Bimini on tower

[blackhawkpilot]

Would anyone like to educate me on how to stow the bimini top on the tower? This owners manual is GARBAGE!!!

 

[DBamaC]

I don't have a Chaparral, but is this the tower/top they put on the VRX? It looks like the same thing.

 

[blackhawkpilot]

No...mine has one support on the front. But I did figure it out. Seems like everything on this boat is trial and error.

 

[Jet Blue]

Do you have it figured out? I take mine down after each weekend so I have it down to only a few choice words each time.

 

[Majorsmackdown]

I don't have a Chaparral, but is this the tower/top they put on the VRX? It looks like the same thing.

That don't look right at all.

 

[Jet Blue]

That don't look right at all.

My Chap has a different frame on the bimini than what is shown in this video.

 

[blackhawkpilot]

Do you have it figured out? I take mine down after each weekend so I have it down to only a few choice words each time.

Yeah, "choice words" is the correct term I would use, too. It's a good thing I had a hammer on board yesterday so I could remove the pins.

 

[Jet Blue]

What pins are you hammering? I have no issue with the pins I am pulling. There are 4 pins I take out to unlock the posts from their base. The trouble I continually have are the slide extension on each side. That button is difficult to press then once I start to slide I find it difficult to find in the next hole as it can twist. If I am able to find one then the other side typically is not snapped in. I don't think this is an issue though as I zip the cover on so it can't really go anywhere.

 

[blackhawkpilot]

There are only 2 pins I have to remove to get the bimini to fold backward, and another pin I have to remove to get the front support off. I just need to get some lube on them and it'll be easier. This is
what it looks like when it's stowed.

 

[Jet Blue]

Looks like we have the same set-up. I will try to get some pictures this weekend of my steps and we can compare.

 

[RodK]

I would really appreciate an extension to the bimini so it covers a bigger area of the boat. on a hot day and a full load of passengers some of them get cooked. Has anyone seen anything like that?

 

[Jet Blue]

I have seem some for the Yammies on here. Maybe @JetBoatPilot can assist? This reminds me I forgot to take pictures of my bimini break-down.

 

[RodK]

Thanks so much for that link. I will follow up with them. I noted that they do thrust vectors for the Chapparal. This could make a big difference to low speed maneouvering... I am going to look into it

 

[blackhawkpilot]

Yep, thrust vectors will be my next big purchase for the boat. My arms get tired after cruising through a no wake area.

 

[swatski]

Yep, thrust vectors will be my next big purchase for the boat. My arms get tired after cruising through a no wake area.

Make sure you read this
https://jetboaters.net/threads/2-questions-1-thrust-vectors-2-removing-pump.10772/#post-184260

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[RodK]

I agree.. it seems strange that this is not a built-in feature. Perhaps there is a downside to thrust vectors that we dont know about.

Another question that perhaps someone knows the answer to.. I am finding water in the engine compartment and also in the central storage area. I understand that this might come from rain ingress around the covers, however it has happened when there has been no rain. What are the potential sources of water ingress?

 

[blackhawkpilot]

@swatski I have PLENTY of experience removing a jet pump. See my thread.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/sucked-in-the-tube-rope.10148/

It's NOT something that I want to do again. I think that installation of the thrust vectors wouldn't require a complete removal. @JetBoatPilot may be able to shed some light on this.

@RodK I also have seen water come out of the plug after it's been sitting for a few days with no rainfall. I wasn't real sure where it came from nor was I too concerned about it.

 

[RodK]

@blackhawkpilot Thanks re the plug but the thing that surprised me was that there was a lot of water (about an inch all over) in the central storage compartment, but not in the engine compartment.

 

[Jet Blue]

Well couldn't get any pictures of the bimini breakdown again today because I got hit with a downpour right when I cleaning up the boat. 2nd week in a row. I live 10 minutes from the lake and not 1 drop - but it sure has loved to rain on me when I am buttoning up the boat after a morning out. I did, however, get this picture today to add to the Chap picture thread...

 

[RodK]

Back to the issue of folding the Bimini top..
I am not much clearer after reading this string as to how to do it.
Jet Blue mentioned that he would be taking some pictures of his procedure - I would really appreciate if you are able to do that !