Getting close to ordering one, I will have tons of questions, when I get ready to drill my first hole in my boat. But for now I have a question on about sealing the hole. I was thinking sealing the holes with 3M 4000, is this sufficient or should I use something else or is it not required?
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My son thinks his name is "Cute as a button"
Scott L
Admiral
Registered: 01/09/03
Posts: 3733
Loc: NJ
OH -
Just a suggestion, but I found having the rear poles instead of the rear straps very usefull. It allows for trailering and lets you set it in the " radar " position so you can run over 25 mph in stead of taking it down all the time.
I also spent a few $ for quick release mounts - JMHO but well worth the money for the convience.
I have a 6ft. top on my 18ft. boat and it works great. The shade coverage is dependent on the angle of the sun. The higher the top the more the sun will shine through the sides. I suggest getting the lowest top you can comfortably move under (not just walk, but move around with fishing poles or skis.). The ends that came with my top from GMI are removable for cutting the poles to the size you need. They just slide back on to cover the cut edge.
Do you have any close-up pictures of your top? It looks like that would work perfect on my boat. The cover I currently have is a PITA and way to low. I am mostly interested in the mounting system in the front and back I like the ones that have rods vice straps in the back.
Thanks
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07 Stingray 195 FX, V/P 4.3L carb, SX 07 Toyota Sequoia Ltd 06 Old Town Guide 147 NCLakes.net
OH, GMI Top Design in Canada had the best price. I got the rear poles and all stainless hardware. I wish I sprung for stainless poles- they prob are more rigid at high speeds. I have an eight foot top and my boat is 21' 4" bow to stern. Maybe with the dollar's drop in value GMI won't be as competitive. Their service was great.
My GMI has been great. Got upgraded to all stainless hardware even though I only asked for stainless pole hardware. I've had it for 3 summers with lots of use, it still looks practically new.
GMI
GMI
GMI
You've gotta do the assembly and install yourself, but it's really not that hard. Just measure a bunch of times before you drill. I rigged up a 2x4 to attach the mounting brackets to so we could test fit the top to determine final placement.
#371586 - 01/16/0807:34 PMRe: Bimini Top
[Re: On Holiday]
Scott L
Admiral
Registered: 01/09/03
Posts: 3733
Loc: NJ
Originally Posted By: On Holiday
Thanks for the heads up on the quick release and helping me spend more of my money. .
I've been accused more than one of getting enjoyment out of spending OPM BTW did I mention you would enjoy you Bimini much more if it were constructed of stainless steel vs. aluminum
Do you have any close-up pictures of your top? It looks like that would work perfect on my boat. The cover I currently have is a PITA and way to low. I am mostly interested in the mounting system in the front and back I like the ones that have rods vice straps in the back.
The rear poles are available for any bimini top. they are used instead of the backstraps.
You can see where they are mounted in this picture.
The front straps just clip on to small "Pad eyes" in the front.
On Holiday did you get my PM?
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"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
Registered: 02/19/03
Posts: 2249
Loc: Round Rock, TX
Originally Posted By: Scott L
OH -
Just a suggestion, but I found having the rear poles instead of the rear straps very usefull. It allows for trailering and lets you set it in the " radar " position so you can run over 25 mph in stead of taking it down all the time.
I also spent a few $ for quick release mounts - JMHO but well worth the money for the convience.
I put these on the Supra when I put the bimini on it. They were worth it and made it so easy to put on and take off the top. Also, when you don't have the top on, you can accidentally sit on them on not rip you suit or arse open!!!
You won't be sorry.
Drilling hole for the bimini are a breeze. It's the below water line holes that are really un-nerving!!!
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1999 Four Winns 258 Vista Cruiser 1999 Chevy C3500 Crew Cab
Scott, I like the idea of stainless as well but for the type of boating that I do, aluminum should be more than adequate. If I was in salt water then it would be a no brainer but since we boat fresh water, I would like to save some money and use aluminum.
I notice that many of the hooks, as shown in tglee posts, come only in stainless (at least where I am looking). That is fine since other deck accessories (i.e. cleats)are stainless.
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My son thinks his name is "Cute as a button"
"
BTW did I mention you would enjoy you Bimini much more if it were constructed of stainless steel vs. aluminum 
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