FOUR BOW PONTOON BIMINI TOP OR 2 PIECE FRAME ONLY 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.
THIS 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 (middle length bows)
1 - Bimini Canvas Assembly
1 - Bimini Top Boot
HARDWARE BAG ASSEMBLY CONTAINS:
32 - #8 x 5/8" phillips head stainless steel screws
6 - Jaw Slides
8 - Eye Straps
2 - Horizontal Deck Mounts (Black)
4 - #10 x 5/8" phillips head stainless steel screws
(Canvas Assembly & Boot not included if only frame kit purchased)
4 - Adjustable Bow Straps (loop on each end)
4 - Adjustable Tie Down Straps (loop on one end, snap on other)
1 - Hardware Bag Assembly
Tools Required:
• #2 Phillips head screwdriver
• Drill
PART 1: ASSEMBLING THE FRAME
Step 1 "A" bow to "C" bow assembly:
a) With the "A" bow laying flat, orient the jaw slide facing upward.
b) 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.
c) 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) With the "B" bow laying flat, orient the jaw slide facing upward.
b) 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.
c) 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.
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. A phillips head screw driver will be needed.
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" and "C" bows yet). Connecting the center is done by sliding the smaller diameter bow into the larger diameter center left hand "A" and "C" bows. (The curve of the Center bow faces down at this point).
c) Do not connect the right 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 now need to install a bow strap (loop on both ends). Slide the non-adjustable end of the stap 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. Slide the top on the rest of the way until the center bow comes out the other side of the top.
c) Repeat the process in part b) for the (front) side of the top.
d) Slide the remaining center bow into the first bow strap (making sure the strap is straight and not
twisted). Continue on through the short center bow pocket (see diagram), and on through the next
bow strap.
e) You are now ready to complete your Bimini Top assembly, by laying out the left A/B/C bow assem-
bly 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 install the connecting screws.
f) 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) 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 jawslide 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.
