bimini top and trailering

[f4rioboy]

Hi all,
I have a 2005 180 sport. I just slightly bent one of my bimini top tube by backing it into the top of the garage. I usually trailer with the bimini top up when on the road. Now, I'm thinking about trailering with the bimini top down. Would it be better to put it down over the windshield or back on top of the engine hatch? Even before my mishap, I don't like to see the bimini top swaying back and forth at high speed. I would appreciate your comments.

 

[TexasA&M]

Before the tower, I always layed mine down over the engine hatch. I actually make these so that it wouldn't sit on the vinyl (or the cover if it was on).

 

[Firerooster]

I did the same b4 I installed a tower. I didn't make the nice holders that Texas did( nicely done btw). I just cut open the noodle water toys and pushed them over the bimini tube

 

[ZZ13]

I recommend trailering with it resting on the engine hatch. I tie mine to the side handles inside the boat just so it won't bounce. With my boat configuration it doesn't touch any of the vinyl seat tops. I quit trailering it up (and folded with cover zipped on) when my brother following me said I was clipping overhanging tree limbs. In the too inexperienced and stupid department, right after I purchased it I towed it 400 miles of a 550 mile trip on I-95 in steady rain the whole way with it up. Light bulb in my head finally went off at the last gas stop that I was going to break something this way (fortunately I did not) - so I laid it down.

 

[Sluggo33]

I actually remove mine all together and stow in inside the boat cockpit with the cockpit cover on. When I first bought the boat, I trailered with it up and about 150 miles into my 250 mile trip I noticed it "racking" back and forth pretty bad while on the highway at 60mph.

I'm sure it's not more abuse than what it gets in choppy water, but I figured why add the additional stress to it. Only takes a minute to remove, even less with two people.

Is there a benefit to leaving it on all the time (with the use of those snazzy holders shown above)? Or am I okay to just keeping on with removing it and stowing it inside?

Thanks!

 

[VTSeaRay]

I drop mine down on top of the rear sunpad whenever I transport it, my cockpit cover fits over it fine like this.

 

[First Born]

Also remove mine from the front windows and let it sit on the sunpad (securing it down so that it does not bounce around as much). Good luck with it. -- Wesley

 

[TexasA&M]

I didn't want it rubbing on the seats, so I made the holders for it. I never thought of cutting a noodle and using that though... would have been easier (and cheaper)!

 

[AR185]

I trailer with mine up and have never had any problems.

But, you have to be very careful going through the drive thru's at McDonalds.:wink:

 

[dutchman]

I undo the back 2 supports and lay it down over the engine cover. No tie downs or anything, it doesn't move at highway speeds. Just like the signature pic.

 

[f4rioboy]

Hi all,
Thanks for the comments. I think placing it over the engine hatch while trailering is the way to go. I had a habit of placing it over the windshield when it's in the garage, so I have access to the engine. The next time I pull out the boat I'll figure some sort of padding or holder. Thanks for the helpful ideas.