Bimini top rattling

[Slacker]

Is there a way to tighten up the bimini top from moving around so much?

 

[chuck1]

After you have adjusted the straps, put a couple twist in front straps. Should make it a bit quieter.

 

[Slacker]

Sorry... forget to mention this happens when its closed.

 

[tdappleman]

I've this on my 270 and on my other boat. My bimini hardware uses flat head screws and allen screws - both need to be tightened periodically or they rattle. I've actually used a bit of loctite on the allen screws as they like to work loose and fall out. When it is closed you can also have pieces of the frame knock against themselves which can cause the rattle. I use small rubber bungee cords to wrap the top and frame and it's pretty quiet now. Good luck.

 

[Slacker]

I have allen screws I can tighten that will allow me to take the poles in and out. But it appears that they are rivots that cannot be tighten holding it in place.... Anyone know what type of screw these are?

 

[RT 240SD]

Some may not agree, but my front bimini had way too much side to side movement. I installed straps laterally to eyelets in front of the windshield. If you want, I'll take some pics. It is rock solid now.

 

[Slacker]

But are those rivots holding it tight or some type of screw that can be tightened? They look like rivots in which case I'm screwed!

 

[tdappleman]

Mine has a few rivets - if that is the case on yours there isn't much you can with the existing pieces. You can certainly drill those out and install new rivets or use a nut/bolt which you could then adjust so it doesn't rattle.

 

[Dave S]

I am still not sure I totally understand what the issue is. Most Bimini Tops will rattle when they are up and not deployed and that's a function of the mounting harware that is used. If the top is shaking too much consider a cross brace like they use on the 240 Sundecks. Here is a picture of my old 240SD which shows the cross brace running from the side pole down to the transom. You can buy the mounting hardware to match what you have and even the stainless tubing from West Marine and make one up yourself.

 

[tphinney]

Remove the retaining pin that hold the bimini stantion in the hardware which is mounted to the hull. then you will have the metal hardware and a plastic piece inside of the metal hardware. Use a Screw driver and pop the plastic piece out ( do this carefully so as not to damage it). under the plastic are 2 metal screws. tighten these and re assemble.

this is also how you replace the bimini pin's once they have become so corroded that they wont stay in.

my rear bimini used to shake so much it would come out while underway and I almost lost it a couple of times. Since I replaced the pins and tightend up all the screws it does not move at all.

 

[Slacker]

Thanks guys. I'll will look into these suggestions. Maybe I should just by a monster tower with bimini and get rid of it all together