How do Bimini support poles work?

[john from md]

I just bought two support poles for my Bimini top. Both ends have nylon fittings with an eye. Both the nylon fitting for the gunwale and the fitting for the Bimini pole have screws that go through the eye of the plastic fittings on the poles.

Do I have to unscrew these and stow the support poles everytime I use the Bimini? If so, does anyone make quick disconnect pins for this type of application?

There weren't any instructions in the package and we are in the middle of a thunderstorm so I can't go out and play with the aluminum poles.<G>

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

John

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: How do Bimini support poles work?

I'm guessing you got the rear support poles. They look like this when installed. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...abelas/en/common/search/search-box.jsp.form23
When not in use, you can put a cover on it as shown.

 

[john from md]

Re: How do Bimini support poles work?

I know what a wrapped up bimini looks like and I know what the poles look like when attached. I want to know if the poles have to be disconnected when I open up the bimini.

Thanks,

John

 

[Sea'Scape]

Re: How do Bimini support poles work?

John, not quite sure of the exact situaton you have, but there is a quick disconnect that can be used in place of a screw on most of the poles. It looks like a pin and has a spring loaded ball bearing to keep it from shaking out. I have then for the canvas cover on my boat so that I can remove all of the poles when I put it in storage or want to use it without the poles up.

These pins are on page 772 of my Westmarine cataloque, item Y. They strike me as being pricey for what you get.

 

[bekosh]

Re: How do Bimini support poles work?

I know what a wrapped up bimini looks like and I know what the poles look like when attached. I want to know if the poles have to be disconnected when I open up the bimini.

Thanks,

John

For mine, the poles replace the straps that would otherwise be used for the rear of the bimini.
Top wrapped.

Top open. Straps forward, poles to the rear.

Hope that helps.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do Bimini support poles work?

yes the make a quick disconnect pin. there are several types. most common is a pin with a cotter pin on the end.