Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: need advice mounting Bimini top brackets for 15'
Posted by lowbudget on 08/29/21 - 12:40 PM
#1
I just bough a 1986 Boston Whaler 15" super sport. The previous owner is supplying a Bimini top. The boat has rails on the sides aft, none on the bow area.
I have been researching the mounting procedures and I'm a little confused on how I should mount the brackets for the top to the boat. Some seem to indicate you need to drill a hole in the gunnel then attach something with a 90 degree bend (like an allen wrench) into a drill, feed it into the hole and hog out some of the foam filler. Then fill the void with an epoxy of some sort and use this "plug" to screw into.
Some I have seen indicate you should place the brackets so you can screw into the areas that have the wood backing under the fiberglass. That sounds good to me but I can't find a drawing showing the woods location. I checked with BW and they said they don't have that drawing for my model.
Can some type of molly be used for this ???
Please share any experience or expertise you may have on this subject. Thanks........
Posted by alibertucci on 08/29/21 - 1:38 PM
#3
Anyone with experience with Mills Bimini Top and Frame?
Posted by Phil T on 08/29/21 - 1:57 PM
#4
Alibertucci
The Mills bimini comes with slides.
The slides are mounted with screws.
What exactly are the questions?
Posted by alibertucci on 08/29/21 - 5:47 PM
#5
Sorry for the inexact question. Looking for opinions about the quality of the frame and canvas. I know that Mills is high end but others use same materials on the canvas. Looking at Great Lakes and also Carver stainless frames. I like the idea of the slides. Want to fold down fully behind rps when not in use.
Posted by Phil T on 08/29/21 - 6:07 PM
#6
All 3 are good. Price for features.
The slides give you better flexibility for deployment and storage forward or aft.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/29/21 - 6:37 PM
#7
alibertucci wrote:
Sorry for the inexact question.
Yes, alibertucci.
This question is about a 15' model and you have a different size model.
It is better to ask a new question for your model rather than highjacking someone else's question.
The Installation Instructions for other models are also in our Download section here:
See the Mills Sun Top Instructions for Montauk 17' (w/sliders) here:
https://www.whalercentral.com/downloa...owstart=15
Thanks.
Posted by lowbudget on 08/30/21 - 6:17 AM
#8
Thank you Joe Kriz (X2). Looking at the instructions you supplied it appears using a "wellnut" or similar anchor is sufficient to anchor the brackets. I have not actually received the top yet as the owner had to make a short trip out of town. After seeing what he has I will be able to form a plan.
I don't want to do a amateurish install on such a iconic boat. Thanks again for taking the time to help.
Posted by Tom in VA on 08/31/21 - 3:25 PM
#9
Sounds like you’re not sure if this is a Mills Bimini. I’d suggest you also check out the Bimini tops that Specialty Marine sells specifically for the classic 15. They have two different mounting options including one that attaches to the side rails as opposed to the gunnels. I plan on ordering that type. Good luck!