Front Powered Bimini on 22RTFB

[SEMPERFI8387]

So how’d you get the port wire to the starboard helm power/switch??

 

[jackpita]

There is a wire bundle conduit going from the port side to the starboard side under the deck. Easy access to snake the wire.

 

[DVW]

I will add a comment on power Bimini wiring. When I added the electric actuators to the top of the boat up north I choose to have equal length wire running from the switch to each actuator. I did this to insure equal current flow to each actuator. The extra length of wire running to the starboard side was coiled under the console. When I got my new Bennington last summer I noticed they did the same thing. On a side note when I examined other boats to get circuit breaker size for the boat up north I noted that a 4 amp breaker was used. My new boat in the cities came with a 6 amp breaker. In my case both tops operate just fine but I wonder if this is why some folks report circuit breaker issues.

 

[lakeman]

Installed a front SureShade Power Pontoon Bimini Top on my 2021 22RTFB (https://store.lci1.com/sureshade-power-bimini-power-bimini.html), with rear factory powered bimini already installed. Mounted the bimini facing forward. Some pictures on the web have it mounted backwards that has the bimini in the arch position slanting to the bow of the boat. I think mounting in normally with the arch slanting aft, like the rear bimini (see pictures) looks better. Also installed the 36" support arms to support the bimini when in the arch position (https://store.lci1.com/sureshade-sport-arms-for-power-bimini-36in-silver-2020134627.html). Install fairly easy. Routing the wires through the railing and into the helm was the most time consuming. Spliced the positive and negative leads into the same wire that powers the rear bimini. The kit comes with a remote and a wireless controller which mounts under the helm. The controller also has a small toggle switch that controls the Bimini should the remote fail. Next projects will be to add front straps for higher speeds (20 mph max speed without front straps), and to replace one of the spare switches on the helm with a 3 position switch to control the bimini. Very pleased with the results.

I like this idea and after getting a quote from Bennington for a factory front Bimini add on I really like it, so I have ordered one from West Maine and will post after I receive it and install it.