www.iFourWinns.com

When I have the bimini in the down position, I velcro the long support legs to the pivoting bars they rest against. That helps to protect the seat backs and side windows.

It is without question easier with an extra set of hands....

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

You guys covered most every aspect of this topic. The only thing I would add is that the added vibration of towing it in the up position can work the screws out on the hinge or feet parts that have them. I lost a screw because of this. To solve this problem I removed each of the screws from the bimini assembly and put a drop of loc-tight on each of them. I also tow in the down (short leg) position for long tows, because of the wind/vibration and bug issues already mentioned.

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2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

+1
I too was at Lake Mohave and trailered the boat back to the casino with it up and open. As many others have commented, logic says you can travel with bimini up at 55 mph because the boat goes 50-55 mph.

Reality proves this is a bad idea. I was lazy, tired, exhausted, (you pick) when I got off the lake and trailered the baot 5 miles back to the hotel with the bimini up and open. First time I tried it.

Result: broken zipper on rear of bimini. I am assuming the wind turbulence from the truck against the parachuting effect on the bimini, coupled with speed of vehicle and crosswinds (?) may be contributing factors that I did not consider. It should be noted that did not exceed speeds above 45 mph on the way back when the zipper failed.

My two cents, hopefully, will save another from a trip to the canvas shop.

Btw...at 120 degrees, we absolutely need the bimini!

I mentioned this in another thread but after purchasing new I trailered my 210 home for 16 hrs on the highway. I have the Wake Tower (not the arch) and the bimini is built in with a boot.
When I got it home and re-did the delivery cleanup I opened the top and discovered that the bows in the top must have jiggled together along the way and eventually chafed through the canvas leaving a number of small holes. Bummer.
Nothing real serious but on a top that had never been used I foresaw a bimini that had a good start on ripping in the future - FWs by request of my dealer replaced the top under warranty but I am now cautious of the way its folded and use velcro straps to secure it before zipping on the boot. No problem since - but then it hasn't been trailered any great distance since. Maybe 16 hrs is a bit of a stretch for a boat prepped for use and not actual shipping so maybe the bimini should be removed in this instance . . . ?

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2008 Four Winns 210 5.7 GI/SX
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 Crew
1966 Fed-Up Wife

I lost my boot last summer towing long distance. The replacement boot comes with 3 separate zippers so it will stay on better. I also bunjee the poles to my wake tower to help with the support.

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'07 Horizon 220

I have a 244 with front and rear bimini's. When I took possession the dealer told me that I should never tow with the bimini's on the short legs because that causes too much stress on the mounts. They said the short mounts are only for storage. Not sure what the truth is but using the advice I have towed bimini's up, boot on and mooring cover on now for 2 1/2 boating seasons. I go boating 10+ times a year, ranging from the shortest round trip of 20 miles to my annual (last two years) trip to TRL (800 mile roundtrip), with the only issue being bugs.

You must always be checking the screws/bolts to make sure they are tight though. Found them coming lose many times.

Todd

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Todd, Tina, Alex (11) and Ava Grace (7)
'07 244 Funship, Black, Forward Bimini, Custom Cover, 5.7 Gi DP
'03 27TBS Coachman Shasta
'08 F250 PSD
'04 Excusion EB PSD, RAS, Bilsteins and Wood Trim
'96 Camry - What I drive!

I do now...

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

I towed my 225 home from PA, 8hr drive, with the bimini up, and did not have an issue, nor have I trailering it to local lakes. Has anyone else had this issue?

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

I've seen the canvas get chaffed through in shipping on brand new shrink wrapped boats with the boots on. All it takes is one spot that is caught between the bows and hours on the road.

Around town I don't think I would stress about it too much - but the long hauls are tough.

Inside info on the bimini topic. I knew it was going to be a treat having the Winns stop by here once in awhile. Though I would be very surprised if it was a result of delivery shipping because my NH dealer was way beyond meticulous (I remember them even following me around wiping MY grubby handprints off) - it's good to know that it's a freak shipping thing and won't cause me grief again. Also good to know that the warranty is real and not just marketing - I had my replacement goodies not long after I had my boat home.
I never felt as though I was abusing it by riding with it open seemed pretty tight to me but I don't think I would have been WOT either.

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2008 Four Winns 210 5.7 GI/SX
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 Crew
1966 Fed-Up Wife

Thanks for taking the pic. Now I see what you mean, just leave part of the cover detached.