How to Install a 3-Bow Bimini Frame on a Pontoon

X-HT-300173

Stay safely shaded while you're enjoying the water on your pontoon under a custom bimini top. With bimini frame and skin kits from Sailrite®, you can build a custom bimini from start to finish that will perfectly fit your unique vessel. When building a bimini, you'll want to start by assembling and installing the frame. In our video tutorial, we'll show you how to measure and cut down the frame for your boat and how to install it securely with the proper proportions.

Video Chapters:

Sizing for Bimini Frame – 0:33 min.
Installing Flat Mounts or Universal Deck Hinges – 2:10 min.
Bedding Hardware – 04:30 min.
Measuring & Cutting Primary and Secondary Bow – 07:33 min.
Measuring & Cutting Crowns – 10:33 min.
Assembly of Bows – 12:17 min.
Primary Frame Assembly – 16:19 min.
Installing Rigid Support Struts – 18:39 min.
Secondary Bow Assembly – 20:55 min.
Adjusting Primary & Secondary Bows – 22:20 min.
Intermediate Bow Assembly – 25:24 min.
Materials List – 31:36 min.

Materials List:

3-Bow Bimini Frame Kit – we used 7/8" stainless steel, #121314
Rigid Support Strut 7/8" Stainless Steel Pair – #121152 (optional)

Tools List:

Professional Rivet Tool – #103520
Drill Steady Tubing Tool #100967
Tape Measure, Permanent Marker, Drill, 5/32" Drill Bit, 1/8" Drill Bit, Hacksaw, Hex Wrenches, Screwdrivers

How to Install a 3 Bow Bimini Frame on a Pontoon 2

To cover most of the seating area on the boat, we chose a 3-Bow Bimini Frame Kit. Our kits come with all the hardware and components you need to assemble and install the bimini frame. Building a frame kit isn't difficult, but it does require a few careful calculations. It's important to be precise at each step so that the finished bimini is level and well supported.

Bimini frame kits don't include rigid support struts, but depending on the size of your bimini and the setup on your boat, you might want to add a few to your order for extra frame stability. In the video, you'll see that we added two rigid support struts to support the bimini when folded. Later on, we actually decided to add a third as well, which you can see in our "How to Add Extra Stability to a Bimini Frame" blog (#300182XHT).

There are more pontoon-related how-tos in our Marine Projects category. There you'll find tutorials on how to sew boat covers, awnings, upholstery, and even how to sew and install a full boat enclosure. With materials and tools from Sailrite — plus our expert educational content and videos — there's no limit to your DIY potential. Let's make something great together!