Bimini top frame pins

[bobkatfly]

Hi folks. On my 2012 Cobalt 210, the bimini top frame is secured together with pins that have 3 inch long cable lanyards which are crimped to a fitting which is riveted to the frame posts. I think most smaller tops are like this. The problem I noticed this year is some of the cables are breaking at the crimped connection due to fatigue or maybe some corrosion. I've searched around but haven't found any products that seem more reliable. I can think of some homemade solutions but figured there would already be something out there.
Anyone have the same problem and come across anything?
Thanks

[The Real BigGuy]

I have same issue (and have also managed to break the cables getting them caught in decking spaces when removing in fall and reinstalling in spring) and have looked for replacement parts ( wires and crimped pieces) and have been unable to find any.


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[Dave R]

I put these on my last boat: https://www.amazon.com/Thorn-Bimini-...-search&sr=8-3

Worked much better than the original pins that had the spring loaded ball, much more secure and the new tethers looked great at sale time.

[The Real BigGuy]

Thanks! I have been thinking of changing to that style pin but couldn’t find the with tethers.


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[bobkatfly]

Originally Posted by Dave R

I put these on my last boat: https://www.amazon.com/Thorn-Bimini-...-search&sr=8-3

Worked much better than the original pins that had the spring loaded ball, much more secure and the new tethers looked great at sale time.

Hi Dave. I have the same pins without the ball detent. It's the other end I don't like on mine because the cable is crimped into a fitting which in turn is rigidly riveted to the post. So when the pin and cable swing freely or get forced out of the way the cable end in the fitting gets stressed.
These from Amazon at least allow the cable end to swing freely eliminating the stress point.
A screw in place of the rivet, or another rivet, would be needed to mount the plate. Definitely better. Will consider.
Thanks. You still riding your Regal?

[Charlie T]

It would seem a piece of 1/16" GAC (Galvanized aircraft cable) with a crimp sleeve on either end would solve the issue. It may be hard to find these in small quantities however. In my business we use this exact same product to function as "safety cables" as a secondary means of suspension for small round ceiling speakers. The cable is easily cut and crimped with a heavy duty pair of "linemans pliers" such as the Klien tools model. If you need this I'd be happy to sell you the parts in small quantities for small cost.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by bobkatfly

Thanks. You still riding your Regal?

Sold the Regal 3 months ago and replaced it with a Tollycraft 44 CPMY that we keep on the ocean based out of Hampton River Marina. We plan to sell our house next Spring and start cruising the Tollycraft from Canada to the Caribbean full time.

[bobkatfly]

Originally Posted by Charlie T

It would seem a piece of 1/16" GAC (Galvanized aircraft cable) with a crimp sleeve on either end would solve the issue. It may be hard to find these in small quantities however. In my business we use this exact same product to function as "safety cables" as a secondary means of suspension for small round ceiling speakers. The cable is easily cut and crimped with a heavy duty pair of "linemans pliers" such as the Klien tools model. If you need this I'd be happy to sell you the parts in small quantities for small cost.

Finally got a picture of the pin and broken lanyard.



Thanks Charlie but I think I might go with the assembly Dave refers to from Amazon or purchase a direct replacement and use a screw or pin that allows the crimped fitting to swing instead of fixing it rigid.

Dave, good luck with your upcoming adventure. How long you been dreaming this?

[fatlazyless]

Is two pins/12.99, shipping included at ebay.com ...... 'Bimini spring top release pin' ... in stainless

[ApS]

You can make your own. Depending on the diameter of the cable needed, kits start at $22.

This Amazon kit starts you off with a good selection of ferrules:

https://www.amazon.com/Glarks-Crimpi...gateway&sr=8-9

I bought my kit years ago and just made a bunch of ⅛-inch (heavy) cables for a sailboat.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by bobkatfly

Dave, good luck with your upcoming adventure. How long you been dreaming this?

A loooong time. Having a blast just getting used to the boat. We've put over 215 hours on it this season already.