and operation of the binini top is very difficult to raise, lower and removal when putting on the universal boat cover.  Any ideas on changing the plastic fittings to metal and using a real pit pin.   The boat motor are fantastic but they sure scrimped on the bimini and put the cheapest one avalible on the boat. The holes dont really line up and putting the pins in and out with those flip locks just to raise and lower is a chore to say the least.

 

Thanks Guys... Happy Boating

Dennis Cody 

Livingston Texas

nquirk

@dhcody, you can certainly change out the hardware from the plastic ones to the stainless steel hardware however, in my experience with a friend with a similar boat but with the SS hardware, the SS isn't any easier.  They use similar pins with flip locks, etc and are about $6-8 per piece of hardware.  You may be able to find the pins you've mentioned (http://www.iboats.com/Bimini-Top-Mounts-Fittings/dm/cart_id.406299549--session_id.437397919--view_id.693690)

I own a 2010 SS188 and yes, they've cut expenses on areas as you've suggested to minimize cost and get the boat in the sub $20k price point.

 

dhcody

Thanks for the info.... I think I will buy the pins with the retractible round balls in the end instead of the leaf lock... This should help.... Appreciate your reply

 

Dennis Cody

1pointofview

hmmm, interesting.  never thought about getting the stainless still hardware.  I have had my 2013 ss188 for a little over a month and noticed that the plastic holders were already getting wear.  I trailer my 188 and put it in my garage so I am constantly dropping and raising the top.  I think next year I will look to replace the plastic stuff with the stainless.

Either way, I have the dropping and raising of the top down to a science so i bet replacing the the plastic fittings will make it even smoother

1pointofview

also, can someone post a link to the hardware?

nquirk

@1pointofview.  I provided a link above that lists the hardware online. You can get this at iboats, overtons, and pretty much local marine supply places.

Just pay close attention to the sizing (inner versus outer diameter)

 

dhcody

Nquirk posted the link   (http://www.iboats.com/Bimini-Top-Mounts-Fittings/dm/cart_id.406299549--session_id.437397919--view_id.693690)

I am also going to change the pit pins to the ones with the release balls rather than the flip lock.  It is also a tapered pin and will sure work better with plastic or stainless hardware for allignment.

 

Dcody

Bentley59

I have a 2013  Sundeck Sport 188 and I'm having issues with the frame on the Bimini top breaking while trailering. It has happened twice in the last few months. It looks like they have put a rivet through the main frame piece to add a coupling for the adjustable pieces of the frame and thus weakening the frame structure. This is where it is cracking. Has anybody else seen this? 

HydroCanis

I have the SS parts, and they're not so easy, either. I've noticed that keeping a little oil on them helps. I would think that tapered pins would help considerably, since you could then use the pins to help with alignment, something that the flip type can't really do.

ss188rider

Bentley59 said:

I have a 2013  Sundeck Sport 188 and I'm having issues with the frame on the Bimini top breaking while trailering. It has happened twice in the last few months. It looks like they have put a rivet through the main frame piece to add a coupling for the adjustable pieces of the frame and thus weakening the frame structure. This is where it is cracking. Has anybody else seen this? 

I wondered if anyone else had the same problem with the bimini top.  I have the same boat and I have had the boat for 2 years.  The same left pole has broken in the same place and has been replaced twice now.  The aluminum pole can't handle the trailering.  Most of my driving is on a 2 lane highway driving less than 55mph for 45 minutes.  I should have upgraded.  Now, I'm going to take the bimini top down while trailering to keep it from breaking again.  What a pain in the neck!

Barefootwilson

Same problem with my 2011 188, top very flimsy and repeated breaks compared to the one that was on my 2005 Fundeck 196. A lot harder to put up and down.