I just helped a buddy build a blind for his boat. We picked the bimini hardware up from the Sportsman's Guide Website for a good price.

 

Google it. Lots of places out there and most of them seem to be around the same price. West Marine, Cabela's are two i can think of off the top of my head. Don't forget to the the 7/8" size pieces for the end caps and any that slide over the tubing.

 

Google it. Lots of places out there and most of them seem to be around the same price. West Marine, Cabela's are two i can think of off the top of my head. Don't forget to the the 7/8" size pieces for the end caps and any that slide over the tubing.

x2.

 

Google it. Lots of places out there and most of them seem to be around the same price. West Marine, Cabela's are two i can think of off the top of my head. Don't forget to the the 7/8" size pieces for the end caps and any that slide over the tubing.

ok thanks guys, wasnt sure as well between 7/8" or the other size i see posted but now i know.

 

viewtopic.php?f=72&t=186987

It aint' my money but I figure you could save money and have much stronger fittings just using plain bolts and hinges available in hardware depts.

 

The 7/8's will still be a tight fit so dont freak out if you think it does not fit. I remember using a dremel (or something similar) and having to shave a little bit of the material from the fitting to get mine to fit properly.

 

The 7/8's will still be a tight fit so dont freak out if you think it does not fit. I remember using a dremel (or something similar) and having to shave a little bit of the material from the fitting to get mine to fit properly.

Delta's right.

We used a heat gun, or propane torch and heated the EMT up, heat the Bimini hardware just a litte them ram the EMT in. It will melt the bimini a little, but will bond really well and be on there super tight.

 

I don't understand how 7/8 bimini hardware is too small for 3/4 conduit. 7/8 is bigger than 3/4. What am I missing? What is "7/8" about the hardware?

 

conduit is measured in ID and i am sure the bimini tubing is measured in OD

 

conduit is measured in ID and i am sure the bimini tubing is measured in OD

Quick translation

ID is inside diameter
OD is outside diameter

 

Check out wholesalemarine.com cheapest place I found for bimini hardware

 

We took measurements when we built out blind. There is nothing 3/4" about 3/4" EMT. Inner diameter was not 3/4", nor was the outer diameter.

 

Overton's and Gander Mountain is where I got mine.

I used a 3/4" Drum sander I picked up at Lowe's for a couple $$ and hooked it up to drill, as I did not have a Dremel....

The material is noticeably more workable if you let it in the sun for a little before sliding together (Probably better to be firmer when using drum sander, so don't put in sun before hand)

Hope this helps,
ZMan079