Broken bimini frame

[FLJetBoater]

So this happened.....was out in a bit of chop, nothing crazy. Had the bimini collapsed in the boot and bungee'd to the top of the tower.

I know that bottom piece where it broke comes out if you press on the little button there, but doesn't look like there is a separate part # for it on the diagram. Only for the whole pipe, and that pipe goes all the way across and is like $450. Do you think this could just be welded back together? You can see I already had to get the holes re-welded and tapped because they stripped out just haven't re-painted it yet.

 

[FLJetBoater]

 

[fatboyroy]

Insert a support tube inside with super glue or some marine adhesive for a quick fix and just wrap with duct tape on the outside. I'm not a welding expert so I cant comment on that but it probably possible.

 

[FLJetBoater]

Insert a support tube inside with super glue or some marine adhesive for a quick fix and just wrap with duct tape on the outside. I'm not a welding expert so I cant comment on that but it probably possible.

That's actually a great idea. Even if they do weld it to fix it, I may have them weld a smaller pipe inside there as well. The force on that arm is mostly all horizontal since the bimini frame wants to flex outwards. Of course there is some vertical force as well but I don't think it's as much as the horizontal force. (which I believe is why the original screw holes stripped over time)

I'm pretty surprised it's not a separate part being that you could actually lose it if that button got pressed that arm would just fall right out (if it wasn't attached)

 

[fatboyroy]

That's actually a great idea. Even if they do weld it to fix it, I may have them weld a smaller pipe inside there as well. The force on that arm is mostly all horizontal since the bimini frame wants to flex outwards. Of course there is some vertical force as well but I don't think it's as much as the horizontal force. (which I believe is why the original screw holes stripped over time)

I'm pretty surprised it's not a separate part being that you could actually lose it if that button got pressed that arm would just fall right out (if it wasn't attached)

If you decide to weld it, insert a tube outside too for a clean weld instead of welding the brokem part together that probably have corrosion already.

 

[FLJetBoater]

If you decide to weld it, insert a tube outside too for a clean weld instead of welding the brokem part together that probably have corrosion already.

Yeah, I'll be letting a shop do that welding is not something I have any experience with at all.

 

[David Martin]

If tube does come out when button is pushed remove it measure tube size and purchase a short length of the tubing. Look strange almost home made because of the hole size around the push button way to much slop. I would just put a new tube inside and drill a small hole above or below the large hole the push button in in and add a small SS screw to lock into place. It still can be removed from the black rail using the bolt/plastic attachment point.

Hope this helps

 

[Mike Clark]

A company called "Sailrite" (Sailrite.com) carries S.S. tubing for Bimini Frames. 7/8" or 1.0" diameter.

On the website, click on Hardware at the top and then Tubing. You can buy it in pre-cut lengths from 1 - 8 Feet. Just need to check your Tubing Diameter. Probably 7/8"
since it is in an existing tube.

Then click on Eye ends , (pick the one just like you have for the correct size tube) these have a set screw that holds the tube in place.

I have purchased from them many times and the tubing and fittings are top quality.

New 1.0' of tubing and new eye end for less than $20.00. Will look nicer than welding.

Stainless tubing is tough to cut so may want to hand held purchase tube cutter with a blade designed for stainless. (realized this the hard way)

Good luck.

 

[FLJetBoater]

A company called "Sailrite" (Sailrite.com) carries S.S. tubing for Bimini Frames. 7/8" or 1.0" diameter.

On the website, click on Hardware at the top and then Tubing. You can buy it in pre-cut lengths from 1 - 8 Feet. Just need to check your Tubing Diameter. Probably 7/8"
since it is in an existing tube.

Then click on Eye ends , (pick the one just like you have for the correct size tube) these have a set screw that holds the tube in place.

I have purchased from them many times and the tubing and fittings are top quality.

New 1.0' of tubing and new eye end for less than $20.00. Will look nicer than welding.

Stainless tubing is tough to cut so may want to hand held purchase tube cutter with a blade designed for stainless. (realized this the hard way)

Good luck.

Wow this is great. Thanks!

 

[zipper]

I agree with some above. If you can remove the telescoping push button section, do so. If you can remove the broken off corroded section in the end fitting also all you will need is about a 6" long piece of 7/8" to slide into the 1" main frame. As mentioned above the push button hole is sloppy big. If you can, drill a new hole and use a quick release pin to secure. We order from Sailrite almost weekly. It looks like an aluminum tubing and a s.s. end fitting dissimilar metal issue. Sea-Dog is another source for fittings. A regular tubing cutter will work for cutting 3/4 and 1"s.s. tubing, I have done it on the sailboat bimini. Like a hot knife thru butter cutting aluminum.

 

[Crob83]

Just fyi west marine sells that tubing, I had to fix a piece of my Bimini frame last year. You have to buy at least 6 ft piece though

 

[FLJetBoater]

Just fyi west marine sells that tubing, I had to fix a piece of my Bimini frame last year. You have to buy at least 6 ft piece though

Thanks. I might order it from Sailrite so I can get the thick-walled stuff.

 

[Crob83]

Thanks. I might order it from Sailrite so I can get the thick-walled stuff.

The West Marine tubing was exact match to factory also, would obviously make a new appropriate size hole for that detent button also while at it. I have a thread on here about my fix. Don't know if it will be of any help or not, I lost the other side with the knob on it as I had no idea what I was doing for time out and thought I had to disconnect that point and it fell out into the water