www.iFourWinns.com

I use to tow with mine up. But my zip up boot has the embroidered "FourWinns" emblem and the threads started coming out from being battered around. I used a little clear nail polish on the inside of the boot to re-secure the threads before the problem got out of hand. I store mine DOWN whenever towing now.

From what I've been reading on this forum, newer boats have that emblem silk screened on the boot.... Sounds like a cost reduction.

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2004 180 Horizon
NE Georgia

I have my embroidered Four Winns logo facing the back, and I've never had a problem with it coming loose.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I always tow with mine down and never had a problem. Just got back to other week from a 1000 mile tow at 60-70mph without a hiccup. Everything is still perfect.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Yes, mine was always facing to the back to, so I could show off the nice logo. Since I've been towing with the bimini down, no problem.

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2004 180 Horizon
NE Georgia

Took the 230 out for her first voyage today and I dropped the Bimini down to the short legs in the rear and I was able to do it with 2 people in less than a minute once we got the procedure down. I cut 2 - 6" pieces of foam pipe insulation (taken from a pipe in my basement) and stuck them under the unused loose long legs that rest forward so that they would not scratch the fiberglass in the low "towing" position. I added 2 bungie cords wrapped around the ends of the Bimini boot to insure it did not unzip at speed, and never looked back. An hour each way. What an easy tow for such a large boat.

THANKS FOR THE TIPS ON THE BIMINI!

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2005 Horizon 230 5.7 GI/DP 280-HP
2005 Suburban "The Battlewagon"

You got the 230 bimini routine down faster than most of us did.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

When I tow a distance, I usually lower the Bimini down…. Other than stabilities of bimini It will help clearing good 3 feet for over head clearance as well... My boat on trailer with Bimini is almost 12’ high….. There are many areas in New England the bridge (underpass) clearance is less than 11’ so if the Bimini is on up position it will not clear but it will clear on down position…

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

I am going to have to trailer 100 miles in the rain. I am thinking of leaving the factory canvas on, and since the only position allowed by this is Bimini UP, that where it will stay with the Bimini stored in the tube.

I am a bit concerned about trailering with all the canvas covers on, soaked from the rain. Will this cause a problem?? Will they stay on? WIll the 2 adjustable canvas support poles cause any issues?

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2005 Horizon 230 5.7 GI/DP 280-HP
2005 Suburban "The Battlewagon"

From personal experience, I recommend against towing with the bimini up and open. I blew out a zipper and had to have it repaired in a hurry for a Lake Mohave trip where it was 100F.
I usually tow with it up but in the boot, but forgot to stow it that one time....

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

Bluesman, no problem towing in the rain with the factory canvas on - I do this regularly! The front pole might work its way down a little (mine always does) but never a problem - most of the rain blows off as you tow. My bimini is always down when I tow - provision in the canvas for the legs. Would never recommend towing with it up for any distance, and certainly not at speed as it shakes all over the place, especially side to side. Just my thoughts and experiences...

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

I have a 07 H180 I tow with the Bimini on the short poles.As far as the canvas (cockpit and bow covers) I tow with them on.But last time I had the boat home I found the bow cover had rub through the cover at the ends of the support tee.I had to take in the covers and have reinforcements installed at the rub points.The factory reinforcements were located in the wrong postions.The trim shop told me that this material is very strong and trailering with the covers is fine.He recommend that the poles be removed while towing.

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Andrew
07 H180
2000 Buell X-1
Stouffville Ontario
Canada

Not true, unless there was a design change. My cockpit cover allows for having the bimini down in the towing position. It just doesn't seem like it does.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Mike - do you have any pics with the Bimini in the stow position with the cockpit cover on? I just don't see anyway to get the cockpit cover attached completely. Maybe there was a change made along the way????

Thanks

I already looked and don't have any pics of it. I'll try to get one, but it may be awhile. At this point it's looking like the boat isn't even going to get wet this season.

I doubt there was a design change, it's just not obvious how it's done.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Bluesman,

Some more info... The long legs disconnect and fold forward while the bimini lies down and the short legs support it. Your 05 might be a little different but I find with my 04 the long legs can really scar up the vinyl pads near the side windows and interior when folded forward. I use 2 cut tennis balls around the feet so they don't poke anything when you are wrestling I mean folding it forward.
You might have to rotate the long legs to get them to fold smoothly too...

I fold mine down to put a full cover on it but when I trailer it's up. The bugs can be an issue though...

To do it without swearing it's a 3 handed job.

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2004 230 Horizon
5.7GI/SX
Towed by a 2000 Expedition