Cobalt 262 Bimini top question

[Southbound]

Cobalt brethren

I could use your help once again. Last weekend I was on the lake and ended up in a small rain storm. Obviously in an effort to beat the storm I got caught in some strong winds which played havoc on my Bimini top. Essentially the wind was strong enough to bend the clips on the front strap and ended up pulling the front support poles out of the sleeves / mounting brackets. Luckily nobody was hurt nor was the boat damaged however I need to figure out how to repair the supporting poles in the front. Note: I was able to fix the clips on the strap (kind of weak looking) so will modify a bit but I am confused on the mounting sleeve that holds the front support poles. From the pics it appears the poles are riveted in ....which is odd to me. So was wondering if anyone has modified or simply replaced with new rivets and / or bolts ? You can tell where the bracket snapped back into the other pole which left a nice dent. I will most likely replace the entire pole. Hopefully the pics will illustrate my issue. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Southbound

[kjthelen]

Been there and done that a time or too...

If you can take the frame apart and take the bent item to a local fabricator in you area they will likely be able to help you with the stainless steel replacement. I used Google to find one in the Milford Ioaw Area and he could even bend the tubing for me to meet the exact duplicate from the other side of the bimini that wasnt damaged. This save me some cash. as thefull replacement cost was nearly $1500.00 for a new one. And this all happened to a buddys boat. I was so lucky to find a local fabricator but they are out there so go searching and your likely to be suprised on what you will find.

[JTinMO]

You can buy the Tubing and ends (if needed) at Sailrite.com if you can't find locally. You buy by the foot and can cut it yourself. Rivet the ends on and you will be in business.

You can likely re-use the existing pole ends. Just drill out the rivet and you will be good.

[AsLan7]

You can buy the Tubing and ends (if needed) at Sailrite.com if you can't find locally. You buy by the foot and can cut it yourself. Rivet the ends on and you will be in business.

You can likely re-use the existing pole ends. Just drill out the rivet and you will be good.

+1

...and yes, you can rivet using a simple rivet gun.

Sailrite had the tubing ends here I believe. May not even need to rivet as they have an allen-wrench screw to help secure.
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[Southbound]

Thanks everyone for the responses .......this helps a ton. I have already ordered some stainless rivets and hope to have it repaired this weekend. I will keep everyone posted.

Southbound

[Fwpretz]

I had a good experience with the customer service team at Sailrite.com I sent them a picture of the mounting hardware that I am looking to duplicate after ended up in the lake. They walked me through the parts I will need to recreate this part for my 92 222. Well satisfied.

[AsLan7]

I had a good experience with the customer service team at Sailrite.com I sent them a picture of the mounting hardware that I am looking to duplicate after ended up in the lake. They walked me through the parts I will need to recreate this part for my 92 222. Well satisfied.

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Hey fwp. So glad you found us!

Thanks for the sailrite info.

Any pics of your 222?

And welcome aboard mate!


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