On Thu, 10 Aug 2006 18:53:17 +0000 (UTC), (Bob) wrote:

: Before you put in the screws for the hardware dab a little marine grade
: silicone in the drilled holes to keep water from getting below the gelcoat
: and into the coring on the gunwale.
:
: http://www.boatersworld.com/product/377540075msk.htm
:
: If the frame support hardware is installed on the gunwale you will only need
: to use the stainless steel screws provided.
:
:If it is wood coring, you might want to consider drilling the holes,
:"coating" the holes with epoxy, letting that dry, and slathering in some
:silicone. Then put in the screws or bolts.

I have never installed a bimini top but it seems that the screws would,
over time, loosen up or does the frame "float" a little on the mount
and not put a lot of strain on the mount (for example while the boat is
moving)? And what happens if those screws do loosen and the
gelcoat/wood core is "stripped" so the screws cannot be tightened back
up? I think I'd be tempted to install bolts with washers/nuts
underneath the gunwale to provide maximum strength and life, but that's
just me.

Agreed. There is no way I'd use a screw if I could use a bolt.

--
John H.

"Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it."
Rene Descartes