GemLock strut with hinge bent
GemLock strut with hinge straight

Hinges and folding struts


Yes you CAN fold stainless tubing

Better access.
Better stowage.
Just better.


Gemini Marine Product’s patented articulated hinge and GemLock folding strut assembly bring simplicity and elegance to your boat.

When opened, a perfectly placed pair of push buttons lock a sleeve in place over the hinge so the strut only folds when you want it to fold.

The design ensures that any strut can also double up as an ocean-rugged grab rail, even when also acting in another capacity. Our step-by-step instructions make it easy – see below.

Use them to:

  • Make spreader bars on bimini tops that eliminate tensioning straps and give your boat a cleaner look and better cockpit access.
  • Install grab rails and pusher bars on dodgers that fold quickly for easy storage.
  • Make folding tables and T-tops, openings in life line rails and stowable jumper seats.

Don’t forget:
Now you can buy kits to add grab rails or convert to a strapless bimini with ease.
Kits contain all the parts you need to install today.

Order now


Join our happy customers

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4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 61 reviews)
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Read reviews or leave yours at the bottom of this page.

Assembled GemLock folding struts


Ready-to-install assembled struts are available in 7/8” and 1” tubing using 316 marine grade stainless steel throughout. Both sizes come in 3′ or 6′ lengths – simply cut to your required length and install on your boat.

GemLock strut made with Gemini Marine Products' articulated hinge.
CAD drawing of strapless bimini setup from exterior
drawing of hinge mechanism

GemLock struts lock in position with a sleeve that slides over the joint made with our articulated hinge and is secured in position with a spring ball on either end. Our struts only fold when you want them to fold, making the entire length of a strut a great grab rail.

Why do you need our folding struts? So you can do things you can’t do any other way.

Articulated hinges


Individual articulated barrel hinges are available in a variety of sizes to meet different needs. Please consult our product specifications for details or call us for advice on which hinge is best for your job.

Good Gear says our hardware gives your boat “a certain elegant attraction“.

Ordering is quick, easy and secure


Just choose the items you need and add them to your cart.

You can even leave your cart to do more shopping then check out any time you’re ready. To return to your cart, click the box at the far right of every page (the cart box is only visible after you have added items to your cart).

You can also buy from any of our distributors if you prefer.

See how it’s done


Strapless bimini conversion guide  download

Review your new
hinges and struts


Read hinge and strut
reviews


Second purchase

April 19, 2017

This is my second purchase. I have another project that these will allow me to fab vs hiring a welder. Saving some bucks, yet with a quality installation.

Dave F.

Response from Gemini Marine Products

Can’t argue with that!

Exactly what I received and paid for

June 10, 2025

The items were promptly delivered and all bright and shiny. Exactly what I ordered. Great product! I would recommend this company and product

Doug N.

Response from Gemini Marine Products

Shine good! Enjoy your season.

Hinged Rail Mount

June 2, 2025

Items are high quality and finish.

Eran E.

Response from Gemini Marine Products

Happy to oblige. Enjoy.

Measure twice cut once

June 2, 2025

I ordered the wrong size parts for my Bimini. I contacted Gemini Marine about my foul up. Eve provided me choices to fix the problem and it was done, no more problem. I now have the right size struts and hinges installed on my boat and I love it. They were personable, professional and I would recommend them and their product to everybody.

Dave D.

Response from Gemini Marine Products

The pleasure is all ours. Stuff happens! We’re happy when you are happy.

“Up and Over” Solar Install – Came out Great!

May 21, 2025

I added solar panels above a bimini and followed Gemini’s guidance form their website for the “up and over” style. I used Gemini fittings which are of excellent quality and arrived promptly. I’m extremely pleased with the result.

Dan S.

Response from Gemini Marine Products

Hey! That’s great to hear. Thank you for update on your project – all you DIY-ers take note!

Eye Ends

April 30, 2025

Experience was great.

Would note that for the eye end, I don’t trust the Allen screw to hold ss tube under even minor stress, so replaced the Allen screw with quick release pins drilled all the way through the eye end and ss tube.

Gary H

Response from Gemini Marine Products

We’re so glad you found your experience with us helpful. Just to be clear: We’ve been building canvas for 30+ years, and we have every faith in the set screws (called grub screws for our friends Down Under) – I think that’s what you are referring to, but whatever floats your boat! We’d be a bit concerned that if your need to drill all the way through the eye end and the tubing, you might be expecting things to tolerate a bit too much stress (like traveling at speed with your canvas up), so please be careful.

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