On Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:46:38 -0800, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"John H" wrote in message
.. .
On Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:49:35 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


wrote in message
...

Mayeb you're worrying about a problem that doesn't exist. Biminis
have been made this way for years. Practically all the ones I've seen
just have wood style screws going into the fiberglass. No bolts, no
backing plates. Can't say I've ever seen one that was torn out unless
the owner ran the bimini into something. Mine is built and installed
that way and I've had it for 13 years. I ran it into the garage door
once after forgetting to put it down and it mangled the tubes up but
did nothing to the mounts.

============================

I've seen them torn out, but it's usually during a heavy storm with high
winds and the boat owner left the boat in a slip with the Bimini up. A
couple of years ago I was on my boat in the slip during a Nor'easter. I
noticed that a large boat equipped with a Bimini (not a full enclosure)
across from me was getting the topside upper station beaten to pieces by
the
end of one of the stainless supports and mounting bracket that had been
torn
out by the wind and was being whipped around. I couldn't stand watching
it, so I put on the foul weather gear, went over with a screwdriver,
lowered
the Bimini and tied it up. My boat (and past boats) have full enclosures
and during a storm I made sure all the Isinglass windows were zippered up
closed. If one was left open the wind would try to catch the top like a
sail.

Eisboch

I don't leave the bimini up if I'm going more than 'no wake' speed. But,
often the boat rocks at anchor or even when going slow, if the wind is
strong enough.

You've talked me out of the 'ball and socket' arrangement I was thinking
of. I'll try through bolting after getting the rod holders out. If that
doesn't work, bungee cords will have to do.

Bungee stretch. There purpose in life. Get some adjustable straps and
strap them to the gunnels. My back straps are that way to keep the top
tight. My top snaps to the top of the windshield so not a lot of side
movement.


My bimini is much like this one, with brackets fore and aft, and straps in
addition.

http://www.computerpros.us/ebayimage...BiminiTop2.JPG

The only movement I get is a side to side swaying. A little swaying is OK,
as long as it doesn't stress the brackets too much. There is enough play in
the brackets that a little sway doesn't hurt.

Bungees stretch, but they will greatly reduce the amount of sway. If you
mean going from the top of the bimini to the opposite side gunwale, that's
too much interference with walking.