Bimini tops when trailering

[gotjackson]

I can't seem to find a definitive answer on this, so maybe there isn't one. I recently purchased a 2007 JC Neptoon 25TT with double bimini tops. There doesn't seem to be a safe/secure way to completely lower the tops (flat against the boat) when trailering. If I lay the front bimini forward, the hardware digs into the seats and rearward doesn't lay completely flat and rests on the windshield. Either way, there doesn't seem to be a way to secure them in those positions. Even if there was a way to secure them, I'm confident they would do some damage to the boat itself going down the road.

So, my question is whether or not these tops are supposed to travel in the up position (with the boot covers on of course) or am I missing something about laying them down flat against the surface of the boat? I'm not so worried about the quick side-street-only trips to the local lake or the river, but more about getting on the highway at 60mph for an extended period of time. Seems to me there is a lot of wind buffeting against the tops above about 40mph.

Thanks,
Bryan

[NonHyphenAmerican]

When I asked this question, the answer I got seemed to work.

It's called the "Radar" position.

The tops are in the "Radar" position and the covers on them to prevent billowing.

This seems to work.

The first time I trailered my toon, I laid it completely down and used shrink wrap to secure it to the rails.

That worked, but it was a pain.

When I last trailered the toon, I made sure that all of the fasteners were good and tight and made sure the boot was securely in place.

Trailered it about 60 miles with no issues.

[BobG]

Mine came with "storage legs", that hold it up just a little while trailering.

Photo04280658sm.jpg (63.77 KiB) Viewed 5695 times

[ToonGuy]

If you do not have "stands" or short legs that secure the frame in the lowered position the accepted method of towing is in the radar position with the boot on. Extended highway speeds will not hurt a quality top.

[babock]

Ever since I lost a bimini top because a fitting failed, I will never trailer with a bimini in the up position ever again. I would only tow it with the short supports.

[teecro]

Rolled up in the "radar" position or lowered as far down as allowed. If you are worried about it pushing down into something else and scuffing your seats or shield you should be able to secure it in place with some bungie cords and cushion it with some foam pipe insulation....

[Bryden24shp]

If you do trailer in "Radar" position, make sure you wrap the bimini cover tight by running bungee cords or para cord around it. A loose fitting bimini cover will cost you 2 to 3 mpg when towing. You'll feel it everytime a semi blows by. Towing in the "trailering" position is the safest. You can add trailering supports easily. Overtons sells the parts you need.