
Please Note: The process of assembling the
bimini frame may cause the width of the
frame to expand or retract at the mounting
points. If the frame appears too wide or too
narrow when you are ready to mount the top
on the boat, simply mount one side and, with
minimal force, push or pull the opposite side
to t the mounting point on the gunwale.
lmportant note to Top Installer/User:
Be sure all set screws, ttings and pre-
installed hardware are tight.
Desired crown on Bimini Top can be
achieved using adjuster straps after
installation is complete.
!If mounting your bimini top to a
windshield, you may need shorter screws
to prevent cracking the
windshield.
CAUTION: Always fold down and
secure bimini top in the stored
position when trailering your boat.
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3
INSTALLING THE BIMINI
TOP ON THE BOAT
Step 1. The Bimini Top is now ready to be
inverted and positioned on the boat. This
is easier with two or more people, one to
hold the top in place, while another marks
the positions of the universal deck hinge(s)
to be attached to the gunwale of the boat.
Step 2. Measure the marked position of the
universal deck hinge(s)carefully to make
sure they are exactly opposite each other.
If not aligned properly, the top may
become warped or damaged and unstable
while in use, or look unbalanced.
Step 3. Use a drill with a 9/64” bit to drill
the pilot holes for the universal deck
hinge(s). If drilling into fiberglass hollow
out the pilot hole to avoid cracking
fiberglass when installing the screws.
Secure the universal deck hinge(s)with 1”,
no. 10 sheet metal screws provided.
Step 4. Place top on boat, attaching the
long bow ends to the universal deck
hinge(s)securely. Raise top to desired
upright position and adjust each hold-
down strap. Straps should be adjusted to a
length that attaches to the boat at
approximately 45º to 60º angles to hold
the top securely to boat.
Step 5. Mark the position of the eye
straps on the gunwale of the boat,
measuring to make sure they are exactly
opposite each other on the sides of the
boat. Use a drill with a 9/64” bit to drill the
pilot holes for the eye straps. Be sure to
hollow out the pilot holes with the drill
bit if drilling into fiberglass. Secure the
eye straps with 1”, no. 10 sheet metal
screws provided.
Step 6. Attach the snap hook to the eye
straps and adjust the hold down straps.
Installing a Carver Brace Kit
Carver Brace Kits are available in:
• Aluminum tubing with Nylon Fittings - Fixed or Adjustable
• Aluminum tubing with Stainless Steel Fittings - Fixed only
• Stainless Steel tubing with Stainless Steel Fittings - Fixed only
All xed braces are 48” long. Adjustable braces “telescope” from 22” to 44 ”, the desired length being “set” by a joiner section.
The height of xed aluminum braces may be adjusted by removing and replacing one eye end on each brace. To remove the eye ends, use a 3/16”drill
bit to drill out the rivets. Carefully measure and cut down the tubing to the desired length using a hacksaw. To replace the eye ends, use a 3/16”drill bit
to carefully drill the hole for the replacement rivets. Be sure each eye end is set in the correct position before drilling for the rivet. Use a rivet gun to set
the rivets in place.
The height of stainless steel braces is best adjusted by moving the mounting location fore or aft on the gunwale (given the hardness of the
metal, stainless steel is not easily cut with household tools).
The typical location to attach the braces to the main (long) bow is 2 inches beneath the rear hold down straps.
To attach the braces, the bimini top must be deployed (in its upright position). Carefully measure the exact location for the hinged jaw slide on each
side of the main (long) bow and mark with a black marker. Be sure the measurement is identical on port and starboard side. Open the hinged jaw slides
and fasten each around the main bow at the marked locations by tightening the screw securely. Insert the braces into the jaw slides by inserting
the eye ends and securing tightly with the bolts provided. Once the braces are attached to the main bow, determine the mounting locations for the
90° deck hinges. The typical mounting point will create a 45° to 60° angle with the main (long) bow when the braces are mounted to the gunwale.
To mount the deck hinges, refer to Steps 2 and 3 in the Bimini Top Installation Instructions above.
7
All Brace Kit packages contain: 90° deck hinge
2 - Braces
2 - 90° Deck Hinges
2 - Hinged Jaw Slides w/ screw and bolt
4 - #10 x 1” stainless steel screws (for mounting the deck hinges)
2 - 3/16” rivets (required only when cutting down braces)