Bimini Top Pole instead of Strap

[Aantley]

Has anyone changes the front straps on Bimini top to a pole setup? Pics? Cost?

[Dudley67]

Saw that on Facebook, I never heard the cost or parts needed.. It’s on my list once I pick up the Factory Bimini I bought.

Will fins out by the end of the month.

[sailor55330]

The poles will definitely be more sturdy. I am thinking it will involve cutting the bimini top support as the bimini poles have a certain type of clip that I believe is part of the frame... Going strictly from memory I think you would have to cut the bimini support and then insert the pole clip (kind of like a PVC junction). Maybe it is a wrap around piece, but I don't think so.

On a different note, has anyone ever dropped one of the bimini poles? I haven't, but I worry about it.

[JTinMO]

I didn't know that any came with straps. My Bimini on our 232 has adjustable stainless poles for the front. They work great. Pics attached in case you need to visualize the setup. Looks like standard bimini hardware. Top clips into a pin clip setup, and the bottom into one of the quick release mounts on the hull like the other bimini mounts. The bar has threads on both ends and a section of the pole is milled to have grip so you twist the pole once clipped in to adjust tension.

And yes, on our last boat I dropped a anti-sway pole for the bimini in Lake of the Ozarks. In about 50 feet deep water. She's gone. I just stood there and could only laugh. Cost me about $200 to get a custom pole made to replace that one.

[Dudley67]

So for an update, I have inquired on the availability of the 232/242/262 front support poles, they are not available. The quick release mount is. So I am inquiring on the style of front poles that are used on the current 200/220/CS22/CS23 series.