'86 Overnighter on-board Bimini Storage?

[Jns1981]

Hello all! new to this forum! I own a '86 overnighter hull with a '04 Honda 150... had it surveyed and am happy with things thus far.
I have a question specific to the Bimini cover that it came with.. and should preface this by saying I dont know a thing about bimini's-i like the sun more than i should and waaay more than my wife and kids...

Question:
Part 1.What is the correct way to store the bimini on-board while not in use? - should it fold down in front of the windows/windshield on the ledge? structurally it makes sense to fit it there...
Currently, the antenna mount impedes the ability to swing it forward to fold down & collapse, I can rectify that in the spring by moving the mount down, but is that the way it should be stored?
The bimini cannot collapse and still stand upright... it needs straps for structural support.

Part 2: Once its folded down and collapsed in front of the windshield, whats the best way to strap it down so it doesnt fly up while underway etc?
The boat is moored and exposed to heavy winds at times so leaving it up is not the best option.

thanks much!

 

[Doc Stressor]

I used to just fold mine forward on my old Overnighter and use a pair of bungies to hold it together and prevent it from opening up. Once secured that way it didn't bounce up even when trailering. Mount your antenna on that nice flat gunwale and lay in down forward over the railing. Use a bungie to hold it in place when trailering.

I had it moored for a season on a buoy and kept the top and full canvas up all the time. That hull is so wet there are few days when you would want the top and curtains down when running.

 

[seasick]

Although mine is usually up when I am using that boat, I do lower it forward of the windshield when not in use. I use a Bimini top storage bag that has snaps that attach to the deck. When it is supposed to get windy or when I am away for periods of time, I strap the bows to the railings with a bungee cord on both sides. That is keep it from possible lifting in strong winds

 

[DennisG01]

Just a side note... you could always add rear legs so it can stand up in place when not being used. The legs replace the rear straps.

 

[Jns1981]

Whoa wait-rear legs?!
how can I do that? Where would I start?
this sounds awesome

 

[Jns1981]

Although mine is usually up when I am using that boat, I do lower it forward of the windshield when not in use. I use a Bimini top storage bag that has snaps that attach to the deck. When it is supposed to get windy or when I am away for periods of time, I strap the bows to the railings with a bungee cord on both sides. That is keep it from possible lifting in strong winds

Ah nice thank you! Exactly what I was thinking.

 

[Jns1981]

Oh wow I am dumb with bimini’s! Thank you. I looked up rear support legs and it’s far too obvious! Thank you!

 

[DennisG01]

Oh wow I am dumb with bimini’s! Thank you. I looked up rear support legs and it’s far too obvious! Thank you!

You're welcome!

 

[MooseheadDoc]

No new ideas to add... just a couple photos and opinions from personal experience.

The "rear legs" option is convenient for fair weather flexibility. One attached photo is from my pre-Grady ProLine CC. The rear legs made it simple to just release the front straps, fold/wrap it in place. Great on those in-between days (we have a lot of those in Maine) when you're hot one minute and cold the next. Not great, though, when running in choppy water or sitting in the wind- not a lot of lateral stability- can shimmy a lot.

The second photo is the bimini on my '93 Adventure 20. Different boat, but same arrangement described above by "seasick". The bimini boot has a strap on each side with a metal grommet that latches via a twist lock on the bow. Quite secure and simple.

I have a personal aversion to bungees. I work in an ER in an outdoor recreation community- lots of boating/hunting/camping. We see way too many eye injuries from bungee snap-backs.

Good luck with your boat and bimini!........... JB