Rigging Bimini Top 130 SUPER SPORT

[JayB]

I just bought a used 2020 130 SUPER SPORT boat. On this 130 SUPER SPORT the main support railings for the Bimini top have a bend about four-inches from the hinge bracket.

The previous owner was folding down the Bimini top and supporting it by rod holders, holding the top down with bungee cords. WIthout the bungie cords the stowed Bimini top would remain in the air, above the gunwales by a few inches. This causes the brackets {on the frame] to dig into the gunwale.

Q1: are the main railings for the Bimini top on a 130 SUPER SPORT supposed to have a bend in them about four-inches above the hinge fitting?

Q: if the Bimini top frame rails are NOT supposed to be bent about four-inches above the hinge fitting, how did the rails on my boat get bent identically on both sides?

See Figures 1 and 2 below.

Fig. 1. Bend in the Bimini top frame rail.

20230813_162656 small 2.jpg (19.05 KiB) Viewed 2178 times

Fig. 2. Home-brew rest constructed to hold frame rails of Bimini top in the air above a rod holder.

20230813_162705 small.jpg (66.7 KiB) Viewed 2178 times

--Jay

[jimh]

As seen in Figure 1, I think you have installed the Bimini top incorrectly. You should flip over the top, so that the bend in the frame rail helps align the folded top frame rails parallel to the gunwale.

As seen in Figure 2, the method to support the top is certainly not something created by Boston Whaler. It looks like some sort of McGiver rigging done by the previous owner.

The real question here:

Q3: is the Bimini top an OEM accessory from Boston Whaler?

[PhilD]

Yes, the bends are normal. And yes, according to your pics, it's installed properly.