Any FASTech owners stow the bimini top in the engine bay???
 

I saw on some Formula brochures that Formula built the 353 and 312 to stow the bimini in the engine bay and that made me wonder if other models accommodate this feature. My 419 was not built for this idea but that is what I have in mind for it. Does anyone have pics of this setup in their FASTech? If I can get enough pics and info on how this is done I plan on building this into my 419 FASTech.
The bimini is in the way sitting on top of the headrests but we like to use it at times so we want it on the boat. Not having to prop up the top before raising the hatch would be much more convenient.
TIA

No pics but my 292 stores in the engine compartment. What I thought was dangerously close to the belts and pulleys but after 2 seasons and alot of rough water it makes me think it's not going to move.

Mine stores up against the firewall. The legs are cut so they are short enough to fit. Simple slip joint and pin to set it up. Works great!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]546597[/ATTACH]

So my 312 has the spot to store it and all the hardware to put one up, but no Bimini in sight. I think when they installed the Superchargers there wasn't enough room to store it anymore and it got pitched.

Thanks for that pic. I can see the orientation of the placement which gives me something to go on for mine. I have the gen and third engine to contend with but high and level looks like a possibility.

Does it stow fairly easy or is it a bit of a chore to get it in and out?

Real easy to stow, no issues with clearance or movement when underway. The legs slide on guides and then rest in pockets at the stern. The top is nice to have, but we have never used it!

I wish I had the one for my boat. I'd use it all the time.

I went a different route. Ordered one to fit outside windshield from a third party. I also ordered slide track rails to slide top forward and backwards. This way, when I open hatch, I slide top forward, then backward to get to engine. Also allows for sliding with the sun to get shade over bolsters. This top is not set up to run at speed. I just use the 4 straps to secure while anchored. I do have the rear poles, If I choose to go that way, but I don't use it enough.

I had the factory bimini on a 382 and no way it would fit......the bimini would need to be nearly 1 ft narrower to fit inside the compartment, reducing the amount of shade it provides. Leaving it on top of the sunpad, or propped up on the rear poles always seemed best for me.

Jriggs was able to fit his factory bimini in the engine compartment the same way I was. Have to slide it in from one side, and let the legs hang down. Cut the legs off and sleeve them with a pin. Piece of cake.

These are from my 303, but I have the exact same setup on the 382...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]546673[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]546674[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]546675[/ATTACH]

Have not figured out how to fit mine in yet on my 336, but there are brochures showing it stowed I know it has to be possible. Need to be a contortionist to get it in

I have had a bimini stowed in the engine compartment. The problem with that is most bimini's are sewn and glued. The heat from the engine dries and releases the glue. I took the bimini out to preserve it and went to a sunshade. The sunshade is light and works for nearly every boat. The downside is you can't use it while running...but who wants a bimini up at 90mph? Also, the sunshade stores easily and looks pretty cool.

Been thinking about adding a sun shade to compliment my bimini, and only use the Bimini when overnighting

Not sure the top on Jriggs boat was a factory original. I know the previous owner well, the top ('98) was clearly different than my factory top ('99).

Wow....wish i could find one to fit in our 382 engine bay for storage!

rob i would like to know about your top
 

rob, can you message me if you still have your account about your bimini top.... i have a 312 and looking for one and need part numbers and dimensions if you can

I could never get anything to fit on my 292.