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Fastener for bimini top: how find replacement?

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Bill Watson

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I apologize in advance for using layman's terms for some of these items I'm describing. I'll try to attach a photo of the item.

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A black fastener that tightens a nut on one of the sliding H-brackets is stripped. This particular bracket supports the forward-most post for the bimini top and will no longer tighten. Thus it slides and the top is no longer well supported.


Two questions:
1. How do I remove the stripped hand tightener?
2. Where do I find a replacement part? Is a visit to my dealer necessary? I've searched the web with little success.
 
Can you get a set of vise grips on it ? Needle nose vise grips are available if the standard size is too large.
Parts , thats probably a generic part. A Bennington dealer, greatlakesskipper.com has some Bennington OEM parts or any other dealer in your area .
 
If you can't get vise grips on it as is , do you have access to a Dremmel ? You could cut off the black knob and then use the vise grips
 
Please clarify. Is the black knob loose on the bolt head that's visible in your picture?

If that's the case, can you get a nut driver or socket in the hole in the knob to get the bolt out?

If not, I would try applying super glue into the hole of the knob. This might secure the bolt enough to allow you to remove it.

You can probably get a replacement at any well stocked boat dealer or marine part store. Maybe a good hardware or woodworking store. It's a standard part.

Let us know
 
In another post OP stated his Bennington is one year old . I suggested to talk to his dealer in his 2nd post.
 
Jack M said:
Can you get a set of vise grips on it ? Needle nose vise grips are available if the standard size is too large.
Parts , thats probably a generic part. A Bennington dealer, greatlakesskipper.com has some Bennington OEM parts or any other dealer in your area .
Click to expand...
Thank you, Jack!
 
GarySWI said:
Please clarify. Is the black knob loose on the bolt head that's visible in your picture?

If that's the case, can you get a nut driver or socket in the hole in the knob to get the bolt out?

If not, I would try applying super glue into the hole of the knob. This might secure the bolt enough to allow you to remove it.

You can probably get a replacement at any well stocked boat dealer or marine part store. Maybe a good hardware or woodworking store. It's a standard part.

Let us know
Click to expand...
The black knob encases a nut on the end of a bolt. Unfortunately, it is stripped so no longer grips the nut. I'll probably need to cut the knob off then remove the nut with a socket wrench.

Thank you!
 
Thank you, friends, for your educational advice. This is a great discussion forum--maybe in a few years I'll be able to offer useful advice!

Follow up:
1. The dealer gave me a new bolt/plastic fastener for the foremost post of the bimini top. Nice! I'll remove the old one and replace it with the new.
2. In regards to the torn cover: the dealer says it's under warranty and asks that I take a photo of it, send it to him and he'll get me a new cover.

Thanks again for everyone's input, especially Jack M for recommending I contact the dealer early.
 
Excellent outcomes. I think when the boats are still under warranty, it is advisable to reach out to the dealership. It is a very good warranty, and one of the selling points for Bennington.

Like you, my mooring cover was replaced under warranty as it was starting to pull apart in a few pressure points, and thinning in some higher tension points. My boat is a 2017. Started noticing issues in 2022. Waited until 2025 when it became a protection concern with fraying and gaps developing.
 
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