Zipper on stern side of bimini

[TimW451]

I recently noticed a zipper, actually two, on the stern underside of my bimini and can’t figure out what it is for. It looks like it could only be used if the fabric was taken off the frame, but in my search for Bimini extension options I see that the 230 used to have a factory extension option. Did the 2011 SX240 have such an option too?

 

[Rufio]

I just bought a 2011 SX240 as well. Let me know what you find on this. All I can find on the net is 230 bimini extensions. I wonder how different the 230 bimini's are and if they could be slightly modified to fit the 240.

 

[TimW451]

I am going to keep looking for what I can find regarding an OEM one. If I don’t find anything then I’ll see about a mod using the same idea. If I’m going to go through a lot of cost seems like a good time to get a new top too.

I did find some really good pics of an extension on a 2006 SX210:

SX210 Biminy Extension - jdonalds

The sz210 Biminy extension in the storage bag. This was the day I was installing the stainless steel scupper which you can see lying on the stern.

jdonalds.smugmug.com

 

[Ronnie]

I have a 2010 242 Ls with a forward swept tower, it did not have a zipper on the trailing edge of the Bimini but I had one installed and used the frame from my 230 Sx extension To support a bimini extension I had made for the 242.
I think the zipper you are seeing on the 2011 240 was put there by the previous owner of the boat, not Yamaha. To my knowledge, Yamaha stopped offering extensions around 2007 when the final version of the 230s were released.

 

[Rufio]

My 2011 SX240 Bimini has the exact same zippers. Looks OEM to me... anyways I just ordered this

Bimini Extension Airflow Boat Shades - Oceansouth

Oceansouth Bimini Extension Airflow Boat Shades - Versatile sun shade kit which extends the shaded area of the Bimini. Allows airflow and gently filters the sun rays to provide a comfortable shaded area.

oceansouth.us

They had the grey one on eBay. Will see how I can mod this to fit. I plan on putting the posts into the swim platform cup holders. I just want more shade when I’m anchored. Will take it down when I’m on the move. I’ll post once I get this in and installed.

 

[TimW451]

Looks like a good start to mod with. I look forward to seeing how you make out with it.

My 2011 SX240 Bimini has the exact same zippers. Looks OEM to me... anyways I just ordered this

Bimini Extension Airflow Boat Shades - Oceansouth

Oceansouth Bimini Extension Airflow Boat Shades - Versatile sun shade kit which extends the shaded area of the Bimini. Allows airflow and gently filters the sun rays to provide a comfortable shaded area.

oceansouth.us

They had the grey one on eBay. Will see how I can mod this to fit. I plan on putting the posts into the swim platform cup holders. I just want more shade when I’m anchored. Will take it down when I’m on the move. I’ll post once I get this in and installed.

 

[Rufio]

Here’s the Oceansouth Bimini extension.
I cut the excess straps so there’s no dangling straps. Fits nice. Poles are tucked into the swim platform cup holders. Poles are extendable so I can raise or lower the the height. Held down by straps. No sway in the poles. I plan on using this only when anchored. Shade of grey is slightly lighter then stock Bimini grey.

 

[TimW451]

That looks real good. I assume you have the poles at their fullest extension in the pic. I wish it were a foot or so longer, but that’s 4-5’ more shade there and if it were further it would probably impact standing on the edge of the swim platform. I see a lot of these relying on fishing rod holders, so it is nice to see this working well with the cupholders.

 

[TimW451]

Rufio, I stumbled across this post in a sorta unrelated thread that I thought may interest you.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/porta-potty.12714/post-296194

FYI Ronnie, your image is memorialized on the net with pics of you and your sunshade on the 230 at that "other" website.