2025 M22 Bimini coming loose

[go2ldook]

Just got a M22 Tritoon and love it. However I am frustrated with the Bimini. Twice it has come loose while driving. We are lucky...so far has not significantly bent the frame. Never had issues with the bimini on my Vhull. Granted it was smaller, but the lack of forward security straps seems to make this an inevitable issue. I have searched online and this issue is mentioned in some old forums. Some point out the manual suggests limiting speed. Others say they have ignored speed recommendations and never had an issue.
The first time my son was going full speed...about 38-40 with my 200hp Yamaha. Today I was no faster than 30. Was a little windy, which was likely the other factor.

Is this just the way it is? Anyone tried installing forward security straps to allow higher cruising speeds? I don't have to air it out, but sucks to not be able to go 25-30 unless I put the top down.

 

[Pbakk]

My 2024 22SXSB with 150 motor and Power Curved Bimini came with straps. I don’t run it WOT with the top up because it seems like a kite catching the wind but definitely use it at 25mph with the straps. If I know it will be a slow cruise, I skip the straps.

 

[sunedog]

I pegged all 4 Bimini connection points. Drill holes through the bases so you can add a hitch pin at each base. The Bimini uprights cannot come loose unless you pull the pins. I'll look for pics and update when I find them.

 

[sunedog]

Not my pics but these show exactly what I am talking about.

 

[Jack M]

Just got a M22 Tritoon and love it. However I am frustrated with the Bimini. Twice it has come loose while driving. We are lucky...so far has not significantly bent the frame. Never had issues with the bimini on my Vhull. Granted it was smaller, but the lack of forward security straps seems to make this an inevitable issue. I have searched online and this issue is mentioned in some old forums. Some point out the manual suggests limiting speed. Others say they have ignored speed recommendations and never had an issue.
The first time my son was going full speed...about 38-40 with my 200hp Yamaha. Today I was no faster than 30. Was a little windy, which was likely the other factor.

Is this just the way it is? Anyone tried installing forward security straps to allow higher cruising speeds? I don't have to air it out, but sucks to not be able to go 25-30 unless I put the top down.

Have you mentioned this to your dealer ?

 

[Jack M]

I edited out the comment about a bad design and asked if he had spoke to his dealer .

 

[go2ldook]

I edited out the comment about a bad design and asked if he had spoke to his dealer .

I have not. I will mention it after seeing it happen again this weekend. The first time I just accepted it was going full speed, but if you are having to do quantum physics to calculate whether 2/3 speed is safe while factoring in wind speed, I think you are just stuck taking it down unless slow cruising.

I suspect they will simply point to the manual, which apparently warns against having it up above a certain speed (I have read 15-20 quoted in old forums...have not checked the manual yet).

 

[go2ldook]

I pegged all 4 Bimini connection points. Drill holes through the bases so you can add a hitch pin at each base. The Bimini uprights cannot come loose unless you pull the pins. I'll look for pics and update when I find them.

Good thought. And you have had no problems after doing this? Only issue I could imagine is a cross wind bending the frame I guess, but would have to be pretty strong.

 

[Jack M]

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[sunedog]

Good thought. And you have had no problems after doing this? Only issue I could imagine is a cross wind bending the frame I guess, but would have to be pretty strong.

No problems whatsoever. I'm really glad to have the pin security when we get caught trying to beat (or get out from under) a storm. That's when we're often hauling butt with the top up.

Just be careful drilling if you take this route. One of my holes drifted just a little and I nearly broke out of the bracket. Use a center punch and go slow with a sharp drill bit.

 

[go2ldook]

This was somewhat useful. I did not realize you lift tabs to release the connector. At my dealer they just described hitting the strut with the heel of you hand to release it.

None of this necessarily helpful for my issue though.

One question would be adjusting tension. The front strut allows you to adjust tension so the bimini top does not sag. A few minutes ago I tightened it perhaps too much. After a few minutes the front strut on one side just popped out spontaneously, just sitting there in my slip with minimal breeze. I loosened both sides and released some tension, and measured to make sure both were secured at the same spot.

The plastic tab doesn't really look bent or damaged, although on one side the jaws of the whole plastic connector are 1/16th inch wider apart than 2 of the others. The 4th one measures even narrower at 3/8" wide (vs the two at 1/2" and the one at 9/16th"). The point being that at some point, some have clearly bent slightly under stress and the "lock tab" itself becomes irrelevant.

 

[Jack M]

Take some pictures to your dealer, ( or email ) he can get you some new parts .

 

[go2ldook]

Not my pics but these show exactly what I am talking about.

View attachment 37851

View attachment 37850

Good idea, but my bracket is not as wide. Less room behind the connector for a pin hole. It would probably be ok. Drilled perfectly, a 1/4 inch pin would have 3/16" of metal behind it, but likely closer to 1/8" with some room for error.

Maybe I could cut a wooden shim that I could clamp in place behind it somehow. Might try that and post back what I come up with.

 

[LaurencetheAdventurer]

My Bimini instructions were clear on the 30mph limit. But then I got the Cable Stays and ZERO issues, a bit pricey but well worth it.

 

[go2ldook]

My Bimini instructions were clear on the 30mph limit. But then I got the Cable Stays and ZERO issues, a bit pricey but well worth it.

Will check my Bimini for that tag, lol. Certainly did not notice it, but possible I missed it. The first time we were definitely exceeding 30. The 2nd time we were at 30 or less, though it was windy.

My prior boat had cables forward of the bimini. I have to believe you can achieve that for well under $500...wow. I noticed pontoons at our marina with clearly aftermarket stay cords secured to the aluminum frames up front with metal loops. I think some combination of that and more security for the supports where they clamp in would be best. And no, I don't need to go over 30 with the bimini to, but at this point I don't trust it at 25.

A comment about manuals. I did flip through the manual, reading parts that I found important to my knowledge base. I also searched for some Bennington YouTube videos. They were hit or miss. But I did watch a few, especially looking for any tips I needed as a person going from a bow rider to a tritoon. My dealer warned me about tailoring differences, because of how the weight is higher up, and even being careful we had a brief disconcerting fish tail moment when I chose to pass someone. Yikes.

Maybe this exists, but would be nice if they had a new owner channel on YouTube with practical info. I dutifully watched the DVD that came with my boat, made sometime in the 90s based on how the gee whiz family was dressed, and it was really not helpful. I usually do try to dive deeper than "Quick Start Guides" with anything I purchase.

My Bennington manual briefly mentions that some models come with Biminis, that they should not be up at high speeds, and describes making sure the front strap is secure (which my bimini does not have). So semi helpful at best.

 

[sunedog]

Good idea, but my bracket is not as wide. Less room behind the connector for a pin hole. It would probably be ok. Drilled perfectly, a 1/4 inch pin would have 3/16" of metal behind it, but likely closer to 1/8" with some room for error.

Maybe I could cut a wooden shim that I could clamp in place behind it somehow. Might try that and post back what I come up with.

Yea, my brackets are not that wide either. Mine are about as wide as yours. That's why one of my holes nearly broke out. But I'll do it again without hesitation on my next boat.

I realize cables are a different solution. I like the pins better. No cables to get in the way, super easy to put in and take out (we store them in the cup holder on the top of the helm), and they are really secure in a storm. And I've been through some wicked storms. Not to mention they are cheap.