Ideas needed

[Mac_Attack]

Here is a photo of my boat's set up. What I'd like to do is be able to roll the bimini forward while fishing but have some type of support for it. I'm working on an idea using pvc pipe hooked on windshield to support bimini. What are your ideas? Thanks Bill Mc ;D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Machockey/P1010008.jpg

[macojoe]

Zebra just showed us a great Idea !! I want to do mine also!!

http://syncboard.com/albums/Boat-Tackle-Box/V20_4.jpg

No front straps needed!!

[reelapeelin]

Mac, I think you're on the right track w/ the PVC pipe...it'll need some good support to hold it off the windshield...you did say "when fishin'', so I assume when runnin' you'll have it deployed or stored as shown... :)...

Tops are a pain in the balls...till you need 'em ...

[Mac_Attack]

I like the Idea of the top being forward all the time, but if I did that to mine then the wind shield would be the total support for the bimini. I think that with the movementof the frame while underway it may be detrimental to the windshield. This support would only be used while fishing, underway it would go back to the positiion shown. Bill Mc ;D

[Crusher]

Mac, look in my galley I can run mine set up like yours is now or early in the bluefish season I run it foward like your asking. In the foward position it is about 18' above the windshild so as not to interfear with going foward with window open. If I redo it I would take the front support bars just inside the windshield (are now on w/S moulding at top) to flat of dash for better support. Crusher

[macojoe]

so you would go from the pole to dash, instead of windshield? So like a 3 foot pole on eaither side?

I was just talking to CB and I am going to do this to mine, just want to do it right the first time.

[Stinky_Hooker]

I have mine done the way you are talking, but its a CC so its a little different. I went into one of the front rod holders on each side.

http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/Photo_060306_003.jpg

[willy]

Smart man that Stinky fellow.
Stink you might have to buy some aluminum pipe and get some welding gear to finish that puppy up with a hard top :D

[Crusher]

Macojoe, I have had mine that way for two years but after the early blue fish run I run full canvas because most of my return trips from the reefs is into a strong S-SE wind and I hate all that saltwater in my face. Mac has all the right poles all he needs is two poles and brackets for the front. My two rear poles are adjustable the front are fixed. I think going inside the windshild would bee stronger if you would be running most of the time with it forward, may be able to use adjustable rods there to. Hope you get that motor going soon being off the water in prime fishing time sucks! Crusher

[Mac_Attack]

When I get well enough to get into my boat, I will turn my bimini 180 degrees and see how my current poles would work going to the dash just inside the wind shield. I would not mind this position for all running conditions. Tops are a pain but when staying out all day my irish skin needs to be covered. Bill Mc ;D

[Stinky_Hooker]

Smart man that Stinky fellow.
Stink you might have to buy some aluminum pipe and get some welding gear to finish that puppy up with a hard top :D



Its in the works!!! My dad just got a new MIG that welds aluminum with gas. I am collecting materials as I can and I plan on doing a t-top this winter or ASAP. 8)

[racerx]

hmmmm.... what kind of beer does ur dad drink?

[Bygracealone]

Racer, check your PM's when you get a moment.

Thanks buddy...

[Mac_Attack]

I've got nothing but free time and my mind is working. I need to know the thickness of the windshield's frame. My boat is at my in laws cottage could someone measure theirs and post it here? Thanks Bill Mc ;D

[macojoe]

Mine (1978) is 3/4 on the top of the windshield.


I think I will go to the dash, but because of the fishing I do I will stay with the straps on the rear of the top. Thios way when there is 3 or 4 of us drift fishing there will be no poles in the way.

[Mac_Attack]

MJ I would prefer it that way also, but I believe my frame work spreads out as you go up from the base. I don't know if those support would have to be bent with a small S shape. I got all this free time but have a bum foot and a boat that's 55 miles away. Bill Mc ;D

Thanks for the measurement!

[Zebra]

Billy, Look at this top. I think the windshield would be fine, if you put your boot cover on and lean it forward should be fine. I've talked to champion sailmakers good people. This top looks like its got patio cover off back. Dont know how it stores.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/Zaff/V20_2.jpg

[Zebra]

another pic

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/Zaff/V20_3.jpg

[Zebra]

They say that the sway bar is the key, they use this design on big fly bridges and with the sway bar there is no movement in the Bimin top. Without the swaybar they said the holes in the windshield frame got larger from the pull and movement

[Zebra]

Well i like it. The heck with the rest of ya.

Who needs another beer.

[macojoe]

If you come downn the inside of the windshield tothe dash, the windshield will be the anti sway.

I like it!! If I keep my boat I will do it!!

[Mac_Attack]

Zebra that is a great looking top and inclosure. Did you talk to people that made it? Did they give you a cost? The sway bar is a great idea. Thanks for your inputs Bill Mc ;D

[Blue_Runner]

Sway is minimal on my top with full enclosure on. Never had any problems.

If I put the top on it stays in the up position. Otherwise, I don't have it on the boat.

I'm sure I'll need it one of these days when its sittin at the house ::)

[Zebra]

Billy Mc.

I did talk to them, they built it for a lady who works there in the office. He said no problem to copy his design. I think the sway bar will help when its folded forward. Didnt ask how much... Looks like alotta $.

I put those straps on the front curtain on each open. Nice to open one and have it held up with those straps.

[Mac_Attack]

Zebra how'd you know Billy Mc is what they call me at work? Billy Mc ;D

[TheTinMan]

Mac, need a tach for your Force? I'm picking up my new tach today and have no need for it....yours if you want it.

[Zebra]

Dunno, I said i outloud and it just sounded right.

Billy Mac is what i was thinking, can we change your name.

[Blue_Runner]

Mac, I've thought that too! Don't know if I've said it out loud before though!

[Mac_Attack]

Tin mine is working fine. If something happens to my Force I'd like to get an Evinrude E-tec. As far as my name,Billy Mac would work. Mac Attack is what I use on the marine radio. Billy Mac rhymes with Chilli Mac the frozen food man. My friend Tony started calling me that about 38 years ago when we were working at Kroger Super Market. Billy Mac ;D