folding tower/bimini on G series
 

Can anyone explain to me how the bimini stays out of the bow when folding the tower on the pre '16 G series boats? I know the 16's have little shocks so that when the tower is folded forward the bimini raises and clears the bow. Any insight on the older models (13-15)? Thanks!

It doesn’t. You have to physically hold it up while you lower the tower or it will just fall. Once the tower is down, you have to set the Bimini on the front cover support pole so it does not sit on the windshield. It is kind of an odd set up and usually requires two people.

Thanks. Pretty much what I was hoping to avoid. I don't like the idea of the 2 man operation. Wonder if the 16 shocks can be retro fitted to work with earlier years?

Brett, I think you could do this on your own fairly easily. Could prob attached some shocks to the unit you have to hold it up and off the front of the boat. If you want I can take a few pictures and show where and how they are connected.

Mark, that would be great. Just whenever you get around to it! I appreciate it!

Will get some pics for you this weekend when I get the boat out.

I'm not sure about previous models but the 2015 has the shocks as well.

I have a 2013 G and was interested in adding shocks. From what I can tell the newer models have some threaded holes for the ball studs for the shocks to attach to. I don't think the earlier years have those threaded holes. Check yours. If you have those threaded holes it should be an easy addition. Here are the bimini instructions.

http://www.planetnautique.com/Correc...toryBimini.pdf

It's definitely not a two person job. If you grab the front bar on the Bimini while in the bow and pull it forward to fold the tower, just push back on the Bimini as it lowers to keep it from slamming down. I do this by myself every time it goes in storage. I end up sitting in the front bow seat as it lowers and just keep pushing back on the tower with the Bimini and it works perfectly.

My friends 2013G23 exactly as above and he does it so fast it scares me thinking something is going to break , it's almost like he yanks it down by the bimini

Yea, it's really easy and would assume the only way to get it down. There should be a lot of tension on the lines in the tower so it doesn't really take a lot of push back force to slow it down.