Convenience Upgrade

[LDUBS]

My canvass top buttons along the top of the windshield then has two struts on each side that attach to hinge brackets mounted on the gunnels. Because it is stretched very tight, I do the buttons first (those with some arthritis will immediately understand). Then I pull down on the remaining unattached strut to pin it to the gunnel hinge.

I replaced the original hinge brackets (left in pic) with some quick release hinges (right in pic).





Here is a pic of before and after. I had to cut quite a bit off the side of the new bracket for it to align with the old one. Kind of a pain but I think it looks better with the straight side up flush against that raised lip. The new hinge point was about 1/16 lower than the original. Since I had some dense 1/16 rubber, I made a gasket to raise the height. I did have to drill one new hole because the screw spacing is longer on the new hinge.





And Viola! Now it just snaps in. We will see how it works in reality under tension.

 

[Stand Up]

Rather clever my man. I hope it works well.

 

[LDUBS]

Thanks. I realize it is not exactly up there with replacing transoms or rebuilding motors. But, I did need to take two coffee breaks. Haha.

 

[Bailey Boat]

2 Coffee breaks??? Sounds like the 6 pack air filter change on my pickup..... LOL...

 

[Boosh]

I love upgrade posts like these

 

[LDUBS]

I love upgrade posts like these

I really enjoy following the in-depth projects. I also like to see how others handle the more routine stuff like rod holders, cup holders, tackle storage, anchor storage, etc.

 

[Boosh]

I really enjoy following the in-depth projects. I also like to see how others handle the more routine stuff like rod holders, cup holders, tackle storage, anchor storage, etc.

Do you have the link to the clips? Getting ready to put my Bimini on a small track to push it back while stowed. Might want to do this at the same time

 

[LDUBS]

I sure do. See below:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T9SZQRY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

In the spirit of full disclosure, I will give you a little more feedback on the ones I linked above. I bought these because they were about half the price of the Accon Marine brand I had seen before. Let's just say I wasn't impressed with the overall quality and wondered if I should have just sucked it up and paid more for the Accon Marine hinges.

On the ones I received the plastic cover for the latch stood proud of the bottom and would bind with the latch mechanism when mounted. I had to trim them down some. The post is just slightly proud of the bottom meaning it doesn't fully engage with the latch if flush mounted. Because I used a thin gasket, this wasn't an issue.

I think these are made to go with stainless eyes which are narrower than the nylon eyes. The slot for the eye is 0.3". I had to make it slightly wider to accept my fatter nylon eyes.

So far they seem like they will work well. I look forward to seeing how they hold top.

 

[Tin Man]

Nice simple upgrade/mod! Mods that make your life easier are always a plus. I especially love the 6 pack projects

 

[LDUBS]

I gave the quick release brackets a real life test on Monday. The brackets worked great. Instead of fighting to get the hinge pins in, it was just "click" and done. If they work this well long term then I'm happy I made the change.

Monday was windy as heck. Lost my Lee Valley hat. Turned around to see if I could scoop it out of the water but it was long gone. Sun of gun.