2018 242x Bimini Discussion

[newbote]

Funny. Not to hijack (rather - just to make y'all 242X owners feel better about your biminis!) - the AR240 bimini takes about as long if not longer to fold back in place...
That little bimini is a nightmare to fold back and secure in the boot, I ended up buying a set of long "gear ties" which help - since I only have two hands and you need more. Those are great, I keep some in the boat.

Not a great pic - but that's how I use the ties also for short tows:
View attachment 68135

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I leave the Bimini but stowed in the boot as you have shown however put on 3 or 4 zip ties on to ensure the boot stays on. It tows fine and never had any issues.

I do this for any longer tows - its to ackward to take off and find some place to put it.

 

[Tiger J]

I gave up looking for an X tower, and paying close to 10k for a new is not an option!
Got this one - just received it but not tested yet - will see how it does:

It is not meant to be used while running, but I'm willing to take a risk while wakesurfing - this thing should be fine at 10mph.

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I have never seen this top. What is the setup and take down time? How much room does it take up in storage?

 

[swatski]

I have never seen this top.
What is the setup and take down time?
How much room does it take up in storage?

That makes two of us.
No idea, but will find out very soon, maybe even this weekend
The package is very long (5-6ft ?)... but it looks like the sunshade will easily fit in the ski locker, folded.

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[DERFLA]

My tower broke trailering it probably on its 10th run to the lake. As one of the posters stated, the manual makes no mention of how to trailer it and the dealer said trailer it with the top on. I was pissed as can be expected and had no other information on what to do other than go what the dealer said. Yamaha just warrantied it and I am now stuck if it breaks again. Yamaha was unable to give me an answer on proper trailering.

 

[Julian]

My tower broke trailering it probably on its 10th run to the lake.

Can you give us more details please! Yamaha doesn't recommend lowering the tower to trailer it. Mine has gone thousands of miles with no issues at all. So what broke?

 

[Matt Phillips]

I also remove the Bimini when towing as there's a tag on it (or I read somewhere on the tower) where it says 45MPH max speed.

Yamaha recommends leaving the tower up to tow, so that's what I've always done. On two boats, I've towed about 15,000 miles without troubles over the years.

 

[Williamsone46]

I believe it's best to trailer with the tower up and bimini removed. Although I believe you can trailer with the bimini up to 45 mph.

 

[F.M.]

I remove mine based on my route to the lake. I figure that it can obviously handle 45-50mph since it does already while on the water. So if my drive is going to be at speeds less than 50mph I leave it on. For long drives at highway speeds I remove it.

 

[Glen]

I remove mine based on my route to the lake. I figure that it can obviously handle 45-50mph since it does already while on the water. So if my drive is going to be at speeds less than 50mph I leave it on. For long drives at highway speeds I remove it.

+1

 

[Ballman]

I gave up looking for an X tower, and paying close to 10k for a new is not an option!
Got this one - just received it but not tested yet - will see how it does:

It is not meant to be used while running, but I'm willing to take a risk while wakesurfing - this thing should be fine at 10mph.

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Swat ski - Where did you find this awning and have you tested it yet?

 

[swatski]

Swat ski - Where did you find this awning and have you tested it yet?

Here is the thread, https://jetboaters.net/threads/yamaha-sunshade-sbt.16164/#post-297287
@FloJet found a great discount on it.


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[Mjolsen74]

any other 242x owners chime in?? I've had mine for two months now and have not removed the bimini fabric.. seems complicated and for 40 minute drives seems it would be a pain and just as much wear removing and installing every trip.. I keep my highway speeds at 60 or under, figure 45-50 on the boat and winds is about the same so it should be designed for that.

Curious how fabric is holding up from the "keep it up camp" and the wear from install/ratchet and uninstalls?

thx,
mike

 

[BigAbe75]

any other 242x owners chime in?? I've had mine for two months now and have not removed the bimini fabric.. seems complicated and for 40 minute drives seems it would be a pain and just as much wear removing and installing every trip.. I keep my highway speeds at 60 or under, figure 45-50 on the boat and winds is about the same so it should be designed for that.

Curious how fabric is holding up from the "keep it up camp" and the wear from install/ratchet and uninstalls?

thx,
mike

‘19 242X. I take my bimini fabric off every time. Mostly because I store outside and would rather avoid the extra sun exposure. If we’re going to our home lake, I’ll put on at home then trailer to the gas station and then the lake. Maybe 5 miles total, top speed about 40. Any farther than that, and it’s already off so just leave it until I get where I’m going.

 

[Glen]

I have 45 minutes to our favorite lake.
We leave the bimini up for anything under an hour (or so).
Don't drive faster than 60mph
Bimini mostly stays on all Summer. The boat is stored outside. Wear and tear from sun, vs taking on and off???
Screwed up the year before last and the dealer kept the boat in their yard (warranty work) and they left the Bimini up all Winter.
Have had to use "Tear-Aid" for a slight hole I put in bimini while taking it off, at the end of last season. It's working great.
I expect that I will need to replace the bimini every 5 years. I'd likely

 

[Shookie]

I leave mine on but if I'm trailering on the highway over 45-50mph, I take it off. My house to the lake is small back roads and I leave it on. 15 minute drive and I stay under 50. No issues....

No, the dumb "sunroof" they put on the 2018's is another story.... hate it!

 

[BigAbe75]

I think the OP asked about taking the bimini frame off, too. On the 18-19, it’s just 2 Allen head bolts and it comes right off.

One thing to remember is that the plug for the anchor light seems to complete the light circuit. So, unplugging that disabled my nav lights. If you thought you were going to be without the bimini frame, you’ll probably need to come up with a jumper to complete that circuit as well as rig up another anchor light to stay legal.

I’ll know more about this in a couple days, as my dealer is doing it right now for me. My bimini frame is off for a couple months awaiting some warranty work.

 

[Veronica]

Hi was hoping someone could help me find the mystery piece I need. Need the hex bolt seen in the top pic. Went to 3 different places. Called 4 and no one knows how I can get it?

 

[BigAbe75]

Take the opposite side off and figure out the size you need. Then check here:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[Veronica]

Will I have a problem with this to stay in place if I take it out or cause any damage??

 

[Veronica]

Thank you Bigabe75 for the reply