FACTS ABOUT MARINE FITTINGS
Bimini fittings are mass produced and are available in plastic, plated metal, nylon, annealed nylon, nylon graphite and stainless steel. Plastic fittings are dirt cheap, break easily and are found only on the cheapest of poor quality tops. Chrome plated metal fittings look nice when they are new. The plate doesn't hold up well in salt water use and the fittings soon need to be replaced. Both nylon and annealed nylon fittings are durable, strong and weather resistant. The added annealing process gives the fitting a memory so that it will not soften and change shape when the sun heats them to high temperatures. Nylon fittings are available in black, white and a neutral color. Nylon is the dominate marine fitting material. Nylon graphite fittings are a product of modern science. They can equal steel in strength, but weigh less than aluminum. Graphite blended fittings are black, cost three times as much as nylon fittings and are used when the strength to weight ratio is critical. They are not commonly offered for Bimini applications. Stainless steel fittings look good and they offer the strongest and most durable fitting. However, they are expensive and heavy and should not be used with aluminum frames, mixing metals will cause corrosive electrolysis. A stainless Bimini is a good choice if you run very fast or plan to keep your boat forever. A stainless frame and fittings will definitely outlast the cover.