Bent shock on Nautique factory G bimini

[Kenv]

I just bent one of the shocks on my G21 bimini. It was the left one looking forward....port side. Question...does the walk through window need to be shut to lower the bimini down when folding the tower for storage position? I know my dealer told me on the 13/14 biminis, there was a pole in the bow to hold the bimini from hitting the windows but they told me the new one with the shocks didn't need the pole to put it in an "at rest-tower down" position. But it looks like my left shock might have been hitting the open window causing a SLIGHT bend and when I raised the bimini with the tower, it didn't slide in clean into the cartridge and bend 45 degrees. Just curious if anyone has had an issue or If I am doing it wrong....lol Thanks. Ken

[NautiqueJeff]

I have a Z5 this year so I can't go check, but I remember the clearances being very close between the window and the bimini on my '13 G23 with the tower down and bimini folded into the bow. I don't think I ever did it with the window open though.

[jesutton3]

Yes it needs to be closed. There is less than an inch clearance between the shock and windshield frame on my G23. The clearance is tight enough I had to move the windshield clamp over to keep the shock from hitting it.

Also when you lower the tower and bimini you need to pay attention. If you drop everything too fast you can hit the shocks anyway. You have to make sure the bimini has extended all the out. If it is just short of extended and you bring the tower all the way down the shocks hit the frame anyway.

[Kenv]

Thanks Jeff and jesutton. Yeah.....I see where there can be some contact, and I have been trying to take it easy on the first 5 times out on the new G. I guess it got a little out of shape just enough to not go back in...and bam...it was bent. I was looking at the other side so I didn't see it happen. They didn't mention that the window had to be shut when I did my walk through, but I can see where that might need to be done to get that extra 3/4 of clearance or so. My dealer said bring it in and they will see if they can do it as a warranty replace.