Bimini Folding with Tower?

[mikemcclain8]

Hello all, I recently purchased a 2005 Tige' 22i and have to lower the tower in order to fit it in my slip. I was told there was a way to keep the bimini attached to the boat and still fold the tower down. Has anyone successfully done this? If so, could you post images so I can see how it works? Thank you in advance. BTW, many other things to ask but I thought I would start off slow

[Captainkurk72]

I have a 05 22v and the same problem. My nav light won't clear the dock roof and I have to have someone stand on the side of the boat and list to one side to clear and would have to drop the tower to use the boat lift. Dropping the tower on this boat is such an ordeal that its just not practical everytime I need to dock it (couple times a day). I have decided to sell after this year and get a 09 that has the z-series tower.
I assume that you have the factory E-Series Tower with the factory bimini top. Fold the bimini into its case but don't attach to the upper portion of the tower. just let it lay forward onto the windshield. To lower the tower: Remove the top bolts that attached the "Tige" struts to the tower. Lower the struts to the gunnel of the boat. you will need to have towels or cut a "noodle" in half and attach to the strut for protecting the gelcoat of the boat. Then remove the bolts that are on the front of the tower about 2' up from the base. This spot should look like a hinge point and is. Once you remove the bolts you can now lower the tower. Have a second person on hand to help the first time so not risk any damage by letting the tower get away from you. Hopefully that helps.

[mikemcclain8]

I have a 05 22v and the same problem. My nav light won't clear the dock roof and I have to have someone stand on the side of the boat and list to one side to clear and would have to drop the tower to use the boat lift. Dropping the tower on this boat is such an ordeal that its just not practical everytime I need to dock it (couple times a day). I have decided to sell after this year and get a 09 that has the z-series tower.
I assume that you have the factory E-Series Tower with the factory bimini top. Fold the bimini into its case but don't attach to the upper portion of the tower. just let it lay forward onto the windshield. To lower the tower: Remove the top bolts that attached the "Tige" struts to the tower. Lower the struts to the gunnel of the boat. you will need to have towels or cut a "noodle" in half and attach to the strut for protecting the gelcoat of the boat. Then remove the bolts that are on the front of the tower about 2' up from the base. This spot should look like a hinge point and is. Once you remove the bolts you can now lower the tower. Have a second person on hand to help the first time so not risk any damage by letting the tower get away from you. Hopefully that helps.

Thanks CaptainKurk! I hadn't tried leaning the bimini forward first, I will try that. I added Non-slip pads to the sides of the boat to protect the gel coat. I dock near Baxter on Tablerock, so maybe I'll see you on the water seeing as you are in Kimberling City.

[Captainkurk72]

I am hoping to make it down this weekend but due to work, death in the family and weather I may just give up on that thought. I will PM you next time I am down. My usual routine is to play in the Spring Branch area before lunch, eat lunch in a deep cove there, then tube and play towards the swing. Our house/dock is close to the bridge in kimberling city

Something else to think about or try is to add adjustable handle bolts to the upper struts and main support bolts. The same thing you see on the newer towers. it will prevent having to carry or look for a allen wrench. i am not sure on the bolt size but take that one out and go to lowes or home depot to their nuts/bolt section and use the size charts they have. If I get a chance this weekend I will pull one out and check and update.

here is an example on amazon; http://www.amazon.com/Morton-Handle-...stable+handles