Bimini Strap Hooks

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 509 Photos: Thistle

We bought an inexpensive aluminum Bimini complete with junky plastic fittings from Carver. It is tall enough for me and nice to look at. We think it will serve us well for a period of time.

We're in the middle of the install right now and can't decide where to put the front strap receivers. While there are many possibilities for the rear strap the front strap, and where they're mounted, might affect the flow of daily boat tasks if they're locations are not well thought out.

We looked through the photos section of this site and didn't notice much on other members boats.

Where do you recommend we put them?

ssobol · Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 2:41 pm Post subject:

My 22 has them low down on the exterior of the aft cabin bulkhead. If you board at the side from a dock with the bimini up, you have to mind the strap.

thataway · Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 4:07 pm Post subject:

Depending on the height, the cabin top can work well. Some Bimini use the straight SS tubing to the fitting on gunnel deck Which may leave enough space to board the boat.

Tom Hruby · Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 4:39 pm Post subject:

I would suggest attaching a large carabiner or clip on the end and then clip the straps to the end of the handrail on the boat top. That way the strap will not be in the way of getting in and out. That is what I did on my earlier boats (26' St Pierre Dories). As you probably know, the custom canopies made for the C-Dories have a zipper attachment at the front end, so don't have a front strap.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 509 Photos: Thistle

Some photos on Facebook. Came out nice.

thataway · Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 1:39 pm Post subject:

Don, it is hard for us to pull up photos from a C Dory owners group (Apparently there are 4 different C Dory oriented facebook sites). I did find your photos. I would not continue the straps to the stern tow eye. Put a proper eye into the deck aft. It will save you a lot of problems down the line. I hope what you posted is just a temporary "fix". It looks decent for an off the shelf product--the green is very close to the C Dory green.

Tom Hruby · Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 3:27 pm Post subject:

I agree with Dr. Bob. Attaching the strap to the towing eye could create a real emergency if you are out on the water and need to take the top down fast. Leaning over the stern to unhook the strap would be difficult in a heavy sea. If you are uncomfortable drilling holes in the top in case of leaks, the custom tops made for C-Dories have the eyes for attachments on the vertical part of the aft cockpit bulkhead.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 509 Photos: Thistle

Yes we wanted to use it for a while until we can agree on a proper place to put the eye. You see we bought this cheap but very big bimini knowing we'd want all the shade we could muster.

When we tried a few places that were inboard further we noticed that the top wobbled more and went crooked. I will probably place the new eyes aft of the rear cleats and ever so slightly inboard of the cleats. We were looking to for a spot with no core but that is very limited back there.

Before we go drilling more we want to see if it feels good and agreeable and then we'll finish it up right.

I've been almost housebound since April with a hitch in my git-along. Surgery is next week and I can't wait. Lots to do.

thataway · Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 5:38 pm Post subject:

Dan, that sounds like knee or hip surgery. I hope that is not the case, since rehab will set back the C Dory work considerably. But if it needs to. be done, so it must be. Marie had both knees and they work very well. Did better on the boat since then. We. have friends who had hips done, same outlook.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 509 Photos: Thistle

It's multiple stuff, internal stuff. a bad knee and some kidney stuff and diabetes that I'm finally facing. Starting to feel better but trying to put knee off until fall.
The boat will be there. I am hoping to be at the Northern Chesapeake AGLCA Rendezvous next weekend. I'll be the guy in the camp chair, but I'll be there, no boat, but its home waters and I'll enjoy meeting folks.

thataway · Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 6:50 pm Post subject:

Good. Your health is far more important than the boat...although I wonder what my mental health would be without the boat! Smile

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 509 Photos: Thistle

ssobol · Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 8:59 am Post subject:

The fittings for my rear bimini straps are screwed into the flat panels in the rear of the cockpit that cover the fuel tanks. You just have to make sure that the screws are not too long.