gemini products - folding frame

[stitchm]

Does anyone have thoughts on using the gemini 1" hinge in bimini/dodger tops with upwards of a 10' width?

I'm looking at how the added cost of shipping full 20' lengths of 1" ss could be avoided by assembling 10' pieces via the gemini hinge. Likely a full piece crown sectioned joined to leg pieces would have greater strength integrity than locating a hinge in the middle of the crown..(prob. a bad idea?)

http://www.geminicanvas.com/gemlock.htm

[Mike8560]

My tubing only come in 20 foot or 24 foot lengths  10' that would need to be trucked also wouldn't it ?  I would t think it a good idea  and why would you say it there for if not on a spreder bar or somthing. 
My bayliner 32 had a custom top as all the motoryachts came from the factory without canvas.  It was 1" stainless welded in the center

[JuneC]

I'd never put a hinge in a frame except in a spreader bar.  If shipping 10' lengths really saves you that much money, you could have a local welder join the pieces with a plug inside the tube for a few bucks.  I had a welder in the shipyard where our shop is just the other weld a broken bimini frame for a customer and he did a beautiful job for just $10.

June