Z5 Bimini: stow for highway travel?

[HS]

Hey all is the Z5 cargo rack Bimini road worthy? Looks like it would create some wind resistance. Can is bestowed under a boat cover on the seats (will it fit?)

[AllianceBJJ]

Use the towing straps attached to your front cleats....I towed mine at 70 mph with these and no problems...I guess if you like to tow with the cover, just deends on how big your boat/bimini is...

[ccs]

Alliance - - just ordered my 2012 SANTE 230 with the Z5 - do these towing straps come with the Z5 ? Thanks.

[sstexan]

I have a Z5 on my 230. I have determined it costs me around 2-3mpg towing with it. I have had the z5 going on 3 years with no problems. If I drive more than 200 miles I usually take it down and wrap it with towels and it fits nicely under the boat cover. The Z5 is the only way to go...Good luck..

[sstexan]

ccs,

Mine came with the straps straight from Z5. They are pretty generic straps that could be made from West marine parts if you dont have any. I can take pictures of mine and send them your way if you need to see them.

sstexan

[ccs]

sstexan,

Id be happy to see any pictures youd like to share - if for no other reason than I love to see other peoples rig's - - I ordered the Z5 as an option for our 2012 - 230 right from factory, so I have no idea if I'll end up with them in my hands or not.

Thank you...

[DJH]

No issues

I've had mine for one season and have towed at highway speeds with and without the straps. If I am towing the boat uncovered I use them... they do stabilize the rack. If I am towing covered I can't use them (I don't have cleat cut-outs in my cover) and just keep it under 65. No issues. I spoke with Ray at Z5... he suggested they always be used... major reasons are to reduce wear and tear on the joints and keep the rack from wrapping the tower if the fasteners in the back ever fail.

Mine came with staps.

[81nautique]

With the cover off I attach the front straps to the cleats. I have also towed with the cover on and have a lifting ring cut out in the cover so I added some strap to the ties so they would reach and attach both to the lifting ring. Works fine, the bimini bounces around a little but not enough to be a problem. I am more concerned with wear on the fabric than wear on the structure but not enough miles on it to tell. I wouldn't want to have to remove that Bimini every time I tow because it's a bit clumsy to have to do it frequently. We just found new storage with a tall enough door that I don't have to lower the tower or remove the Z5, sweet.

[Paublo]

When the Z5 was first used on Nautiques in '09 there was a lot of discussion and debate about this question. They all come with the straps and they are pretty quick and easy to put on. Every longer trip I take (over 60 mph), I put the straps on just for peace of mind. Is it necessary, maybe not. But since they are shipped with them, why not use them. It is the single most expensive option on my boat and I would hate to have a problem that could have easily been prevented.

[ccs]

Paublo - - as the old saying goes - "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"