Bimini

[Stuart 28-2]

The boat came with a Bimini frame and a shredded top. The frame was installed on the boat, folded up and seemed in good condition. The top was too damaged to try to repair but good enough to try to tape up to use as a template. We decided to try to make a cover due to cost and delivery time (was told by maker $1500 to $1800 and 11 to 14 weeks). What is shown in the photos is the intended template top made from cheap material. The plan was get that right and then make the top out of suitable, more expensive material.
Now, to the issues/questions re the frame. There are two mounting points on each side of the boat. I have circled them in red in one photo. The aft points are where the frame was mounted to when we bought the boat. The forward points have mounting hardware identical to the aft points (the forward hardware is removed from the boat in the photo with just the two screws in place). It seems without something solid to connect from the frame to the forward mounts (somewhere like where I have shown in purple on one photo)the whole frame can just fall forward. How far it falls would be limited by the back stays but it would be able to fall too far. There are no marks on the frame indicating that there were once additional pieces mounted. Also, connecting a piece to that forward mounting point would make it significantly more difficult to move forward out of the cockpit so doesn't seem practical.
Is the frame simply missing those forward pieces, or, does it work differently to what I am thinking.

 

[ConchyDug]

I think I have a similar setup on my 38. I attached photos of it deployed and folded up. I like this style as it allows you to "drop the top" and stow it back solo. I also have 3 windows on it for trimming sails.

 

[Stuart 28-2]

Thanks for the info. How does the front section fold up with the rear? Do you disconnect it at the mounting point?

 

[ConchyDug]

Yeah I disconnect the front arch and it pins onto the back one then I bundle it. Fiance is making a cover for the bundle so it looks cleaner. I'll attach photos of the pin points.

Best photo I could find on short notice.