FOUR BOW BIMINI TOP ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Our tops come to you partially assembled to greatly simplify the complexity of setup and reduce the time required to erect on your boat. This job is best accomplished with two people.
BOX CONTAINS:
4 - Center Bows (slightly curved bows)
2 - "A" Bow Assembly (longest bow with (1) bend)
4 - "C" Bow Assembly (shortest bow with (1) bend)
2 - "B" Bow Assembly (long bow with (2) bends)
1 - Bimini Canvas Assembly
1 - Bimini Top Boot (optional with marine vinyl tops)
4 - Adjustable Bow Straps (loop on each end)
4 - Adjustable Tie Down Straps (loop on one end, snap on other)
1 - Hardware Bag Assembly containing:
HARDWARE BAG ASSEMBLY CONTAINS:
8 - 5/8" phillips head stainless steel screws
4 - 3/4" phillips head self-tapping stainless steel screws.
4 - Eye Straps (black)
2 - Horizontal Deck Mounts
2 - Vertical Deck Mounts
6 - 7/8" Jaw Slides
8 - Snap buttons
Tools Required:
-#2 Phillips head screwdriver. -Flat Head screwdriver. -Drill
NOTE: The hardware mounting kit comes with both vertical and horizontal deck mounts. The type of hinge you choose depends on the kind of boat your mounting it on. (You should have 2 parts left over.)
PART 1: ASSEMBLING THE FRAME
Step 1 "A" bow to "C" bow assembly:
a) Slide (1) jaw slide over the end of one "A" bow and slide it approximately two thirds of the way to
the bend. DO NOT tighten the set screw yet!
b) With the "A" bow laying flat, as shown below, orient the jaw slide facing upward.
c) Connect a "C" bow to the jaw slide, placing the eye end from the "C" bow into the jaw slide then reinserting the screw into the jaw slide. Secure the screw but do not over tighten.
d) Align the bend in the "C" bow with the bend in the "A" bow and secure the jaw slide by tightening
the set screw on the back of the jaw slide.
e) Slide another jaw slide onto the "A" bow, orient the jaw slide facing upward (same as for "C" bow)
and secure it approximately 2" from the end of the "A" bow.
f) Repeat the previous actions a) - e) for the other "A" and "C" bow.
Remember to have the bend facing in the opposite direction as the bows you just assembled. (If the first set you assembled had the bend facing left, assemble the second pair of bows facing right.)
Step 2: "B" bow to "C" bow assembly:
a) Slide (1) jaw slide over the end of one "B" bow and slide approximately two thirds of the way to the bend. DO NOT tighten the set screw yet!
b) With the "B" bow laying flat, with the dog leg facing up, orient the jaw slide facing upward.
c) Connect a "C" bow to the jaw slide, placing the eye end from the "C" bow into the jaw slide then reinserting the screw into the jaw slide. Secure the screw but do not tighten.
d) Align the bend in the "C" bow with the bend in the "B" bow and secure the jaw slide by tightening the set screw on the back of the jaw slide.
e) Repeat the previous actions a) - d) for the other "B" and "C" bow. Remember to have the bend facing in the opposite direction as the bows you just assembled. (If the first set you assembled had the bend facing left, assemble the second pair of bows facing right.)
Step 3: Connecting the "B" bows to the A/C bow assemblies
a) Layout the left and right A/C bow assemblies in their approximate locations,
b) Attach the eye end from each "B" bow to the lower jaw slide on the "A" bow, (the "B" bow is the one with a slight bend,"dog leg", in the tube at the eye end. Be sure to assemble the "B" bow with the "dog leg" facing down so that the 3 bows stack neatly on top of one another.
c) Repeat a) & b) for other side.
d) You now have complete left hand and right hand bow assemblies,
Step 4: Joining the Center bows to the A/B/C bow assemblies
a) Continue the assembly process by laying out the frame on the ground. No tools are required since the pieces snap together as shown in the diagram below, Compress the snap buttons and insert, button first, into both ends of all 3 center bows (total of 6 snap buttons to install). Be sure
to push the snap buttons far enough into the tube so that the buttons pop out of the holes.
b) Next, connect 2 of the center bows to the left hand "A" and "C" bows only (do not connect a
center bow to the "B" bow yet), Connecting the center is done by sliding the smaller diameter center bow into the larger diameter left hand "A" and "C" bows. (The curve of the Center bow faces down at this point).
c) Make sure the snap buttons pop out of the larger diameter "A" and "C" bows. You may need to twist the bows slightly to get the buttons to pop out.
d) Do not connect the right hand assembly yet, this will be done after the fabric is fed onto the frame.
PART 2: ATTACHING THE FABRIC TO THE FRAME
Step 5: Feeding the fabric onto the frame.
a) Unpack the top itself and lay it out, upside down,
on a clean flat surface. The label sewn into the fabric is on the underside, so it should be facing
up. The label also signifies the trailing edge of the top (there is a front and back to the top).
b) Take the left-hand bow assembly and slide one of the center bows through the sleeve on the trailing edge (rear) of the fabric. As you slide the center bow through the sleeve and reach the first cut out, stop. You need to install a tie-down strap (loop on one end, dog snap on the other). Slide the loop end of the tie-down strap over the end of the bow, then continue by further feeding the bow into the sleeve.
c) When the end of the bow reaches the next cutout, stop once again. You now need to install a bow strap (loop on both ends). Slide the non-adjustable end of the strap over the bow, making sure that the adjustable buckle faces away from the fabric. Repeat process as you continue to feed the fabric on to the next cut out and install another bow strap. Continue feeding the fabric onto the frame until you reach the last cut out and install another tie-down strap. Slide the top on the rest of the way until the center bow comes out the other side of the top.
d) Repeat the process in part b) & c) for the (front) side of the top.
e) Slide the remaining center bow into the first bow strap (making sure the strap is straight and not twisted). Continue through the short center bow pocket (see diagram), and on through the next bow strap.
f) You are now ready to complete your Bimini Top® assembly, by laying out the left A/B/C bow assembly and snapping those into the protruding centers on the left side of the top. It maybe necessary to "gather" top material back onto the centers to be able to snap the bows together. Remember to twist the bows slightly to ensure that they lock together properly.
g) Stand the frame up and straighten the top over the edges of the bows. Now it may be folded to make handling easier. With all the above steps completed properly you are now ready to mount your Bimini Top® to your boat.
PART 3 - MOUNTING ASSEMBLED TOP TO BOAT
Mounting begins by positioning the top on the boat to decide where the mounting hinges should go.
Decide what area the Bimini Top will cover. For instance:
• Will it cover driver and the passenger?
• Does it cover as far back on the deck as needed?
• Where will it lay when folded flat?
Step 6: Preperations to boat and installation of top
a) Locate the point on the boat where the center of the top will be, this is where the mounting hinges
should be mounted on either side of the gunwales (sides) of the boat. The frame is designed to
flex, somewhat to the proper mounting width.
b) Choose either the vertical or horizontal mounting hinges, whichever one fits your application
best. Secure these to both sides of the boat using the (4) 3/4" self-tapping Phillips head screws provided. A small pilot hole using a 1/8" drill may be used to aid alignment. Be sure that deck mounts are directly in line with one another across the boat.
c) Position the rear of the top toward the rear of the boat and attach the eye end on the "A" bows to the deck mounts using the screws provided in the deck mounts themselves. Secure but DO NOT overtighten.
d) Have another person hold the top in open position and locate the places where you will attach
the four eye straps for the tie down straps. Eye straps should be placed as far out as practical so
that the top spreads out when the tie down straps are tightened. At the same time, make sure
there is enough adjustment in the straps to loosen and tighten. Use the eye strap to locate
position for 1/8" pilot holes and drill them. Screw the eye straps into the boat, using the (8) 5/8"
phillips screws.
e) Attach tie down dog snap to eye straps on the gunwales. Tighten the adjustment buckle until the top is taut and does not sag.
f) Adjust the bow straps (between A & C bows) by pulling on the adjustment buckles, so that the center bow is approximately 2" higher than the front and rear bows.
Step 7: Fine Tuning the Fit
a) Step back and look at your top after having adjusted the tie down straps and bow straps in
section d) & e) step 4 above. If the top does not appear centered on the frame, you can pull the top to the side and center it, both front and rear.
b) If your top appears to "sag" in the front or rear, it may be necessary to re-adjust the bows or straps slightly. Usually applying more tension to the tie down straps will improve the fit. To accomplish this, have your helper pull down slightly on the corners of the top (at the tie-down locations) while you tighten up the buckles on the strap. Do this on all corners of the top.
c) After re-tightening the straps, if your top still needs more adjustment, you may need to re-position
the jaw slide for the "C" bow (on the "A" bow). Loosen the set screw on the back side of the jaw slide. Move the jaw slide upward (on the "A" bow) one or two inches and retighten the jaw slide set screw. Repeat this for the "C" bow on the other side of the top. Once the bows have been repositioned, retighten the (2) bow straps from underneath.
These steps should ensure the proper adjustment of your top for the best function and best looks possible.
Care and Cleaning your Bimini top:
• Bimini Tops are not boat covers and should not be left up when boat is unused.
• Material should be completely dry before folding up for storage.
• Do not allow water to "puddle" on the top. If rain water does accumulate, push up from underneath to remove water.
• Do not operate your boat over 25 miles per hour with the top up.
• Do not trailer your boat with the top up.
• Feel free to clean your top as desired. Use a mild detergent solution with a soft brush or sponge, and
rinse thoroughly. Marine vinyl tops can be cleaned using a mild cleaner or detergent. Brush the underside of the top to remove loose dirt and to prevent any mildew build up.
• Should your top eventually develop seam leakage, apply a small amount of paraffin wax to the troublesome area (such as ordinary white candle wax).
Caring for "7 oz” Bimini Tops:
• For regular maintenance on "7oz Bimini Top" just use a mild detergent and rinse with water. This will ensure that "Just Like New" appearance and help prevent mildew.
• For stains or spills, wipe with warm water as soon as possible. For stubborn stains apply laundry pre
wash and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY- 6.25 oz Bimini Tops
The manufacturer warrants its Bimini Top to be free from defects in workmanship and material. Under the terms of this warranty, this Bimini Top found defective 12 months from the date of purchase, will be repaired or replaced, at manufacturer’s option, at no charge. Any Bimini Top proven defective from 13 months to 24 months from the date of purchase will be pro-rated. Repairs will be made and a charge for labor and materials may apply. Bimini Tops requiring full replacement will carry a maximum replacement cost NOT TO EXCEED 50% of the current suggested list price of the item.
All Bimini Tops must be returned to the manufacturer to qualify for warranty. DO NOT RETURN PRODUCTS TO YOUR DEALER. Proof of purchase must be included. Transportation charges to manufacturer are the responsibility of the customer. Before returning the defective product, please call
1-800-628-5188 for a return authorization number.
This warranty does not cover damage caused by improper use, accidents, or acts of nature. Bimini Tops that are allowed to pocket water or ice, come into contact with chemicals or tree sap, or Bimini Tops that are not properly tied down are not covered under this warranty.
MANUFACTURER MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PURPOSE, OR FROM ANY COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE USAGE.
MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY OR BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR ANY OTHER LOSS EVEN IF TAYLOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
IN NO EVENT SHALL MANUFACTURER BE LIABLE FOR ANY AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID.
