Jesse,

The idea for the bimini support struts came from the list archives somewhere, indicating yet again what a useful resource they can be.

These are not an off-the-shelf item, but they’re pretty easy to put together from easy to find parts.  I’m sure I sourced mine from Defender (defender.com <http://defender.com/>).  To find the right section on the Defender website, choose ‘Deck & Cockpit’ from their main menu, then the sub-category ‘DIY Railing’.

Both my bimini tubing and stern rail tubing were 7/8” diameter.  You’ll want to check yours before you order parts.  Hopefully, they are either 7/8” or 1”.  Below the ‘DIY Railing’ sub-category, there are sub-sub-categories for ‘7/8 inch Rail Fittings’, ‘1 inch Rail Fittings’, and ‘Bimini Hardware Fittings’.  Things are not as well organized as they might be, so you may have to poke around some to find what you’re looking for.

The first item you need is called a ‘Hinged Top Slide’.  These can attach to existing railings without needing to slide on from an end.  For 7/8” tubing, the Defender item # is 756056.  You’ll need 4 of these.

The next item is a ’Top Cap’.  These will attach to the ’Top Slides’ and to the support tubing.  For 7/8” tubing, the Defender item # is 756027.  You’ll also need 4 of these.

Finally, you’ll need some tubing.  This is in the ’S/S Steel Tubing’ sub-sub-category.   The choices here are two diameters (7/8” and 1”), and two wall thicknesses (regular and heavy duty).  7/8” regular is more than sufficient.  When I measured for the length of the support tubing I did it by setting up the bimini with the existing webbing straps, attaching Top Slides and Top Caps where they seemed appropriate, and then taking the measurement.  I ended up with slightly different lengths for port and starboard, but I figured it was safer to use what my ruler was telling me rather than insisting that the boat be symmetrical. They were both about 14”.  Assuming you find something similar, I’m guessing that when you take shipping into account, two 2’ pieces of tubing will be cheaper than one 4’ piece.

Sorry that I can’t attach any pictures, but I haven’t yet put the bimini on the boat this spring.

Best of luck,

Peter Nyberg
Coventry, CT
s/v Silverheels (1988/2016)

> On May 22, 2020, at 4:55 PM, Jesse Shumaker <jesse.laten.shumaker at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Peter, 
> 
> While watching some of your videos, I noticed that at some point you added
> bars that attach your bimini frame to your stern rail.  I was thinking about
> doing something similar since that would be a more convenient place to store
> the bimini when not in use.  When it is stored forward against the cabin it
> makes it a bit more challenging to see forward.  Since she is shorter,
> visibility is more of an issue for my wife as she learns to skipper.  That
> would be great if you could share any info you have on model / dimensions /
> source.  
> 
> Thanks again for making all the videos.  In your most recent video, I think
> you mentioned that you'll be working on a video describing your anchoring
> process.  I am looking forward to seeing how all your modifications (bow
> roller, rode bags in the lazarette) come together.  
> 
> For any others that may have added supports to store the bimini aft, feel
> free to chime in.  
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Jesse
> S/V Zephyr
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Sent from: http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/