Is it OK to cruise with the Bimini top in it's storage cover?

Mike_G

Hey everyone... So I just figured I'd ask, what do you think about cruising/driving (not towing) with the bimini top up but in the storage boot (ie. folded up without the front supports connected to the windsheidl)?

I did it last year (for the 8 hours I got to use my boat) but it seemed to sway around a lot when going over waves.  I am concerned because the screw on the port side, rear of the windshield (right below where the bimini attaches to the windshield) stripped out last year.  The windshield was replaced when it was at the factory, but I don't want it to happen again, or to damage something else.  I asked if thats' what stripped it, but the marina seems to think it should be ok.  I don't know though....

I'd like to be able to be out on the water without the bimini extended sometimes if possible (to get some sun), but I want it on the boat to be able to put up if other people on the boat are "getting too much sun".

What do you think?  -=Mike G.

Cableguy Greg

Do you have it folded towards the rear of the boat? From your pictures, it looks like the attachments are just aft of the windshield and above the vents. I would think that you can run with it folded back. The 260 at my marina usually runs with the top folded back. His is a 2008/9 260, but I don't think they changed that much over the past few years. My friend with a 270 runs with his folded more often than not. His does sway some, but it doesn't seem too bad.

youstolemybeer

its fine if it is not opened up. it will sway back and forth on the poles but  not a big deal. I spent all day yesterday with mine like that.

Lifes Good

If it rattles while underway, which can be annoying, put some rubber washers between the joints.

MarkB

Won't some kind of elastic strings or Velcro strips around the frame hold it together?

Dan4754

I thought the storage cover was provided so that I COULD drive with the bimini retracted and I do it all the time. Fortunately, I have not noticed much in the way of shaking or rattling.

Mike_G

Dan4754 said:

I thought the storage cover was provided so that I COULD drive with the bimini retracted and I do it all the time. Fortunately, I have not noticed much in the way of shaking or rattling.

Yeah... so did I.  It just seems that it really sways a good foot or maybe more side to side when the waves get a little larger (2 - 3 feet).  I thought nothing of it, but then that darn windshield stripped and I thought... "hmmm.. could that have caused it?".

Boat will be in by my birthday (end of this month).  I'll take some video and post it to see what you guys think.  -=Mike G.

howardrams

Wow.  I'll need to be careful about that since I have the same boat.  I almost always keep the top up so I don't get burnt like a lobster and rarely fold it back.  My old Fiesta Vee wobbled like crazy when folded, but was OK because the forward rails were held to a bracket with big 1/4-20 bolts!  I'll need to watch those little screws into the windshield frame on this new model.