Stainless Bimini Deck Hinge – Side-Mount Base 50x22mm (Deck Bracket)

This stainless steel bimini base is a side-mount deck hinge, intended for installation on vertical surfaces of the boat. When standard horizontal deck mounts won’t do – for instance, if you want to attach the front legs of a bimini to the inside of the gunwale or to the side of the console – this product is the perfect solution. It’s precisely and solidly crafted to withstand the dynamic loads from wind and motion.

Material quality: The entire base is made from AISI 316 stainless steel, which is cast and polished. This means there are no welds or weak points – you get a monolithic piece of metal that is resistant to bending or breaking. The mirror-polished finish not only looks great, but it also reflects UV rays, which helps keep it from overheating and contributes to preserving its shine. Even after years of use in saltwater, this base will not rust and will retain its functionality.

Compact size and installation: At approximately 50 mm long and 22 mm wide, the base is small enough to fit in tight frame or console spaces. The distance between the centers of the two mounting holes is designed so that when installed, the screws hold firmly and prevent any twisting of the base. The mounting holes are countersunk to allow flat or oval head screws to sit flush without protruding edges. For optimal strength, we recommend using stainless steel screws or bolts (about M5 size) appropriate for your mounting surface. If the mounting surface is thin (e.g., a fiberglass wall), you can through-bolt with a nut and washer on the backside for extra security.

Hinge function: The top of the base has an eye with a hole (~6 mm) which serves as the hinge connection for the bimini’s eye end fitting (like the ones described in product 6). Standard metal bimini end fittings fit perfectly – the hole is smooth and accurately sized for a typical clevis pin or quick-release pin. Once your bimini is connected via this pin, it can pivot freely up and down, which is necessary during raising and lowering. The side-mounted angle of this base allows the bimini to swing vertically upward and fold down alongside the mounting surface. For example, if bases are on the sides of a console, the bimini folds forward over it; if they’re inside the gunwales, the top lowers down toward the seats.

Applications: This base model is universally suited for all kinds of folding biminis – from small to large. It’s commonly used for:

• Installing a bimini on a RIB or inflatable: Where you may not have a broad deck for horizontal mounts, these bases can be glued or attached to the hard mounting pads on the tubes.
• Mounting bimini front legs to a vertical surface: E.g., many center consoles only have space on the sides of the console – these bases can attach there to hold the front of the top.
• Replacement: If you have existing bases that have rusted (e.g., chrome-plated brass or lower-grade steel) or plastic ones, the 00695 INOX is an excellent upgrade. Its footprint often covers the old holes or can mount in the same location.

Overall, with this stainless side-mount hinge, you get peace of mind that your bimini is secured reliably. It won’t give out under impact or vibration, and it looks professional on any boat type. Pair it with stainless end fittings and quality screws, and you’ll have a canopy attachment system that stands the test of time.