Check your bimini frame hardware

aero3113

Something that can be overlooked, would hate to have one snap during a trip. 

aero3113

This hardware didn’t seem right to me. I double checked the clamps and there should be a screw with a big shoulder for the support. If anyone knows where to get these, please let me know. I’m going to check West Marine today.

Should look like this but with a bigger diameter than the threads.

YYZRC

I had the same issue with my Four Winns. Someone had replaced the proper bolts with similar hardware to what you posted. I bought replacement jaw slides on Amazon as I wasn’t able to find just the screws. 

PickleRick

West marine has them, i think even our local sports authority and walmart carries them but with plastic thumb screw heads rather than slotted .  

aero3113

I went to West Marine, they didn’t have the correct hardware. What they had was what I posted above (second pic) the hole for the shoulder on mine is much larger than what they carried. @PickleRick I’ve seen the ones with the thumb screws and they also are not the correct size. @YYZRC , the ones you bought on amazon, were you able to just use the screws or did you have to replace the clamp assembly?

PickleRick

The screws are correct...you just have the incorrect frame😝


Im sure i have some of both at the house

aero3113

I found these, I think the screw size is correct but the shoulder isn’t the right diameter.

https://store.canvas-boat-cover-and-repair-advisor.com/Machine-Screw-Stainless-Steel-p/h1083.htm

PickleRick

You do have 1/4 threads in the bracket?

Shoulder wont matter much as it will still be a tight enough  fit and fit better than what was in there.

aero3113

Yes, 1/4 threads but the non threaded hole is larger than the threaded one for the shoulder. Also the hole on the bracket that the bolt goes through is larger. They need to look like the pic below so the larger shoulder takes up the slack in the holes.

davidbrooks

Seems like all the windshields are Taylor (http://www.taylormarine.com/hardware.html)  The site was just down so i couldn't look through it though.  i have also found a lot of hard to find parts at https://www.boatoutfitters.com/hardware 

PickleRick

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.com/Shoulder-Screws-1-4-20/s?rh=n%3A16410601%2Cp_n_feature_fourteen_browse-bin%3A11433968011&ved=2ahUKEwikp5zw5ODnAhUFd98KHd9SCm4QFjABegQIBxAB&usg=AOvVaw0MMMQyRLtWX_2v1JQk7Tx3

Amazon can fulfill all your needs

Google stainless 1/4 inch shoulder screw

aero3113

Thanks @PickleRick , that should do the trick. I have found plenty of Allen head online, would like to find slotted or Phillips if possible. If not I will go with the Allen.

aero3113

Am I wrong thinking the shoulder bolt should be a snug fit in the hole? This pic is from the internet and I can’t find any Bimini hardware that have a thicker shoulder. Just seems very odd if this is how it’s supposed to be?

YYZRC

I was able to just use the screws. I think the seller was “monkeyjack” or something goofy like that. Again, that was on my Four Winns - no idea if Rinker uses the same hardware or not.