Bimini middle bow missing

[Bennkat81]

Opened up bimini for the first time. The middle bow is missing. I don't know if this is the original bimini or not. Anyone know how to identify it. Looks like 3/4" stainless frame 3 bow. Fits the the jib slide holders. Aporox. 70" wide frame at the base.Has a sleeve the mid bow should fit through on the cover. 2008 26M

[pitchpolehobie]

ID try and take a picture. Some were after market. I have ordered replacement parts and tubes on eBay with the correct dimensions sent to the seller.

[leefrankpierce]

Where are you?
I am in Dallas Fort-Worth. Removed my presumably factory bimini and replaced it with an aftermarket, still have the frame.
Edit: I was looking at your profile and saw an X, but your post says an M.
Mine is from an X, replaced with one of these:
https://oceansouth.us/product/3-bow-bim ... ft-length/
Seems an upgrade, so would recommend.
Had to cut main support poles down to get under the boom, but otherwise it came off looking like it was designed for the spot.

[Bennkat81]

Gotta fix the profile. Had an X but had too many issues. Sold it and did not plan on another boat.Then I came across this M so back on the water again. In Mobile, Al. Previous owner doesn't know if the Bimini is original or not. When I found the middle bow missing I was hoping to find an inexpensive replacement rather than buy a whole new Bimini since the frame is stainless and fabric is in good shape.

[Bennkat81]

Pitcnpolehobie
The replacement tubes, did the seller make one or happen to be selling the size you needed?

[pitchpolehobie]

Pitcnpolehobie
The replacement tubes, did the seller make one or happen to be selling the size you needed?

I sorry I meant that some of the biminis were after market so some of the 26M owners might be able to help more seeing a picture.

[Bennkat81]

Ok now I understand. When I get back to Knot T1 I try getting some shots. Thanks.

[Jimmyt]

Opened up bimini for the first time. The middle bow is missing. I don't know if this is the original bimini or not. Anyone know how to identify it. Looks like 3/4" stainless frame 3 bow. Fits the the jib slide holders. Aporox. 70" wide frame at the base.Has a sleeve the mid bow should fit through on the cover. 2008 26M

My 2013 M has a small Bimini with only two bows (no middle bow). It's possible that you have a two bow frame (original), with a 3-bow cover (aftermarket replacement).?... maybe. Or do you see evidence that there was another bow at some point?

[Bennkat81]

Jimmyt,
The frame has the fiitings for the middle bow to fit in. The cover has the sleeve. It is good to know what the original should look like. Guess I have an after market cover and frame. It is larger than I expected. Now I need figure out who made it. Easy Peezy !
It mybe taller also. With the main up the boom drags over the top. I tried just to see if it would clear it. Shold the bimini be low enough for the boom to clear with main up?

[Jimmyt]

I sail with mine up to avoid the sun. I’ve gotten to the point of making the payments on my dermatologist’s new boat, so shade has become important. It blocks the view of the main most of the time, so you have to move around to get trimmed.

If you’re going to do much sailing, I’d want it low enough to clear the boom. If you mostly motor, maybe the extra head room is worth it; and you just do without on the rare sailing outing.

Personal choice, really. Or, as we like to say, your boat; your rules.

I’m thinking that some folks have raised their boom and cropped their main to fit a bigger bimini.

[Be Free]

I've had success adjusting the base of the bimini aft to give a small forward tilt to the cover. On my boat it gives a little more clearance to the boom that way.

[Bennkat81]

Jimmt,
Iplan on sailing mostly. So probably try to how low I can get to miss the boom and how much head room that would leave. I usually saol with long sleeves and a uv protection hat so sailing with bimini down is fine. Hope the weather warms up.next week!