Bimini instructions

[ironpeddler]

thank you very much!

[Matt Garcia]

Great video Ewok! Thanks for taking the time to create it. I will make another thread and place it in the How To section.

[Duncan]

Here is the link to the you tube video, I hope Matt can take this post to the How To section and make it sticky.

Fantastic video Ewok. I know you have saved many TOs a LOT of time.

Once upon a time, I picked up the wire wrap tip from you and it was a godsend. A new tip I got from you today was at 1:20, supporting the bimini from the tow point. I never did this and always struggle with the front poles wanting to come back over. So thanks

Few suggestions. At 5:40, consider tucking the front poles into the pocket the front support passes through. Because the bimini is loose at this point, you can slide the front bimini edge along the support pole, slip the side support pole into the pocket, and bring the front edge back to normal position. This prevent the side supports from flopping around and scratching the tower.

At 7:10, I use one short bungee cord around the middle of the burrito-wrapped bimini. Holding it in place makes zipping on the cover at 7:50 MUCH easier. I think you mention using a bungee at 8:30.

Last, in addition to the stock click straps to hold the stored bimini to the tower, I use several bungee cords (a pair by the speaker mounts and a pair through the grab handles). I have had those stock click straps pop off before. With the cover bungee lashed, I am comfortable towing at highway speeds.

RELATED--everytime the bimini goes up or down, check the screw holding the main support pole to the tower bracket. This frequently works loose. I also replace the Y shaped bracket every few seasons (it starts to deform and presumably weaken).

[Ewok]

Thanks Duncan,

I was trying to show people how to do it with what Tige supplies, but I had to show the wire wraps on the loose poles. I had surf pockets sewn in on my Bimini by a local shop and they put a new strap and clips on my Bimini cover which wraps around the tower supports. For long trips I use extra bungee cords but for short trips I just use the regular bimini cover straps.

I also had one of the Y shaped brackets come loose and disapear on the way to the lake and the ones on the main support pole for the tower are a little bent, so I ordered 1 replacement for the one I had lost and thought I should have enough for all the pole clips so I have 4 new ones with me in the boat at all times so if one breaks or gets lost my day on the water will not be ruined. I've got 2 little ones and one on the way so the shade is key for us, plus the new surf pockets really open up the floor space and storage areas for more ballast!

I would post a pic but photobucket isn't working on my phone right now, but here is where I ordered the extra Y pole clips. The top pic is the entire assembly but the bottom pic is the piece that I lost once, and now have 4 extra's in my toolbox in the boat.

http://shop.acconmarine.com/products...k-release.aspx

[Duncan]

...pic is the piece that I lost once, and now have 4 extra's in my toolbox in the boat.

Yes, this. TOs, do yourself a favor and get one or two extra of these if you frequently use your bimini.

Ewok, you have different rear support poles than I have. On my 09 bimini, the straight front/back support poles slide into a fixed receiver (with spring button latch) on the rear arced support tube (yours pivot around). I think my bimini version was only made for the first part of 09 production, then they fixed a few issues.

[Ewok]

My rear support poles are from the extended bimini option purchased in 2010 so I guess there could be many different variations over the years, i'm curious if my setup is still the way they are installed. Anyone with a new alpha Z bimini?

[Guest]

Thanks! Man this bimini is tricky! And I rarely take mine down so when I do to trailer her home I struggle. These tips will help.

[Dave S]

Hmm, just watched the vid and I never remove the adjustable arms out of the tower. My dealer showed me how to do it with all the arms (or tubes) clipped into the tower. It seems to go a bunch faster for me. and even faster when you have a second person pushing in the buttons as you bring the tubes down. Anyone do it this way?

Ewok-try moving the Bimini up over the top with all 4 tubes mounted to the tower. Sometimes for me if the adjustable tubes slide down a bit they bind up but a quick slide to the black round stopper solves that. I am living in temporary conditions and can't post pics or a vid quickly but I hope what I described makes sense?

[Lax]

Dave S, I would love to see this or a description of how its done, tried last night and couldn't get it to work.
Thanks G

[boardman74]

The tower hardware is different on my 2013. The rear still has the poles that slide into the tower. The attachment points are a different type of hardware. They are still a quick release like on yours, but now they are a ball and socket instead of a the type you have. This allows installing at any angle. Same idea just little different hardware. Still works the exact same way with the front arms being the tightener, but my top is higher in the front(more of a curl upward). Tightening it more just makes it curve up more. I like how yours is much flatter in the front.

[Duncan]

I like how yours is much flatter in the front.

That flatness can result in water pooling on the top in a heavy down pour (like last weekend).

[kasey200]

Thanks Duncan,

Thank you i've been looking for one of these all summer!!

[GBNY]

I have a 2013 Z1 and have been taking the top completely off the boat after every time we go out, this will make life a lot easier this video is great thanks for all the info!