Salt Residue on Bimini Supports

[H2ONUT]

On my top the rear support pole has an inner pole that is supposed to slide. The inner is frozen because of salt residue. Any ideas on what to spray or soak them in to free up the inner pole?

I have them soaking in the tub with hot water, doesn't seem to be working.


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[Sous]

I'd try something like the WD40 penetrating spray. Its designed to loosen up seized/rusty/etc. threads so it could work.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yeah, just try a few different things. You can hang the poles and spray them a couple times a day and see if it loosens up. Twisting the pole might help.

PB Blaster is a good penetrating fluid, but not sure how well it works on salt buildup. Maybe get some Salt Terminator (or similar). Possibly CLR or vinegar? Double check that it doesn't react with your poles - I think they are aluminum on your boat. I've never soaked something like that for a long period of time so I don't know. The stuff is safe with aluminum engine blocks, but the inside of them aren't "pretty" like your poles. I'd hate to see them get discolored.

 

[H2ONUT]

Well the hot water didn't work. I'm taking them to work tomorrow and will try the WD or PB with the heat gun. I might even soak them and put them in the powder coat oven.

Do I really need them to slide anyway? Can the front panels be installed without tipping the top forward?


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[Lazy Daze]

Well the hot water didn't work. I'm taking them to work tomorrow and will try the WD or PB with the heat gun. I might even soak them and put them in the powder coat oven.

Do I really need them to slide anyway? Can the front panels be installed without tipping the top forward?


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You're probably going to need something to start eating the salt. I'm not sure how effective penetrating fluids are, but it's worth a shot. If not, try something else.

It's really hard to install the front piece (and the forward sections of the side panels) if the poles don't work. Otherwise, you're trying to pull and stretch the panels into place. The idea is to tip the top forward, then pull the back side of the top downwards till the poles click back into place. MUCH easier that way.

 

[H2ONUT]

You're probably going to need something to start eating the salt. I'm not sure how effective penetrating fluids are, but it's worth a shot. If not, try something else.

It's really hard to install the front piece (and the forward sections of the side panels) if the poles don't work. Otherwise, you're trying to pull and stretch the panels into place. The idea is to tip the top forward, then pull the back side of the top downwards till the poles click back into place. MUCH easier that way.

Yeah I knew that was going to be the answer.

I have tried to find new supports on the web, no luck.


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[H2ONUT]

Well, used the WD and the heat wrench. No good. Now I need to find new rear supports. Any idea where?


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[Westie]

Are you sure it's salt? Aluminum oxide looks like salt deposits. The problem is when Aluminium rusts it expands. When I bought my boat I had the same issue with my rear support poles and no matter what I tried I couldn't get the to slide free. I ended up buying the tubing and making my own replacements.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Before you throw in the towel, try some of the other things I mentioned. It may take a couple days for it work, if it does. Just keep adding a little bit a few times a day so it hopefully starts working it's way down inside. You can also try using a couple strap wrenches for extra torque to see if you can twist them free of each other.

The tubing is just basic tubing. With one tube just slightly smaller so it fits inside the bigger one. I don't recall the exact sizing off hand, but it's easy enough to measure. One might be 7/8" and the other 3/4"? Something like that, anyways. Mcmaster Carr is probably a good source for this stuff - they have lot's of these kind of things. You can disconnect the existing hardware and re-use, including the little spring button. It just pulls out.

 

[H2ONUT]

I broke one trying to free it up. I have an account with McMaster and looked into that earlier. I was just trying to see what complete poles would cost vs making them myself.


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[H2ONUT]

Are you sure it's salt? Aluminum oxide looks like salt deposits. The problem is when Aluminium rusts it expands. When I bought my boat I had the same issue with my rear support poles and no matter what I tried I couldn't get the to slide free. I ended up buying the tubing and making my own replacements.

Where did you get the parts?


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[Lazy Daze]

I broke one trying to free it up.

Oh, well that solves that!

The pole setup is most likely not available from Sea Ray for your boat, anymore. However, that's not to say that you couldn't get one from a newer boat and then adjust the length, if needed. BUT, try a place like Great Lakes Boat Top - they make replacement bimini tops and canvas. Maybe they would sell you just the rear legs.

 

[H2ONUT]

Oh, well that solves that!

The pole setup is most likely not available from Sea Ray for your boat, anymore. However, that's not to say that you couldn't get one from a newer boat and then adjust the length, if needed. BUT, try a place like Great Lakes Boat Top - they make replacement bimini tops and canvas. Maybe they would sell you just the rear legs.

Looking at their site now. I also sent an email to Quint.

Wish you lived closer, you deserve a few beers for the advice you've given me recently.


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[H2ONUT]

Found everything I need at Sailrite. Very reasonable for parts! Now to break out the CC.


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[Westie]

Where did you get the parts?


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I got the tubing from a local canvas shop. The fittings are available almost anywhere. I think my came from "greenboatstuff" . I would skip the nylon fittings and use stainless.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Looking at their site now. I also sent an email to Quint.

Wish you lived closer, you deserve a few beers for the advice you've given me recently.


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Thank you, Mark. Maybe some day I'll get to take you up on that offer! :smt001

 

[H2ONUT]

Everything ordered and then a few extra parts, $65 shipped!


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[H2ONUT]

ALL DONE!! 45 minutes labor.

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