Many people feel the bimini connectors are some what of crude design. This is the case for not only for Four Winns but all other boats including Sea Ray and Cobalt that use similar if not the same connectors. We had problems with the side mount bimini connectors, which is simple eye end, which is not design to move 3 dimensions. Our latest SS arch with integrated bimini also has 4 of these connectors. Since the connector does not allow for the shaft to move in 3 directions, it ends up loosening or bending the screw.
After replacing 5 screws I decided to fabricate my own connector using a typical hime joint (ball end joint) which allows the shaft to swing in multi directions. I have made 2 different versions; one completely from scratch using stainless steel rod and the other is using a commonly available connector.
My bimini is using 1 3/4” shaft so I used ¼” 28 hime joint which has a 1/4 “ hole to work with the bimini screws..... For 1” shaft connector, I decided to use 5/16-24 hime joints, which is a little stronger than ¼-28 joint. I have to use a bushing to reduce a connecting hole diameter to ¼” from 5/16” so the joint will fit the bimini screw which is ¼” diameter. The first versions I made were machined from an SS rod which took a little time to make since I had to cut, mill, drill hole, bore hole, tap thread and polish.
I also made a cheating version using the original connectors. With the newer version you simply cut the tab of the connector, drill a hole and tap thread. As you can see from the picture these joints came out very good and functional. No more loose or bent screws.
