Bimini top while towing

[Khalid]

What should I do with the Bimini top while towing 1200 miles? Keep it up as is or fold the tower? It's on a 2016 242 Limited S/E.

I'm afraid that folding it will result in excessive bounce. advice will be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Bill D]

Leave the tower up but remove the canvas from the bimini.

 

[Matt Phillips]

x2

 

[Khalid]

Leave the tower up but remove the canvas from the bimini.

Thought about that. But, there's no easy way to take the canvas out. Will have to break down the entire tower

 

[Bill D]

There's an easy way. Most people say it's about a 5 minute job after they understand it. @Julian can probably provide some insight here. (I kinda thought there was a video somewhere...)

 

[Khalid]

There's an easy way. Most people say it's about a 5 minute job after they understand it. @Julian can probably provide some insight here. (I kinda thought there was a video somewhere...)

Thanks Bill. That'd be awesome!

 

[Bill D]

https://jetboaters.net/threads/how-to-put-on-the-e-series-bimini-cover-fabric.12050/

Finally found the post related to the bimini. Haven't found the video yet (if there is one).

 

[AndyD]

Thought about that. But, there's no easy way to take the canvas out. Will have to break down the entire tower

It's easy to do after you practice it. Just release the two tension buckles on each side then unhook the clasps and pull it through from the front. Taking it off is easy; putting it up takes a little longer. The hardest part I have putting it back up is trying to remember which way to snake the tension strap through the frame.

 

[Khalid]

Thanks for the help gents!!

 

[Khalid]

https://jetboaters.net/threads/how-to-put-on-the-e-series-bimini-cover-fabric.12050/

Finally found the post related to the bimini. Haven't found the video yet (if there is one).

Thanks Bill!

 

[robert843]

I'm still kicking my self for not hitting the buy it now button before you did @Khalid lol best of luck on your tow my man enjoy that beauty.

 

[Julian]

Yup....my steps to remove:

1. Undo the ratchet straps on each side and pull out the strap from them completely
2. undo the clips around the rear bimini frame and pull the fabric off from around the stern of the bimini
3. undo the velcro in the front.
4. go to the front of the bimini and roll the fabric up, pulling the fabric foward as you roll. Be careful of the ratchets. This step is easier done with 2 people, but I've done it on my own too.

Putting it back on is faster--just lay the rolled up fabric on top of the front of the bimini and pull it back towards the stern-also much faster if you have someone to help and unroll the bimini while you pull it back.

Reattaching the straps was confusing-the more you do it, the more you get used to the route they go.

 

[Khalid]

Yup....my steps to remove:

1. Undo the ratchet straps on each side and pull out the strap from them completely
2. undo the clips around the rear bimini frame and pull the fabric off from around the stern of the bimini
3. undo the velcro in the front.
4. go to the front of the bimini and roll the fabric up, pulling the fabric foward as you roll. Be careful of the ratchets. This step is easier done with 2 people, but I've done it on my own too.

Putting it back on is faster--just lay the rolled up fabric on top of the front of the bimini and pull it back towards the stern-also much faster if you have someone to help and unroll the bimini while you pull it back.

Reattaching the straps was confusing-the more you do it, the more you get used to the route they go.

Thanks Julian. I'm going to have to get the hang of it

 

[Khalid]

I'm still kicking my self for not hitting the buy it now button before you did @Khalid lol best of luck on your tow my man enjoy that beauty.

Lol. Thanks Robert. I'm sure others will come on the market. Get an X series and I will work a deal with you

 

[Jaime]

Leave the tower up but remove the canvas from the bimini.

Agree with removing the canvas, that's what I Do!!!

 

[Khalid]

Since I wasn't able to take the canvas off before it left Florida (since I had already returned to Houston), the previous owner folded the tower and added padding between the tower and windshield to prevent scratches/damage. After the 1200 mile tow, it arrived safely and without any scratches (that I can see. I haven't put up the tower yet).

However, the driver made a comment that he got very poor mileage (9 mpg vs his usual 11) during the tow. He thinks it could be due to the canvas being down and adding resistance.

I'll definitely need to get used to removing /installing the canvas

 

[Jaime]

I have the exact boat!!.. Is just a bad design, we shouldn't have to put the whole roof down to trailer!!!

 

[NewBoater]

I saw it on ebay also, congrats! It didn't include a trailer right? How much did the trailer for it run you? Congrats on the boat and getting it home safely

 

[Khalid]

Thanks. The owner agreed to include the trailer he purchased new a 6 months ago. So $50K for not and trailer. I think it was a fair deal for a really nice boat.

someone posted recently that he purchased a brand new 2016 E series for ~$55K OTD

 

[NewBoater]

Awesome that he included the trailer. I was going to say that should be about $5000 less than the best deal anyone else has gotten yet. Congrats!