Bimini on 16 242 limited S

[newbote]

I picked up my leftover limited today - they lost the bimini boot so I am stuck with leaving the bimini deployed until they order one. I got back to the marina and couldn't get the two metals hook to twist so I could take down the Bimini and properly lower the tower so they can stick it in dry stack in the morning. I didn't have any tools with me so just left it up.

Should the hooks easily twist or is there a trick to it. I will take pliers with me today but the you tube video showed those easily twisting and mine wouldn't budge.

 

[tdonoughue]

Take pliers, but also WD-40. Don't know if your hook thingies are the same as mine were, but I gave mine a shot of WD-40 and there was a WORLD of difference in how they worked.

 

[haknslash]

Is yours an E-series with the big Bimini?

What hook? Are you talking about the locks that hold the rear poles down? From the looks of it the 2016 242 Limited S it has a similar Bimini to mine and if so it's tool-less for deploying or stowing. Mine operates just like this one does (I know this is a 2015 Limited S video but the 2016 looks the same aside from color)...

 

[newbote]

Is yours an E-series with the big Bimini?

What hook? Are you talking about the locks that hold the rear poles down? From the looks of it the 2016 242 Limited S it has a similar Bimini to mine and if so it's tool-less for deploying or stowing. Mine operates just like this one does (I know this is a 2015 Limited S video but the 2016 looks the same aside from color)...

Yes - its the 242 Limited S - not the E series. I talked to the dealer and they said they will service them. Didn't have pliers with me so will let them handle it.

 

[haknslash]

@newbote

What is there to "service" though ? Unless I'm missing something it should be a tool-less ordeal. To stow the bimini you simply twist the locking mechanism on the tower so that it releases the rear pole and then you push the button on the rear pole to collapse it. Roll it up and that's it...unless there is something I'm clearly missing on the design of the tower . It looks near identical to mine so I can't see it being any different. You should not need any pliers or tools. If you're talking about the locking mechanism it can be hard to turn the little d-ring if you don't relieve the pressure from the bimini, so just pull down on the rear of the bimini top and it takes the pressure off the locking pin.

If storage is an issue because you don't have the cover for the bimini, why not just stow the bimini anyways using some cheap bungee cords to keep it from unrolling and falling from the tower? At least then they would be able to store the boat for you.

 

[Bennie]

I would try dry graphite instead of WD40 (just to avoid the dirt attraction and oil drippings)

@haknslash is correct about the design - no tools should be used. (unless you're removing it from the boat) I too would be leary about some service tech that wanted to go home on Saturday messing with my boat.
Additionally I would not recommend towing with the bimini top up... no exceptions. Take it down and use bungee cords or ratchet straps to secure it. You're not even supposed to ride over 45mph with it up when you're on the water.

 

[newbote]

I would try dry graphite instead of WD40 (just to avoid the dirt attraction and oil drippings)

@haknslash is correct about the design - no tools should be used. (unless you're removing it from the boat) I too would be leary about some service tech that wanted to go home on Saturday messing with my boat.
Additionally I would not recommend towing with the bimini top up... no exceptions. Take it down and use bungee cords or ratchet straps to secure it. You're not even supposed to ride over 45mph with it up when you're on the water.

I just bought it yesterday, I'm not sure if the dealer put it up wrong or not. I nor the dry stack guys could get the locking mechanism to twist. I would rather the service guys fix it - I talked to my sales guy and said he would take care of it.