Bimini tubing chafe

[yelkenli]

My bimini 7/8 Al tubing is chafing against the back stay. Two tubes, when closed, sandwich the backstay, and both have damage.

I can probably ignore the damage though if there is an easy fix, I would like to. Maybe cut it and reconnect with a coupler?

I certainly want to stop the chafing. Something that fits on the stay or the tubing. Shroud covers? I am not sure how long they would last against the now-rough-chafed tubing. Or some clam-shell installed on the backstay that would present a larger diameter to the tubing?

I searched on this forum but did not find. I would think this problem has occurred before.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[kappykaplan]

Wrap with sacrificial Rescue Tape? May not look good, but when the bimini is in place you won't see it.

 

[dlochner]

A photo of the Bimini frame as installed would be helpful. It may be possible to adjust the angles of the bows to pull the frame away from the backstay. That would be a better solution.

 

[dmax]

I think a short section of shroud cover would be best - very slippery - not a big fan of covering stainless so I would use the minimum length necessary. And obviously, moving them apart as Dave says is the best way.

 

[JoeWhite]

A 4" length of hose, held in place with ty wraps on both ends on the Bimini tubing. Rotate or reposition as the hose wears out. Nothing on the standing rigging.

 

[yelkenli]

There are 4 tubes that fan out from the lower half of the assembly.

The tube furthest aft is aft of the back stay.
The other tubes are forward of the back stay.
When closed, they sandwich the back stay.

These are some pics from when I was removing the bemini, so you will see some fittings not made.

 

[dlochner]

Thanks for the photos.

If you push the lower fittings for the forward bow up, it will push the forward bow towards the boat's bow. The canvass will then be pulled forward bring the aft most bow forward away from the backstay.

Yes, it does get confusing with bows and bows, and boughs.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

My last boat had this issue. The back stay had cut all the way through a small portion of the tubing wall. The previous owner put a garden hose clamp on the bimini tubing. I basically solved this issue by installing a Davis shroud cover. I've used larger shroud covers than necessary because the material is thicker and allows more air flow. More airflow reduces the chances of crevice corrosion. I have yet to see any

 

[Tally Ho]

Better the Bimini tube than the back stay

Greg

 

[twodzusfittings]

I use a piece of "Noodle" like the ones kids use in the pool. In my attempt to learn how to use my wife's sewing machine I made covers for them to match the rest of my canvas. Sorry no pictures

 

[yelkenli]

I found this and put it on the damaged areas.

7/8 ID dicharge tube

It cuts easily with a razor blade. I did not need to use zip ties, though they would close the gap.

On the backstay, I have some shroud cover. I am hoping the shroud cover and tubing material play nice. I might spray some dry lube on it periodically.

 

[jssailem]

That will work.