Bimini mounting on a SN

[harddock]

Ok so I have two choices here. Gunnel mounting or windshield frame mounting. Is any one area better than the other? The boat is a 98, the top will most likely be a GMI 5' three bow and they come with both mounts. I have searched extensively and seen them mounted in both locations. I'm just wondering which you all feel to be the preferred location. Where were the factory ordered tops mounted? i don't care about quick disconnect or stainless hardware.

[east tx skier]

RE: Bimini mounting on a SN

The top on my 98 is mounted through the foam insulation under the windshield. On my last boat, the top was mounted a bit higher on the frame. When mounting on the frame, clearance between the frame and glass is key. Get too close and you're spending big bucks on a new windshield pane. Here's a picture of the top on my 98.

[harddock]

RE: Bimini mounting on a SN

thanks, picture won't open (red x)

[east tx skier]

Let's try this.

[harddock]

That's exactly where I was planning. thanks again, Nice top. where did that one come from?

[east tx skier]

I believe it's from Dallas Canvas.

[JayG80]

Bimini mounting on a SN

Here is a pix of a GMI top mounted on a 2002 SN. Windshield side mount brackets are screwed on angled frame. The stanchions are cut to lower the top. It has all stainless connectors. The aluminum tubing is starting to show minor scaling after 2 years. Fresh water use only.

Note the strap tie down brackets are custom made to cover holes from a wake tower that previous owner installed. A friends did not want to drill into gel coat for his bimini and put the mid-ship strap brackets on the floor board and the bow strap brackets into the black plastic air scoops just in front of the windshield.

When not in use I fold it toward the stern or remove it. Black top is cool despite initial hesitation that it could be too hot in Texas sun.

[slob02]

RE: Bimini mounting on a SN

I mounted mine on the windshield and put the strop holders under the ruprail by the snaps. No holes in figerglass at all. And yes, be careful not to touch the glass.

[M3Fan]

RE: Bimini mounting on a SN

I'm personally for gunwhale mounting on the CB Nautiques. I think the biminis look a little better and have better sun coverage (shading the passenger area a bit more rather than the windshield) when they are mounted on the gunwhale just behind the windshield. Just my opinion.

Here's a pic of where mine is mounted. This is a little outdated though- I've since cut down the main legs a bit so it sits nice and low now.

[harddock]

RE: Bimini mounting on a SN

I was going to go right where the frame meets the deck. It couldn't be more than 1" foward of where yours mounts. The angling inward of the windhield frame looks like it might hider this wihout shimming the bracket. Fortunately GMI came with horizontal and vertical brackets so I can do either. I just today received the top and assembled it. Tommorrow I may get it on the boat. By the way M3Fan thanks for the recommendation. I ordered Monday, I have it Thursday and it is a nice looking top.

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Bimini mounting on a SN

My top was mounted same as M3, worked great and looked great imo.

[M3Fan]

Re: RE: Bimini mounting on a SN

By the way M3Fan thanks for the recommendation. I ordered Monday, I have it Thursday and it is a nice looking top.

No problem. I've personally installed 3 GMIs so far on mine and my friend's boats. They do nice work and their prices are incredible.