Is it normal for these to break?

[NewBoater]

No matter how I installed this each year we trailer to Gaston it’s flapping around the whole trip. Now they are both broke. Got a replacement at west marine for each side $10 each. Maybe I should have taped them or something before trailering as they just won’t stay in whether I install them pointing up or down.

 

[NewBoater]

Is this hard to change, pain in butt? Is it a pop rivet?

 

[djetok]

We keep spares on the boat. We have lost 2. I have not reattached them. I just have a key ring loop on them and pull them out while trailering.

 

[Speedling]

Mine was installed at a bad angle and would rub gelcoat when pressure was applied or it bounced.
I just went to the hardware store and replaced with one of those ones with the ball that is like a socket set deal.
And then i bought a tower and bimini

 

[bronze_10]

I had to replace mine. Not hard but u have to drillnout the rivet and find a screw the correct size to put in there.

 

[Julian]

Mine only broke after 11 years. I wonder if it is the angle they are mounted and if they are flexing in the wind?

 

[Dwrat]

Both of mine broke.
I was able to drill out where the wire goes into the eyelet and epoxy it back together.

 

[zipper]

It took 10 yrs for mine to break. If you are looking to drill it out and replace with another rivet, you can find the rivets here. If you have a pop rivet gun, you are all set. https://www.sailrite.com/Rivet-Stainless-Steel-3-16-for-Bimini-Dodger-Frames At $1.10 each, not cheap, but when you only need 1 or 2 for the job, it not that bad. West Marine sells S.S. rivets also, but no specifics on pricing.

Would wrapping the S.S. cable with something around it, like a velcro strap, to keep it from "flapping around" while trailering work?