Ranger23 Bimini Top Hold down tension lines

[Nickc]

Does anyone know if there are any adjustable hold down straps/lines to attach back of Bimimi to stern of boat?
The reason I ask is because last Tuesday morning 4/19/22, we had a freak spring Nor'easter at Stratford CT Marina where boat is winter hauled (Stern faced into the wind). With winds reported over 50mph---the factory Bimini was apparently lifted up and disconnected entirely from Boat. Upon examination of the wind damage --The top side Bimini brackets screws into fiberglass, were pulled out from cabin top and side hold down supports tubes held together by set screw and some 1/8" stainless rivets- disconnected and allowed Bimini to lift up and disconnect from Boat. The Top now is only held on with top tape rope attachment. Luckily when the Bimini came down and the stainless cross pipe disconnected -- it didn't go through the back glass door/window.
I am going to try to put it all back together- this time with drilled in set screws to all hold down/cross tubes in joining pipes and backer block for top brackets. But since 50 mph winds can impart over 100psf on Bimini surface (if hit straight on- over 2500lb of force)- I am going to want 2 hold down straps to transom also.
Any thoughts on getting these lines/straps or any other helpful comments appreciated.

 

[Catch22]

Several boats in a local marina, including a 23 tug, experienced canvas damage as you describe during a derecho here. When I am away from my 23, or when storms are predicted, I simply secure the bimini cross support bar to the cockpit rails with utility straps with buckles.
They are available at most hardware and auto stores. The upward force leverage on the Bimini support brackets can be incredible.

 

[Nickc]

Tks

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

I only have the bimini on when I’m on the boat. Otherwise, it’s just the frame. How did your window covers hold up?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nickc]

Window covers were not on....
however, until this instance -I had no idea that Bimini frame/cover with could not withstand storm winds without tiedown lines attached. After repair - I will permanently attach 2 tie-down lines to transom, since I am not always available run to marina when storm warnings go up or caught in freak summer storm on LI Sound.

 

[Jerymcj1]

Our RT 25 2021 Bimini & frame were damaged in a wind storm in Anacortes, WA in April 2022. Brackets were torn off, frame bent canvas torn. Ordered new canvas & will add tie downs when we get a new frame.

 

[Nickc]

Interesting .. might have been part of the storm that later hit the hit me in the NE a few days later on 4/19/22.
Definitely going with tension lines after I sort out my damage. I really depend on that Bimini cover on Long Island sound in summer.
I am curious.. is there a long lead time to get a replacement Bimini Top from the factory or are you going elsewhere to get replaced?

 

[Jerymcj1]

The canvas is a 5-6 week wait time. Reached out to the factory on the frame but haven’t heard back yet.