Bimini help and advice

[OZDreamer]

Hey All,

So I've changed the tower on my boat from FCT to Aviator as it has lift assist which we need. We are now working on an over the bimini to suit. We want to maximize shade by having some of the bimini hang over the back of the tower. This also allows us to make the top wider as the tower narrows quickly. We tow wakeboards, kneeboards and tubes from the tower and I’m wondering if the ropes will catch on the back section of the bimini.

For those who have the over tower bimini extending behind the tower, does the rope get caught on it?

I have attached some pics of what we are thinking about, any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Wes

[nautiques4life]

I have an oversized custom bimini... Under not over, not that it really matters, I'm white and its hot in AZ... Needed big coverage... But in response to your question.... I think the rope will absolutely get caught with the way you have it now. To me it looks super obvious based on the photos.... But why not take a rope of your desired length and run back and forth behind the boat in the parking lot to get an aproximation...Granted concrete level vs water level is different but it will give you an idea. Also don't forget to move along the side of the boat- like 10 ft away to replicate a fallen rider pick up- that's where I see you having the most problems as it is set now. With where you have it I see the rider having to be conscious of where the rope is as you pull away from him/her before starting (not sure if that makes sense). Basically the angle at the side of the bimini is where I see you having the biggest problems... The rider is gonna have to "toss" or "whip" the rope from where it will get stuck on the side of the bimini onto the top directly under the tow knob. This will be even more noticible with a short rope like wakesurfing- I now pull my wakesurfers from the lower tow point because of this... Mine barely clears it for wake surfing but still was rubbing on the bimini occasionally if the rider didn't start directly behind the boat and with a tight line I was worried that rubbing would definitely eventually wear a hole in the corner bend area of the bimini... Hope that helps (and makes sense). Good luck

PS one more thing... I wonder what exactly you are trying to gain extending it back so far... With a Vdrive and wrap around seating I see trying to get more people in the shade, but unless you have jump seats or have ppl sitting on the very front of the " doghouse" I really dont see you gaining much except for some frustrations with the rope. Like I said... I'm white- part ginger, went under cause shade was priority over standing tall, hopefully some others with custom "overs" chime in.

[OZDreamer]

Thanks for response nautiques4life I'm like you white and a copper top so shade is important. I thought the rear part might be an issue just needed second opinion. I’m going over so I get more width, the tower angles in quite quickly so under would be narrow. I think I’ll just go with something like this.

[swankster]

check out this thread. It might give you an idea how to make an extension. I still wish they sold these. Bimini extension for G23

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/fo...ension-for-g23

[Jan288]

Roswell offers two Bimini tops specifically for the Aviator. The Aviator Soft Top Bimini and the Aviator Shadowtop. I purchased the soft top Bimini but have not mounted it yet. The shadow top offers more shade but fits under the tower. I also caught them on sale from The Board Shop and got 20% off. Call them and talk to Jayson Rishling if interested. I think that sale ended but he may be able to offer you some kind of discount. I have no affiliation but they're the cheapest I've found for Roswell products.