Highway Towing With Bimini In Place

[PNW_Wesley]

Installing and removing the bimini each time we go out is more work than I would like, especially when I’m single-handed. Having it in place reduces the amount of rain falling into the aft cockpit while we are enjoying the winter on the river.

I would like to safely tow on the highway with the bimini frame in place, with the canvas wrapped around the horizontal poles. I do not have a “boot” to wrap the canvas in, but I could use multiple straps to keep it bundled.

The bimini frame attaches to the boat in 4 places.

I am concerned that the wind loading and vibration could stress or damage the attaching hardware or the boat.

Is towing with the bimini stowed in this manner feasible and safe?



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[ssobol]

When towing my boat, the bimini is collapsed and in a boot. The whole bundled bimini is tilted forward and rests on the back edge of the cabin roof. There are straps that attach the bimini bundle to the roof hand rails.

Never had any problems towing it this way.

[RobMcClain]

I tow using the same technique describe by ssobol. I use bungee straps around the boot and clipped to the cabin top handrails that keep it in place against the cabin top. We’ve towed many thousands of miles with never any sort of issue, nor any sign of wear and tear on the bimini boot, the bimini itself, or frame structure.

[colbysmith]

Same here towing my boat. Bimini wrapped around the frame, with a boot, and layed forward against the roof with straps to hold it in place. For short distances I'll tow it in the aft position. Very short distances. Colby

[thataway]

For long distances and storage I keep the Bimini off the frame. Frame up and bows folded back. I have seen some damage to boot and to Bimini wrapped around the frame and securely tied with long tows. The issue with long tows is that you can have high winds, plus the tow vehicle speed. Or heavy crosswinds. I have had these even unwrap motor home awnings, which were in housings.

If the Bimini is just wrapped with ties or bungee cords, there are some edges of the fabric which may have not been turned over and finished, or bare hot knifed edges. These will fray. Occasionally there can be damage to thread and chafe when wrapped tightly around the frame with ties etc.

I may tow short distances with the Bimini on the frame.

I much prefer a cockpit slant back to keep the cockpit covered when not in use.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

[colbysmith]

[jkidd]

When I brought mine home from Seattle it was in the boot in the rear position it had beat holes all over in it. The factory made me new canvas as it was destroyed. I would says as fast as the boat can travel on water your ok. Otherwise I remove my canvas when traveling. I leave the frames in the rear position and cross brace with ropes.

[Foggy]

Ever see a sailbote roller furled, or other, genoa canvas unfurl and/or flog in a
blow? Not pretty, destructive and dangerous to manage, even at a dock.

Intentionally exposing any unsecured or poorly secured flat canvas to winds at
hwy speeds seems unwise, probably neglectful.

I know. I know. You can do what you want. Realize your actions, Captain, reflect
on the rest of us.

Aye.
Grandpa used to say, "No man is an island."

[outbackbill]

When our Bimini was first installed in Florida I followed the advice of the builder and what I had read here and booted it against the cabin top. We then headed to the Great Lakes and when we opened it for the first time we found two small holes and several worn areas where it had rubbed against one of the center cross bars. Since then we remove it and store it in the cabin if we will be traveling at highway speed for any amount of time. We leave the frame in the rear position and bungee it. After nearly 165000 miles of trailering my first mate has become very proficient at putting it up. When we launch the boat she usually has it up within 15 minutes of leaving the ramp.

Bill

[Foggy]

Chafe is a well known enemy on a boat. It often occurs silently until the damage is
done. The failure can be dramatic but doesn't have to be - like seeing holes in
your bimini canvas when you unroll it.

A dramatic failure I heard in the middle of the night somewhere in the Atlantic. It
seems the port #4 jib 3/4" dacron sheet chafed on some deck hardware. When it
let go, the sound was like a rifle shot. It had been under considerable tension
which caused the proximal free end to snap back thru a fairlead with such speed
and violence the dacron partially melted and jammed in the lead. We had to chisel
it out with a large screw driver and hammer.

The sea is a terrible teacher. First you get the test. If you survive it, the lesson
follows later.

Aye.

[hardee]

[Foggy]

Harvey, it was meant for you.
Make it yours.

Aye.

[hardee]

[Foggy]

By Jove, you've got it.

Aye.