Installing a Diagonal Support Strut on a Bimini

In this video we will install a diagonal rigid support strut on a bimini which will provide rigidity to our bimini from side to side. Sailrite sells the items required to make your own rigid support strut or you can purchase a kit complete with all the hardware required.
ITEMS USED IN THIS VIDEO TO INSTALL DIAGONAL RIGID SUPPORT STRUT:
Tubing Stainless Steel 1" (3 Feet) - Item # 121113
Eye End Stainless Steel 1" - Item # 42101 (2 each)
Hinged Jaw Slide Stainless Steel for 1" Tubing - Item # 110165
Flat Mount Plate Stainless Steel 7/8" & 1" - Item # 42103
Rivet Stainless Steel (for Marine Fittings) - Item # 121165
Select a rigid support strut kit at this link: www.sailrite.com/All-Hardware/...

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe6724]

On mine i used a tie down eye on center of railing with 2 adjustable straps going up to each corner of top making it alot cheaper and easier to fold top down.

[@scottdowney4318]

Good idea bending the tang end. I found that those set screws do not reliably hold the tube ends in. Wind storms blow them apart, my 10 foot frame, I have come back thrice after storms to see it fallen apart and collapsed. My fix is drill a hole through the SS tubing, and run a SS machine screw 1/4 -28 fine thread 1" long to lock the tubing to the eyes. Those ends all use the same sized thread. So far I have replaced 10 set screws with bolts. Since then nothing can blow it apart, now next thing is wind could rip the screws out of the base plates I suppose! I put front side braces on each side and tubing not straps for the front. All my side base mounting plates are large heavy duty with 4 screws used. I left the back as rope so I can fold it forward.

[@jardel7051]

boa tarde gostaria de poder saber como se faz o calculo para fazer binimi top ( toldo ) perfeito ....... obrigado

[@karensmoderator6436]

So when the bimini is lowered, the diagonal support must be disengaged entirely? What happens to the support pole when the top is collapsed, does it extend beyond the rails?

[@SailriteDIY]

When the front webbing straps are released and the forward and intermediate (center bow) is pushed back upon the primary (back bow) the bimimi is collapsed. None of the rigid support poles to the sides or the diagonal rigid support strut are released, it is not required. To see an example of this watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fprXY32plJVjldk