Need bimini advice

Feb 22, 2022
2
Hunter 380 State Park Marina, Stockton,Mo
I am brand new to this forum so hoping I am obeying all the rules. I have recently purchased a 2001 Hunter 380. Looking for a Bimini or to construct one. I have the ss tubing from the dodger, which I don't plan to use in this climate (boat moved from Lake Superior to mid-Missouri). Can I convert this tubing to work for the bimini, and what is the best source for purchasing clamps and struts hardware?
Thanks much!
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,649
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I think you boat has an arch like my H356. If so, the arch is the aft end of the Bimini, which zippered into a panel on the forward part of the arch. It then went forward and if I remember correctly a bow terminated the binimi. That bow had a zipper forward that would receive and sun cover which zipped onto the aft part of the dodger. That made a pretty much full sunscreen over the cockpit There may have been a bow off the arch creating an aft sun cover. I don't really remember.
Nevertheless, The bows from the dodger which attached to the deck and had line that held them aft would likely not fit the arch/rail mounted position. Bending stainless steel would work harden it, I think.
I think you would need new bows.
A good source for hardware is this website. Sailrite has the bows and Sunbrella.
It's not that often that I say a professional is the way to go but in matters of dodgers and other cockpit covers I think it is. It is really an art form. My wife and I made a dodger for out Ranger 29 with pretty good results. But it was way more difficult than we thought it would be. My wife is an excellent sewer but she is used to a pattern. There wasn't a pattern. You make your own pattern. That is the rub.
 
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Likes: Tom J
Jan 7, 2011
5,704
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Welcome aboard. A great many resources here on SBO. You haven’t broken any rules so far, so we won’t have to flog or keel hull you!

Pictures are always helpful when you are looking for some help or advice…helps us visualize what you have or conditions you are facing.

Hard to say if you have enough SS tubing from the dodger to make a Bimini frame. I think usually the Bimini needs more bows and longer legs than the dodger. The bows may not be wide enough either, depending on where they would be mounted (usually on the railing).

SBO and other on-line or brick-and-mortor chandlery stores should have clamps and other fittings.

Greg
 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
Feb 22, 2022
2
Hunter 380 State Park Marina, Stockton,Mo
Thank you so much for your referrals to Sailrite and West Marine. Will definitely check those out.
Bob