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Author Topic:   Is it easy to remove the Bimini Top?

jim_usa posted 07-13-2003 04:46 PM ET (US)
I'm looking at purchasing a bimini top from whaler for a dauntless 160. But I'd want to remove it completely for most trips.
Is it easy to get them off?
Thanks for the feedback.
Jarhead posted 07-13-2003 05:09 PM ET (US)
Pull two pins [one on each side] and off it comes.
Very easy...
HAPPYJIM posted 07-13-2003 05:12 PM ET (US)
Just 2 little pins hold it on.
Some tops may have 2 more for an extra set of legs that hold it place,upright, while running.
I'm mounting mine on a 48 inch slide so I can position it any where along the slide.
HAPPYJIM posted 07-13-2003 05:13 PM ET (US)
slow typer!!
Marlin posted 07-14-2003 12:35 PM ET (US)
The factory bimini for the 160 Dauntless has, like the others have mentioned, 2 pins that hold the main poles into mounts on the gunwales. Quite literally, it takes about 30 seconds to remove the whole thing. 15 seconds if you have a helper.
When raised, the bimini has an additional stainless pole on either side that you pin to another mount point forward, near the aft end of the bow rail (if you have one). This keeps the bimini nice and rigid whether or not it's open. A pair of straps from the forward edge of the bimini converge in a "V" to the top of the console rail for side-to-side stability, and another pair of straps from the aft edge run back to mount points just inside the gunwale near the aft seats to hold it open (the clips tend to rattle there). Some catalog photos, including the 2003 catalog, show the rigid supports on the aft side of the bimini, but that's not how they're shipping these days.
When lowered, the bimini goes aft and essentially blocks the aft quarter seats. It also makes it difficult to raise the outboard all the way. It doesn't fit well forward because of the bow rail; I don't know how well that might work on a fishing package boat without the bow rail. Overall, I think you're right about wanting to remove it if you don't plan to use it.
I can't compare the quality to a Mills top (since I've never had a Mills top), but the factory top seems quite nice with careful stitching and stainless fittings. No complaints here.
-Bob
andygere posted 07-14-2003 01:26 PM ET (US)
My dad has a Mills bimini on his 1999 Dauntless 16, and I wouldn't consider buying anything else. The "Whaler OEM" bimini is not made by Mills, although many Whaler dealers still order and equip these boats with Mills products. Removal of the top takes less than a minute as described above. The Mills is set in tracks, so when stored down it can rest on the rails above the stern seatbacks. When towing, it slides forward to allow full tilt of the motor.

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Author	Topic: Is it easy to remove the Bimini Top?
jim_usa	posted 07-13-2003 04:46 PM ET (US) I'm looking at purchasing a bimini top from whaler for a dauntless 160. But I'd want to remove it completely for most trips. Is it easy to get them off? Thanks for the feedback.
Jarhead	posted 07-13-2003 05:09 PM ET (US) Pull two pins [one on each side] and off it comes. Very easy...
HAPPYJIM	posted 07-13-2003 05:12 PM ET (US) Just 2 little pins hold it on. Some tops may have 2 more for an extra set of legs that hold it place,upright, while running. I'm mounting mine on a 48 inch slide so I can position it any where along the slide.
HAPPYJIM	posted 07-13-2003 05:13 PM ET (US) slow typer!!
Marlin	posted 07-14-2003 12:35 PM ET (US) The factory bimini for the 160 Dauntless has, like the others have mentioned, 2 pins that hold the main poles into mounts on the gunwales. Quite literally, it takes about 30 seconds to remove the whole thing. 15 seconds if you have a helper. When raised, the bimini has an additional stainless pole on either side that you pin to another mount point forward, near the aft end of the bow rail (if you have one). This keeps the bimini nice and rigid whether or not it's open. A pair of straps from the forward edge of the bimini converge in a "V" to the top of the console rail for side-to-side stability, and another pair of straps from the aft edge run back to mount points just inside the gunwale near the aft seats to hold it open (the clips tend to rattle there). Some catalog photos, including the 2003 catalog, show the rigid supports on the aft side of the bimini, but that's not how they're shipping these days. When lowered, the bimini goes aft and essentially blocks the aft quarter seats. It also makes it difficult to raise the outboard all the way. It doesn't fit well forward because of the bow rail; I don't know how well that might work on a fishing package boat without the bow rail. Overall, I think you're right about wanting to remove it if you don't plan to use it. I can't compare the quality to a Mills top (since I've never had a Mills top), but the factory top seems quite nice with careful stitching and stainless fittings. No complaints here. -Bob
andygere	posted 07-14-2003 01:26 PM ET (US) My dad has a Mills bimini on his 1999 Dauntless 16, and I wouldn't consider buying anything else. The "Whaler OEM" bimini is not made by Mills, although many Whaler dealers still order and equip these boats with Mills products. Removal of the top takes less than a minute as described above. The Mills is set in tracks, so when stored down it can rest on the rails above the stern seatbacks. When towing, it slides forward to allow full tilt of the motor.