Comments about Bimini Support Poles (Pr):

Boought a new custom bimini top for the boat, from Boat Covers Direct, with stainless steel poles and fittings. In place of the rear straps, I opted for the stainless steel support pole. The first time I trailered the boat to the lake, I got worried about the support poles being so high, that they might hit something. Also the swaying side-to-side didnt' look good.

I bought a pair of these Taylor adjustable Bimini support poles. Also got quick-release fittings for both ends of the support pole. The plan was to use the adjustables, at a height just enough to keep them off the gunwale, for trailering. Once I got to the lake, I would swap them out for the normal support poles.

I put these poles on, and adjusted the height to just where I wanted it. Then decided to change the height just a bit. As I turned the knob, it stripped out. The pole was stuck forever in that position. Removed them and went back to West Marine and swapped them for a new pair. Got back to the boat, and the same thing happened again. No, I did not turn the knob so hard the first time as to strip it out.

By definition, an "adjustable" pole should be adjustable! Evidently, you can only set this ONE time, and then if you decide to change it, you have to take it back for a new pair!

Cheap junk. Don't buy this!!!!

Service and delivery comments:

When I took this back to the Marietta store, the guy behid the counter was rather snooty. Kept telling me that he never heard of this issue before. He acted like I was some kind of moron who was wasting his time.

Comments about Bimini Support Poles (Pr):

Purchased to replace the straps on my non Taylor Bimini. Was annoyed to find that the clamp set screws are metric Allen head. No indication on the packaging that a metric Allen wrench would be required(no instructions came with this particular one). The screws for the pivot mount to the bases appear to be USA threaded. I'm not confident that the set screws will be durable in gripping the tubing given that they are set in nylon clamps. I'll most likely thru bolt them for durability. The instructions indicate that these are for replacement of the rear straps only ( where they will be subjected to compression loads only, not tensile) and are speed limited to 35 mph. Given the attachment method ( set screws in nylon) I can understand this. If you are concerned that your boat may be docked in a marina where wind gusts from the rear of the boat in excess of 35 mph can happen, then I would reconsider using these... or thru bolt them, which will likely void the warranty.