Inflatable Boat Bimini Base, Stainless – 90 x 40 mm (with EPDM Pad)

This product is a combination bimini base consisting of a stainless steel mounting plate integrated with a broad EPDM rubber pad for attachment to an inflatable craft. It is specifically designed to allow owners of inflatable boats and RIBs to install a bimini top or sun shade without drilling or damaging the inflatable tubes.

Installation: The EPDM pad, measuring 188 x 135 mm, is glued onto the surface of the inflatable tube (or another suitable area) using a high-strength adhesive (chosen according to your boat’s skin material – PVC or Hypalon). The EPDM material is compatible with these adhesives and serves as an intermediate layer that conforms to the tube’s flex and provides excellent bonding. Embedded in the center of the rubber pad is the stainless steel base (90 x 40 mm) which has provisions for attaching the canopy frame. Typically, this involves a vertical pin or bolt (depending on the design) through which the “foot” of the bimini top is secured. This particular base is engineered to accept tubes of diameter 22, 25, or 30 mm – it has a universal socket/opening that accommodates those tube sizes, locking them in place (via a pin or clamp screw).

Usage: Once properly glued and cured (following the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for time and conditions), the base becomes a stable part of the boat. You can then mount a standard bimini top on your inflatable, providing you with shade and comfort akin to a hard-bodied boat. The large pad spreads the forces over a wide area, so when wind puts pressure on the canopy, the load is not concentrated on a small spot (which could otherwise damage the tube fabric). The EPDM pad is black and UV-resistant; it also acts as a buffer between the metal base and the tube, preventing abrasion.

• Compatibility: The metal base’s connector is universal for most canopy kits – Ø22 and Ø25 mm cover the common small and medium bimini frames, and the inclusion of Ø30 mm capability means you can even attach larger frameworks (some factory RIB biminis use 30 mm tubing). If you already have a bimini top, you can likely mount its legs to this base (some minor adaptation or additional pin might be needed depending on how the leg ends are configured). If not, when purchasing a new bimini for your inflatable, choose one appropriately sized for your boat (e.g., 2-bow or 3-bow bimini depending on length) – our base can serve as the forward and aft anchor points by installing a pair on each side of the boat.
• Recommendations: Before gluing, ensure the boat’s surface is thoroughly cleaned, dry, and lightly abraded (for example, with fine sandpaper or a scouring pad) to maximize adhesion. After applying the pad with adhesive, keep the boat stationary for the recommended curing period (usually 24-48 hours) and avoid putting stress on the base during that time. Only attach and tension the bimini frame after the glue has fully set. Always use an adhesive intended for your boat’s material – the EPDM pad bonds well with both common inflatable fabrics (PVC or Hypalon) as long as the correct glue is used.
• Advantages: With this base, you turn your inflatable boat into a more versatile craft with shade, without needing complicated retrofitting. The alternative solutions – like drilling into the wooden transom or clamping onto a bench seat – are often undesirable or impractical. Here you get a professional solution used by manufacturers: an EPDM/stainless base similar to those found on high-end RIBs. Moreover, if installed correctly, this base can be removed later (peeled off with the right technique) with minimal trace, should you decide to take off the bimini or when selling the boat. In essence, it offers the convenience and comfort of a sunshade to RIB and dinghy owners with the quality and durability demanded for marine use.