About to install a Monster cargo rack bimini but I dont want to drill holes

[KAN5AS]

I have seen a little info on this but does anyone know if there is an easy way to use clamps instead of putting holes in the tower?
I have seen some other similar bimini tops with clamps and was wondering if any of those would fit with the monster bimini?
Or should I just drill and forget about it?

Thanks!

[wolfeman131]

on a 2007, I'd forget about it and drill the holes. Do a search for Monster Cargo Bimini and I think you'll find my original write up plus one from Captn Craig (?) where he used clamps vs drilling into the tower.

[trayson]

this is how my monster cargo bimini was installed:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/traysonh/Moomba%20XLV/20160924_174553_zpstcixyq0b.jpg

http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/traysonh/Moomba%20XLV/20160924_174603_zpspnkdjy9l.jpg

[Stazi]

Did you weld the mounts to those clamps?


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[trayson]

Did you weld the mounts to those clamps?


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I'm not sure where you'd source them, but I'm pretty sure they were machined that way to accommodate the ball and socket... I did some searching and I'm honestly not sure where to source the clamps... Maybe try these guys: http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/

[Stazi]

I just drilled them in my old Möbius.


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[BobP]

I drilled following Drew's writeup.

[GregInKS]

this is how my monster cargo bimini was installed:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/traysonh/Moomba%20XLV/20160924_174553_zpstcixyq0b.jpg

http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/traysonh/Moomba%20XLV/20160924_174603_zpspnkdjy9l.jpg

Are you sure that's a monster brand cargo bimini?

[GregInKS]

this is how my monster cargo bimini was installed:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/traysonh/Moomba%20XLV/20160924_174553_zpstcixyq0b.jpg

http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/traysonh/Moomba%20XLV/20160924_174603_zpspnkdjy9l.jpg

Are those maybe z5 clamps? Anyone confirm or know where to get some?

[trayson]

Are you sure that's a monster brand cargo bimini?

Yes. I'm sure. Aside from the clamps, every other detail is spot on. The canvas layout, the bungees, even the corner loops for attaching the tube carrier.

But you might be right... They could be z5 clamps. I've seen a pic of those clamps on a z5 install instruction post before

[GregInKS]

Yes. I'm sure. Aside from the clamps, every other detail is spot on. The canvas layout, the bungees, even the corner loops for attaching the tube carrier.

But you might be right... They could be z5 clamps. I've seen a pic of those clamps on a z5 install instruction post before

Yep z5 clamps and found em! 38.95 each... Seems they might just work with the monster cargo bimini and be perfect!
25407

[trayson]

Yep z5 clamps and found em! 38.95 each... Seems they might just work with the monster cargo bimini and be perfect!
25407

Pretty confident those are exactly the clamps I have.

I saw the part numbers on the z5 site under XLV instructions.

[GregInKS]

Pretty confident those are exactly the clamps I have.

I saw the part numbers on the z5 site under XLV instructions.

Well I just ordered 4 z5 clamps to use with my monster cargo bimini. I will confirm if they are a fit or not. I think they will be perfect.

Thanks!

[GregInKS]

trayson are your adjustable sections of the front cross bar with the ball screwed in place so they can't slide in and out?
If so can you rotate your bimini down? It looks to me if I screw them in place the bimini will not rotate down because the z5 clamp around the ball is wider than the monster equip. I assume the xlv is more wide than my lsv so yours must be screwed in place to keep from moving around?
On mine the adjustable sections of the front cross bar are all the way in with no play. I think it I just leave them that way and not screw them
together then the bimini will just rotate on that point instead of the ball.

Hopefully you get what I am saying lol...

[Stazi]

They will still pivot as the connection is a ball in socket. If you don't fix the rods in it will be a floppy mess.

I was always able to disconnect the rear connections and pivot the whole Bimini up and down with any issue. Also the rear connections are height adjustable, so the design requires the ball in socket connection to pivot.


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[GregInKS]

They will still pivot as the connection is a ball in socket. If you don't fix the rods in it will be a floppy mess.

I was always able to disconnect the rear connections and pivot the whole Bimini up and down with any issue. Also the rear connections are height adjustable, so the design requires the ball in socket connection to pivot.


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I know it's supposed to pivot but using the z5 clamps it's a bit different. Are you using the z5 clamps?

[GregInKS]

I know it's supposed to pivot but using the z5 clamps it's a bit different. Are you using the z5 clamps?

Actually... I think I just need to rotate the z5 clamps so the ball will rotate correctly. Then though with the front crossbar balls sticking out it won't fit down into the boat when trailering. I honestly think it will work either way.

At least we all know that the z5 clamps do work with the monster cargo bimini for those that don't want to drill holes in their tower.

Thanks guys!

[Stazi]

It makes no difference which clamps you use if they are installed correctly. If they are binding, then they are in the wrong position.


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[trayson]

Mine rotates down, but I rarely ever bother. I made kind of a "quick release" of sorts on the rope of my bimini fabric so that it's possible to take it off without having to unthread ALL the string from the loops. I just cut the rope on each side and made a loop and a knot that the loop lasso's... under tension, the loop/knot hold like they're a contiguous piece of rope.

Here's a pic of one of the clamps where it pivots...
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/traysonh/Moomba%20XLV/20160924_174553_zpsudetl4xk.jpg

other side:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/traysonh/Moomba%20XLV/20160924_174613_zpswpwd0a6j.jpg

Looking at my pic, I'm guessing that my outer tubing isn't fixed on my inner tubing... But I rarely move it, so that's a guess.

If you were really concerned, I suppose you could source yourself new ball ends...
https://cdn3.bigcommerce.com/s-6rtev5owwo/products/232224/images/122227/nat-11751_lg__99454.1469113642.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

[GregInKS]

Ya if you notice your z5 clamps are facing in so it won't rotate down very well because of the shape of the ball/rod. If you spin the clamp so it's pointed up it will rotate freely. That was my issue... On the lsv if the clamps are pointed in there is no play at all on those front adjustable poles with the ball. They are pushed all the way in on both sides. I think I am leaving it like that because it will fit down in the boat easier if I can slide those poles out. Will be taking it down a ton to trailer and store.

Thanks!

[trayson]

Ya if you notice your z5 clamps are facing in so it won't rotate down very well because of the shape of the ball/rod. If you spin the clamp so it's pointed up it will rotate freely. That was my issue... On the lsv if the clamps are pointed in there is no play at all on those front adjustable poles with the ball. They are pushed all the way in on both sides. I think I am leaving it like that because it will fit down in the boat easier if I can slide those poles out. Will be taking it down a ton to trailer and store.

Thanks!

your strategy seems on point. I think you've got this handled!