Bimini top and trailering

[nightvision]

Hi all,
I have a 2005 Searay 180 sport. A few week back we came back from the lake and I had a slight mishap with my bimini top. Well, it was in a travel position with the boot on. I backed the boat into the garage and forgot to put it down and so I bent on of the aluminum rod. It is a slightly bent but still is operational. We have taken to boat out since then and I don't noticed any problem with it in the travel position. My concern is may have weaken the rod and I don't want to stress it too much. Thus,I'm thinking about just laying the bimini top down on the windshield and secure all the aluminum rods with velco to prevent them from boucing around when we trailer the boat on the road. Are there any concern with doing this? One possible problem is the bimini can blow backward, but I doubt it since it's pretty heavy. I would appreciate your comments.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Bimini top and trailering

I always trailer mine laying flat. When in the up position (with the boot on) its just sways way too much side to side while trailering at 60 mph. I tried laying mine forward once and bungied it down and the wind really wanted to lift it up. Ever since I lay it back instead.

 

[DianneB]

Re: Bimini top and trailering

Your "aluminium rod" is, I suspect, an aluminium tube. If that is the case, feel the tube to see if it has a crease in it or if it is still round. If it has a crease, dimple, or significant flattening, it has been weakened. If it is just bowed, you will be fine.

 

[tractoman]

Re: Bimini top and trailering

I lay mine back on the sun pad over the engine cover. I also wrap some small bungees around the loose ends that attach to the windsield rail to keep them from bouncing around. I've done short trips with it upright with the boot on but there's too much side to side movement as already mentioned.