[MrScamp]

Just my 2 cents but I don't care for the sliding Bimini rails that I have on my old boat. I found that after one muddy San Juan trip they never slid right again. Also the metal of those is very flimsy.

My new rig has the Down River made frame grabbers or whatever they're called. It takes an raft hex key but they still slide up and down the frame. It may not look as easy and the bimini tracks but I prefer it. You can rig them flipped in or out for two different size options.

They only change I plan to make is to swap the screw for the spring loaded pin and leashes available on Amazon. I had these before and they are awesome.


https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-St...8-2&keywords=bimini+top+hardware&dpID=31EF58Mt0jL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

[joshfromdc]

Will do! Thanks!!

Hey JoshfromDC: the edges of the hose clamps can be pretty abrasive to rubber. Get some tubular webbing that is a similar width to the hose clamp (1/2 inch or so), then cut it to the length of the compressed clamp minus the screw part of the clamp. Then undo the clamp and slide the clamp through the tube of the webbing so it covers the clamp and then reinstall it. Now the webbing protects the boat and the tail of the clamp slides down into the webbing, no need to upgrade to U bolts.

This sounds like a great solution. I was concerned about the clamps rubbing.

 

[yesimapirate]

My new rig has the Down River made frame grabbers or whatever they're called. It takes an raft hex key but they still slide up and down the frame. It may not look as easy and the bimini tracks but I prefer it. You can rig them flipped in or out for two different size options.

I'll second the choice of the DRE contraption. Easy to install. Easy to move. DRE had 2 sizes for different frame gauges, and they mount offset so like Scamp's saying you have some wiggle room in your width. Just don't tell your wife how much you paid for them.

 

[Paul the Kayaker]

Do the DRE ones only work on a frame without diamond plate or decking? Does it have to grab all the way onto the bar? May not be a solution for anyone with decking.

 

[Paul the Kayaker]

Also, there are some binimi mounts on the swap right no: Storage Clean out: K pump, throw bag, Bimini mount, etc.... - Mountain Buzz Gear Swap

 

[joshfromdc]

Final Product!

Thanks for all the guidance.

 

[altaholics]

Now that is a good looking DIY Bimini mount, if I do say so myself.

 

[joshfromdc]

Couldn't have made it quite so pimp without your advice, Altaholics! Thanks!

 

[MountainMedic]

Thirded. Just bought a Bimini for MrsMedics boat and went with the dre mounts. Beats any other I've seen. Liked em so much I just ordered another set for myself.

Buy once cry once I guess. Definitely not worried about stepping on them and either breaking em or hurting myself (I don't need self made traps for that).

Discovered them from this thread, thanks for posting.

My new rig has the Down River made frame grabbers or whatever they're called. It takes an raft hex key but they still slide up and down the frame. It may not look as easy and the bimini tracks but I prefer it. You can rig them flipped in or out for two different size options.

I'll second the choice of the DRE contraption. Easy to install. Easy to move. DRE had 2 sizes for different frame gauges, and they mount offset so like Scamp's saying you have some wiggle room in your width. Just don't tell your wife how much you paid for them.

 

[efis]

I have 3 foot sliding tracks and like the ability to adjust. Originally had issues with sand in the tracks jamming the slider. Added 1/4 inch drain holes front and back on bottom of track and through side boards. No issues since

 

[MT4Runner]

I built plastic pad feet like Joshfromdc's wood feet.

Slotted the top of the foot pad so a strap can pass through between the pad and the lower bimini base. Use 1' cam straps. It doesn't slide much with raft pressure under the framerail, and can be easily repositioned.

 

[carvedog]

I already had a piece of oak. I carved it out a bit and used hose clamps as you can see. $4 all in. I'll test it out this weekend on the Upper C...if there's water.

Thank for everyone's posts. I may "upgrade" to the ubolts and cutting board soon. Just wanted to knock something out right away and I had the hardword.

SYOTR!

Josh

I did exactly this. But without any wood.

Hose clamps are the bomb. I did hit some wind on Deso that took us right off the river. Used that bimini like a cheap sail. I was at least a bit concerned about it taking us over. My daughter was insisting on taking it down....but it was 108 that day and I might have exploded.

So it's been tested......