204 R4 Premium Bimini Top Tips

[dennison17]

Just got a new 2024 R4 with the Premium Bimini Top. This is the model that has the sliding frame that is great when raising / retracting.

Question: does anyone have any ingenious tips as to getting the top up? Even if I have the adjustable arms as long as possible, it is a bear to snap the front arms into the small receptacles on either side of the boat. I talked with our dealer and he advises to put the top up with two burly adults, but that's not always an option for me.

(Do they make slightly longer front arms? Will the canvas stretch after many uses and make the process easier?)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Bud Dennison
Seattle

[billk2632]

I also have the premium bimini on my R5 - mine is easy to get the front poles snapped in - yes the canvas will stretch some over time. Mine is the older style that does not have the slide to fold it down -- is there any adjustment in the slide mechanism?

[dennison17]

Thanks billk2632...
There really is no "adjustment" on the slide mechanism. Yes, it slides, but you have to have the slide all the forward in the "up" position to even get close to having the front clips snap into the recepticle.

[Titaniumboy]

Pictures would be useful…

[Tuscany]

It shouldn’t be that hard.
My wife puts up our bimini when needed without issue. Maybe spray silicone into the hull mounts for easy snap in.

[jhnmdahl]

It shouldn’t be that hard.
My wife puts up our bimini when needed without issue. Maybe spray silicone into the hull mounts for easy snap in.

This was my thinking too. Getting the poles in position isn't all that hard, but operating the retaining mechanisms on my boat can be a bear if they're not lubed up now and then.

[BumperBill]

Hey Bud! Congrats on your new R4 with the Premium Bimini Top, that sliding frame sounds awesome. Have you tried slightly lubricating the receptacles to make it easier to snap the front arms into place? It might help with the resistance. As for longer front arms or the canvas stretching over time, those could be solutions worth exploring too that might make the process smoother. Have you considered reaching out to the manufacturer directly to see if they have any recommendations or alternative solutions? Hopefully, you find a strategy that works best for you! Have you had any luck with making adjustments to ease the process?