Bimini Top Install and Test on my Bass Tracker
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- My Wife and I install a Bimini Top on my 2020 Tracker Pro 170
Without making any holes on the boat. No Drilling.
I used 1/4 bolts 1-1/2 inch long on the versa track.
We test it out on the lake.
I purchased the Top on Amazon Here's the link:
www.amazon.com...
finally got it installed. All is good. The wife is a must. Tested at 30mph in bouncy seas. No problem. Is a bit of a job to have up and also fish but its doable. 102F here today with higher heat index. Thanks again.
Great ! It does help keep us alive in this horrible heat even if it takes up some real state from fishing. It’s 100 here in East TX too
I put the exact same one on my Pro 170 back in 2019 in Red. Matches surprisingly well and it works like a charm!
It does. Thanks for the comment
LOL...at my house the roles are completely reversed...I loved how she read the instructions...Video gave me a chuckle today.
Yup she's the assembler in the family
Wow bro! Great job! Thanks for sharing. It’s awesome you got the wife to also help you. It came out great. Enjoy brother. 👍🤙
Thanks
Gman, I put a bimini top on my Tracker for my wife so she would be more comfortable when she goes out with me. We tried it out for the first time last week when it was in the upper 90's and I think I like it as much as she does! I had no problem at all with it getting in the way when I was up front fishing. And it was really nice to get out of the blazing sun at midday to enjoy a bite to eat.
I followed a tip from someone else and bought some stainless steel mounts to replace the black plastic ones they give you with the top.
That was funny that you mentioned one of your mounting spots was at 69-1/2" because that's the same exact spot I ended up settling on to put my mounts too. Unfortunately, I had to drill some holes because I don't have the Versa-track. Hated to do it but oh well.
I totally agree. The relief from the sun let’s me be out there longer. Thanks for the comment.
You guys are awesome! Love your videos! I ordered a Pro 170 two weeks ago. Can’t wait for it to get here.
Cool. You'll love it. I have been making upgrades myself little at a time to make it as enjoyable as possible. Thanks for the comment.
Wow! I can only imagine what a parachute that was to put together in East Texas wind! You guys get 10 thumbs up for working like a team. Subbed and rang the bell.
Thanks. It does get windy here. On those days the boat stays home.
I love the idea about the Versa Track mounts. I’ve been thinking about one for my Pro Team 190 TXW but was shy about drilling holes to mount it, now this “Clinches” it! 🎉 I live in Arizona so I feel you pain about the hot Sun! I’ve fished in 115 degrees, wasn’t fun but I caught fish deep under docks……. 🌞
Some people criticize me putting a top on a bass boat. But I tell you when the Sun scorches down. It makes all the difference in the world. Thanks for watching
Absolutely agree….looking at picking our pro team 190 up this week and was kind of sad about drilling if I wanted a Bimini top…boom…you helped me decide! Hope it’s still going well!
Thanks for watching
Your wife is a lot like mine. No matter what project I am working on, mine will be right there beside me helping, like handing me tools, giving me her thoughts, doing the work, cleaning and working on our boats, vehicles, yard, repairing things, laying tile, painting our house. She’s been beside me for 50 years and is a terrific partner. I may yet add a Bimini to our Tracker.
Sure thing. 22 years and her energy keeps me going. Best partner I’ve ever had. BTW the Bimini top has been an awesome addition to my fishing comfort. Thanks for the kind words.
Great video! Thanks for posting!
Thanks
Great job Gman! Enjoy the shade! 👍💪🙏
Thanks
Thanks. This video helped me out quite alot
Glad it helped!
just installed this today using the GMAN method.... it works perfectly ---- could maybe get by with 3/4 inch screws back / front I might swap them out later but who knows?????? and maybe 1 inch in the middle and I can confirm that when you install it this way, it does not interfere with the factory cover at al- it sits inside the tracks so cover clears fine. for anyone who's looking, I went 59 inches from the back to place the middle or hinge screw. One very strange thing is my boat did not have an opening for the versa track in the rear of the drivers side, I had to drill it myself with a 1/2 inch bit and made a mess of it ---- the drill chewed a chunk out instead of a nice cut out, a little pissed at tracker but doest really matter I guess. you may just look to see if you have a way to get to the back of the track on the drivers side or if they left the cut out off on yours as well- I wonder if it was just an oversight on my boat or if its a thing for all of them? anyway the cover fits perfectly and this seems like a very solid way to instal -- thanks GMAN! ! ! looking forward to a little shade next time I go out to fail at fishing...... its like an oven here in texas already shade is good!!!!!!
Awesome man. I love the shade I get. I had the same problem with the Versa track. I also made a small mess when drilling the entrance hole. Tracker missed the mark on that detail
@@GmanfromTexas I was wondering if it was just me, the only hole I have for access to the track on the drivers side is up front and cant use that because the console is in the way. so I thought no problem, l'll just drill it ..... um yea the bit chewed the crap out of it but that cover is in and fits great and most important no holes in the boat. -- thanks for the great videos and ideas ive go the same boat. now I just gotta figure out how to catch some fish
Nice job. I have 2018 16WT I went to your link and got the size for my boat. Putting it together in the living room before I put it on the boat. I also need to go buy the extra bolts.
Great you’ll love it. Sun is getting hot
Great video!! Gonna add to my Tracker Pro 160. Thanks
It’s working out nicely. I use it more when boating with my wife rather than fishing. It serves both purposes
Very nice, and I love how you used the VersaTrack. Don’t let the tanning interfere with the fishing. 😂
Thanks for the reply. The versa track definitively avoided unnecessary drilling on a new boat. And the tanning is a welcome distraction. LOL.
Thanks for the information
My pleasure
Well.....thanks to you, looks like I've got a winter project ahead. I like your idea of using the J track! I've got a 2022 Pro 170....looks pretty much like yours. Really enjoy your videos....(even if I am an Okie) ha. Keep up the good work!
Glad to help Okie LOL
Living the dream 👍🏽
Thanks Joe.
How did you tighten the bolt once you placed it in the track? I tried it and it just spins when i try and put the lock nut on.
It’s a square head bolt so it can’t spin inside the track once you flip it vertically inside the track
Well done using the versa track!
Thanks
Looks great I am wanting to do this as well and welcome to texas we live in Palestine hope to maybe meet you guys out on the water some time
Would love to some day.
Does the Bimini top get in the away when you're fishing or any other downfalls to installing the Bimini top
I does limit the fishing on the back deck a bit but I usually fish at the front anyway.
I don’t use it always but like right now temperature where I fish is 104 by the time I start heading in
Great work-around to having to drill holes. However, how did you manage to get the nuts tightened on the bolt w/out being able to access the part of the bolt in the track? I used the caveman method of holding the threaded end with a vice-grip and tightened it down with a wrench.
I used a rectangular head bolt. They go in horizontally and can’t turn inside the track
@@GmanfromTexas Makes perfect sense! I should have thought if that. Thanks!
Nice video, also another fella texan so you got my follow for sure
Thanks man.
I just got a 175 txw and I have a question did you have to drill an àccess for the bolt on the control side in the back mine doesn't have the access for the bolt past the steering controls
Yes I did. Mine did not have access either. The hole I made did not come out very clean but I didn’t have a choice.
Tracker missed the mark on this feature.
very nice. I have a tracker and was wondering if they could make one that attaches to the rail. But you have the ideal.
I works for me. I usually fish from the bow to work the trolling motor and it doesn’t interfere.
Wish I would have seen this video before I drilled mounting holes in my boat. I have the same boat. Oh well, mine came out nice, but was stressful drilling into her. Haha
It’s chilling anytime we drill on the boat. Hey thanks for watching and thank you for your service
I have the 170 also--can you tell me what size you purchased? Thank you
David here’s the link to the one I got
Leader Accessories 3 Bow Dark... www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2N5Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@GmanfromTexas thank you but, I click on link and it does take me to the order page- an it’s asking what size lol
LxWxH just wondering if you remember what size you chose when you ordered sir .
@@davidthompson9701 oh sorry. Yes I bought Size: 3 Bow 6'L x 46"H x 67"-72"W
@@GmanfromTexas Thank you sir!
Great video - I was very happy to see how you used your mounting tracks on the gunnels. I'm going to try a Bimini on my tiller fishing boat. Long, high, hot, summer sun just beats this 73yo to death. I'm not sure how the top will with with a tiller. Maybe if I install it backwards? Looking at your finished install makes it seem that I'd have better room in the tiller seat that way... We'll see... Nice job by both or you!
Thanks. It really reduces the heat by several degrees.
What size is the Bimini top? Looking to get the same one without drilling as well. Thanks
I purchased Size: 3 Bow 6'L x 46"H x 54"-60"W
@@GmanfromTexas thank you. Love your set up
How many times will you hit the bimini top on your back cast?
I don’t. I cast side to side when the top is open. And I don’t have the top open all the time
I see what you did there at the putting screws in the strap you rascal you
Thanks for watching
Can you use the back seat with it up and do you think same one will fit a 05 pro team 175?
Yes I can use the back seat to sit but not for fishing. When it's open the back deck is very small but when it's closed I can fish no problem. This top comes in different widths so you need to measure the with of your boat at the point you think it will be attached to and get the size that will fit you. Mine was the 79" to 84" size. Hope this helps.
You know how to make a instructional video interesting. 😂
I ordered a 8' for my Tracker 190. I'm thinking it might be too big because my versatrack is covered by the console. 😮
Humm not sure of the size. You can see in my video that part of the versa track is also close to my console. I think the 72 inch would fit your 190. Not sure though
@@GmanfromTexas
The top is 8' long and 72" wide.
@@bartcornelius7717 I purchased the 3 Bow 6'L x 46"H x 67"-72"W
What size did you go with for the top? Same exact boat loving it
Here’s the link of what I got on Amazon
Leader Accessories 10 Colors 3 Bow 4 Bow Bimini Top Cover for Boat Includes 4 Straps 2 Rear Support Poles Mounting Hardwares Storage Boot with 1" Aluminum Frame a.co/d/hMJGdfW
WOW very nice
Thank you so much
Is that top a light gray or dark gray. It matches the red boat very well. I just purchased a red Pro 170 and wanted to purchase a color that matches well.
That’s the dark gray. It matches the seat color perfectly
@@GmanfromTexas thank you very much
How much is it? How well can you fish from the back of the boat?
I paid 164 on Amazon. It limits my fishing on the back of the boat a bit. I like fishing the front with my trolling motor anyway. I mostly use it when I’m heading back to the ramp l. That’s when it gets hot. I usually fish from 6:00 am to 10:00 am
@@GmanfromTexas thank you for the information.
Thanks for another great idea. We’ll install the top on ours the same way. 🇺🇸🎸👮🏻♂️
Glad I could help
Gman where did you buy that Bimini top? And what size is it. I have a 2021 tracker pro 170 and yours looks amazing.
Thanks. I love it. I got it on Amazon. The link is on the description but here it is again:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BV2N5Y8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
G-Main, where did you get this Bimini Top at? I must have missed it. BTW, it was quite obvious who the pro was. Enjoy!
Yes, credit is where credit is due. There's a link on the description to the product on Amazon.
@@GmanfromTexas Ah, there it is... I was viewing it on my phone, and didn't see that. I also saw an image of someone with same boat as yours in the Amazon reviews. Check it out; they added a foam (looks like the type used for insulation), so that when the top is down the aluminum rods do not rub against the boat.
🤪
What was the brand and model of the Bimini you bought? Has it still been durable?
It’s still like new. Works very well. Here’s the link to the one I bought
Leader Accessories 3 Bow Dark... www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2N5Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Thanks GMan.
@@jskarochester glad I could help
Good job
Thanks man
Great video. Could you link the bolts that you used? I just want to make sure I get the ones with the right heads that fit the versatrack. Thanks!
I believe I used 1/4 inch bolt by 1-1/2 “ length
Great video on the bimini top love the forward guides on your tracker where did you get those?
Hootens hardware store on the guides. Thanks for watching.
Great vid!
I'm confused though. I just bought a 2021 175 txw pro team and there is no versa track from the driver console to the rear. It stops just in front of the console. Passenger side is the entire length. Am i missing something?
Thanks!
Edit:
Just took a second look and they covered up that part of the versa track with some ledge and carpet. Not to mention the console housing extends quite a bit. Major fail for whoever designed that. Pissed.
That's right Todd. If you look closely I had to drill an entrance hole on that rear side before for another install I did in the past. Not too clean I might add. It's definitively a fail on Tracker.
Yeah unfortunately there's no way i can make it work. I wouldn't even be able to center it above the seats because of that dang shifter housing that extends all the way to the back of my seat. Thanks anyway!
@@toddc6921 I don’t like that aluminum cover behind the driver’s seat. It does a neat job of hiding the wiring and cables which are under the gunnels but eliminates using the VersaTrack on that side. I ran LED strips under the gunnels around the entire perimeter of my Tracker except for that one section. I may add LEDs in an aluminum channel to that area but haven’t decided since the channel and LEDs would be visible. All the other LEDs are hidden.
@@toddc6921 I have the same boat and also feel your pain..if you come up with any solution , let me know…every time I look into a Bimini top, I get pissed and stop looking…it’d be nice to have some shade someday..thanks 👍🏻
@@patrickhealey6566
I finally said screw it and drilled into the rails. Went with national covers and have zero regrets.
Low profile 36" height for maximum shade coverage.
Seems like you have had it installed awhile now. Are you still as happy with it and can you tell me if that dark gray has faded?
I really like it. I’m fair skinned so I need it. I keep my boat under a carport so there has been no fading. Don’t know how it would hold color under sun storage.
@@GmanfromTexas thank you for the quick replies. We ordered a different brand at Christmastime for our sons little boat but that brand was out of the correct size so I ordered this one. Nice seeing it on the same style boat
@@janicesain2063 enjoy it and tight lines
Which sites did you order yours from ?
@@billyrobmonjob4644 Amazon. Here’s the link.
Leader Accessories 3 Bow Dark... www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2N5Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@GmanfromTexas thanks!
I can't find what to order online. can you tell me exactly what you have.
Hi Jason. If you’re asking about the Bimini top I bought it at Amazon. Here’s the link
Leader Accessories 3 Bow Dark... www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2N5Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
What size carriage bolts?
1/4 X 1-1/2
Great video btw, installing the bolt there at the rear in the Versa-track what happened to the left of where you installed the bolt? looks like you had to drill out the track to get the head of the bolt in?
Yes. Tracker did not put an entry point on that side of the track. I had to drill and did not do a very clean job. I have to paint it.
@@GmanfromTexas What size drill bit did you use?
@@104watcher i really don’t remember the size. I used a bit that fit in the existing hole of the other side.
@@GmanfromTexas thx
Great video. The versatrack is covered up on the drivers side for the 190TX or this would've worked perfectly for me.
Mine was covered up too. I had to drill a hole in the track. It doesn’t look very clean but I was able to use it that way
@gmanfromTexas can you take a photo of this setup where you drilled the hole please
Catfish is good eating you’re crazy 😂
Don’t get me wrong I love eating catfish. Fried, broiled, blackened. I just don’t like cleaning it.
what size is that Bimini top???? And what did it cost thanks!!
I got it at Amazon. It's 6' L x 46" h x 67-72". It costs $165. Here's the link, if it works. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BV2N5Y8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@GmanfromTexas thanks!!
How did you mess up the paint at 11:09?
We’ll the boat does not bring an entry hole for the versa track on the starboard stern side so I had to drill one and didn’t dona very good job at it.
Great job ! Can you tell me the length of the 1/4 bolts that you used?
I used 1-1/2 long
@@GmanfromTexas Thank you 1
What was the size of the Bimini top?
Leader Accessories 3 Bow Dark... www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2N5Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Thanks for the video, it was very informative. Can you tell me the width of the top you purchased, the link you posted appears to be one that is 67-72" wide, is that the one you bought?...Thanks!
The one I purchased is
Dark Grey , 6'L x 46"H x 67"-72"W
@@GmanfromTexas Thank you very much!! Just bought a 2022 Pro 170, looking forward to the spring to install a Bimini for the wife and get out fishing!!
@@poconoboss You'll love it it keeps us cool in the East Texas heat. Enjoy
What size is it?
Here’s a link to the one I got
Leader Accessories 3 Bow Dark... www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2N5Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
wow I want that! what were the measurements on it? the amazon link still works but want to be sure of the measurements and I love the no holes in the boat policy - thats me also
This is the one I got:
Dark Grey , 6'L x 46"H x 67"-72"W
@@GmanfromTexas thanks! I think Im going to order one its plenty hot out here -- near DFW area.
Sorry I’m not seeing a link? Can you post it again for me or direct me. Also are you sure you got the 67-72 width. We have a 2013 without the track but still need the 79 doesn’t seem like it should be that much wider
@@janicesain2063 yes that’s the size I got. Here’s the link;
Leader Accessories 10 Colors 3 Bow Bimini Top Boat Cover 4 Straps for Front and Rear Includes Mounting Hardwares with 1 Inch Aluminum Frame www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2N5Y8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RS5YX7G6ND2Z6TZQVGTQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You did an awesome job with that enjoy it and thank you for the video. I just ordered mine and also want to do it the exact same way you did because that looks perfect and simple. If you wouldn't mine can you give me the size nuts and bolts you used please. Thank you.
Thanks Billy. I believe the bolts are 1/4 by 1-1/2 inch long for the versa track. But I would try one first. Only one size will go into the Versa track.
@@GmanfromTexas ok thank you I appreciate it
@@billye99 Use stainless steel 1/4” carriage bolts in the VersaTrack
I just realized that the back half of my Versa Trac on the driver side doesn't have a insert to slide a bolt into. Wow wth
@@billye99 that’s right. It’s a manufacturer flaw in my opinion. I had to drill an entrance hole at the rear of mine
Nice easy installment but the wife was such a distraction lol how did u concentrate wit her next to u !
Love that distraction. Yes lose my concentration and have to repeat. Haha thanks for the great comment.
Came for the Bimini top. Stayed for the bodacious bottom......
Well then the least you can do is subscribe. Lol
@@GmanfromTexas that's fair. Subscribed
@@arfreak1979 thanks!
Catfish IS dinner. Why did you say no? 🤣
I know. I just didn’t want to clean that sucker
@@GmanfromTexas exactly why I filet them 🤣
6:55!!!!!!
LOL I know
Rotate the lashes 180 to 360 and they won’t flap in the wind.
What do you mean Lee?
Just give them a twist or two, air won’t get between the straps thus no flapping. Hope that helps.
@@lrognlie I figured out what you meant and did just that. No more flapping. Thanks
Never on a bass boat.
Well it’s a multi purpose boat.
hey G man, I have the same boat as you -- red 170 and I live in hot as what ever N texas I was out last week and it was only 95 and I was cooking, I have the vinyl deck as well that gets plenty hot so Im thinking this would be a pretty good upgrade unless Im leaving it parked all summer and thats not happening... Any way does the one you got match the boat pretty well? and do you use a cover and if you do, does it interfere with it?????? I was thinking dark grey but hard to tell on amazon how dark it is thanks! Oh and I found a listing for a hardware set on amazon that uses the veratrack as well - kinda like what you invented but more $$. it looks like you used 6 1 1/2 inch carriage bolts with two washers one lock washer and two locknuts each sound right????? I think im going to order this one right now....... its to hot already and only getting hotter out here. thanks for all the great videos
hey for anyone looking: as of today 5/14/2022 there is a coupon on amazon 6% off - not to bad.. and here's the link for the high $$ (89 bucks as of now) mount things if you don't mind if I post it: www.amazon.com/Outdoorsmens-Depot-Tracker-Versatrack-Brackets/dp/B07GTD3361/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1HMK7GV969KPX&keywords=versa+track+Bimini+mount&qid=1652582152&sprefix=versatrack+bimini+mount%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-8
I think Im going the G man method those are $115 after shipping but there it is for anyone who's interested
The dark grey I got matches the grey seats real good. You’re right on the hardware except the carriage bolt is only two inches. The Bimini top brings a cover and is easy to zip up and remove. If you meant the boat cover, I exchanged the cover that came with the boat for the cover of a 175 because my new trolling motor makes the boat longer. It does not interfere with the Bimini top at all.
@@GmanfromTexas thanks - I was asking about the boat cover it fits pretty snug I have the bass pro cover since mine lives outside does the Bimini interfere with the boat cover? or does the Bimini sit inside the gunnels or however you spell that ?? -- and the carriage bolts used were 1/4 inch but was the length 2 inches? or 1 1/2 inches???? -- I just ordered the cover and it should be here in a few days so I want to make a hardware store run so im ready to instal when it gets here its to damn hot out there already. That custom hardware set is to much for me over a hundred bucks with shipping maybe next year but your method looks like it works pretty well. and no more holes in the boat. ---- thanks again.
@@anonimous596 OK sorry for the confusion. I just went outside and measured. The bolts are 1/4 X 1-1/2 " long. The bimini top does not interfere with the boat cover because it lays inside the boat just under the gunnel. It should fit just right. Hope this helps.
@@GmanfromTexas it does thank you! I'm planning on going today to gather the stuff to mount it to the tracks so I can get it on the boat when it gets here its getting way to hot way to soon out here - nearly 100 today and its only may