Bimini Top Frame Lock
- Thread starter Greyduk
- Start date
I was surprised how difficult it is to find theses online. The closest I could fine is a bit different and seems to come in black only. Here is a link
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bimini-Clip-Bo ... 1393723853
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bimini-Clip-Bo ... 1393723853
seasick, Thanks for the info. I don't have my boat close to me right now, but I'm questioning whether I have 1" bows or 7/8". It is the original stainless top on a 1999 223 Tournament. Maybe if someone else reads they will have an opinion on what size it likely is.
FYI, a sturdy piece of velcro works very well, too. Something like those pre-cut sizes where the velcro is sewn onto a strip of nylon webbing that you can find at home stores.
Often, the 7/8 work better with the 1" tube. If I had to pick one, I would go with 7/8. It will probably work with either tube size.Greyduk said:
The velcro solution mentioned is good for storage but I would still install bumpers to keep the tubes spaced apart a bit to reduce chaffing and banging. The 'bumpers' as I call them are a lot easier to find
seasick said:
I hear 'ya and I understand why you would mention that. I was only mentioning the velcro as a viable solution. I've had 4 boats in the last 20 years, along with friends and family boats (and I work part time at a Sea Ray dealership so I see A LOT of boats) - all of those where/are held in place by velcro and I have never noticed any wear or tear due to the velcro. These are all trailered boats, as well. I understand the theory, and don't disagree with it, but reality seems to point to it not really making the difference we might imagine. BUT... I'm not saying don't get the bumpers, either. Just that there are good alternatives.
Dennis,DennisG01 said:seasick said:
I hear 'ya and I understand why you would mention that. I was only mentioning the velcro as a viable solution. I've had 4 boats in the last 20 years, along with friends and family boats (and I work part time at a Sea Ray dealership so I see A LOT of boats) - all of those where/are held in place by velcro and I have never noticed any wear or tear due to the velcro. These are all trailered boats, as well. I understand the theory, and don't disagree with it, but reality seems to point to it not really making the difference we might imagine. BUT... I'm not saying don't get the bumpers, either. Just that there are good alternatives.
I probably used the term 'chafing' incorrectly. I wasn't referring to the velcro getting beat up but rather the metal tubes and fittings banging into each other if there were no plastic spacers (bumper as opposed to the original bumper/latch).
Regards,
Seasick
seasick said:
I understood what you meant. It was clear that you were referring to the tubes. All I meant was that I've owned and seen SO MANY biminis folded up with only a velcro strap holding the extra leg in (and nothing on the others since they are inside a boot) and there has been no scraping or marring that I think this is one of those areas where it sounds good in theory (that damage may result), but in reality nothing happens. If there are any marks/damage, it is so insignificant that I've never noticed it.
But again, just to be clear, I am NOT saying DON'T use those plastic spacers. Just that the velcro works fine, too.
Thanks to all for your thoughts. I think either solution will work for me. I was looking for some way to secure the rear support tube when I am trying to lower the top for storage or trailering. When I try to lower it, if I go to one side the other side flops down and prevents me from letting it down. I have some of the tube locks that came on the top , but some are broken off and are just in the way now. At any rate just one of those annoying situations that there are several cures for. I also had thought of using something like this to hold to tube in place until it could be lowered. I have probably made more of this than it deserves. Thanks.
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Flippy/floppy rear tube... Yup, I know exactly what you mean. Painfully frustrating!
What you got there looks like it will do the job just fine.
On a side note... the marina where I work at part time is a Sea Ray dealership. I don't know how the Grady Biminis compare to the Sea Ray biminis as I don't have one on my Grady, but the Sea Ray biminis are designed to be towed in the UP position (looking like an arch with the top folded and inside it's boot). Maybe the Grady's are designed that way, as well since Grady is a top-notch company, as well? The SR tops have SS mounts and fittings. I've personally NEVER taken one of my SR tops down for trailering. Never an issue. None of my family does and I don't know of any of our customers that do, either. For what it's worth, I've been doing this for nearly 30 years. I'm not tooting my own horn there - just stating that it's not like I'm one of those guys that says "Do it my way - I've never had a problem" and it turns out their "experience" is extremely limited or short lived. Of course this doesn't mean that someone "has to" change their mind if they prefer leaving it down... Just that if the top is sturdy enough, it is totally OK to leave it up.
What you got there looks like it will do the job just fine.
On a side note... the marina where I work at part time is a Sea Ray dealership. I don't know how the Grady Biminis compare to the Sea Ray biminis as I don't have one on my Grady, but the Sea Ray biminis are designed to be towed in the UP position (looking like an arch with the top folded and inside it's boot). Maybe the Grady's are designed that way, as well since Grady is a top-notch company, as well? The SR tops have SS mounts and fittings. I've personally NEVER taken one of my SR tops down for trailering. Never an issue. None of my family does and I don't know of any of our customers that do, either. For what it's worth, I've been doing this for nearly 30 years. I'm not tooting my own horn there - just stating that it's not like I'm one of those guys that says "Do it my way - I've never had a problem" and it turns out their "experience" is extremely limited or short lived. Of course this doesn't mean that someone "has to" change their mind if they prefer leaving it down... Just that if the top is sturdy enough, it is totally OK to leave it up.
Rustygaff
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Rustygaff
Well-Known Member
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seasick said:
I do not remember what particular search term I used. When hunting for an item that I do not know what it is exactly called, I will google a "best guess" and look through the images that come back to identify what I am looking for. Once I know what a product is called, I can then search for vendors and availability. In most cases this has worked for me.
Rustygaff said:
Hmmm. I use the same approach but I couldn't find an image of the exact part.
In any case, nice work. I knew it had to be out there