Hi Galateia!
My boat is a close sister 1988 Cat 22WK Hull #14747!
The PO didn't have a bimini. I went for one sail in the Texas sun and promptly purchased and installed one. It is worth every cent. I am budget conscious, so I followed the lead of the $tingysailor in his posting here:
https://stingysailor.com/2014/06/13/budget-bimini-top-solution-2/
It turned out great. The model I bought was:
Bimini Top Boat Cover New 46" High 3 Bow 6' ft. L x 73"-78" W BLUE W/ Rear Poles $97
(i just checked and the site said they were on vacation until after 12/21, this info was from my ebay history)
The boom just clears the 46" height without having to cut or modify the frame as described in the article and it comes with a zippered boot! I mounted the track inboard of the genoa track.
The rear support pole mounted to the aft rail (not a great pic but you can see it left center on the rail with quick release pin).
I went with aluminum poles and nylon fittings. Couple of things to keep in mind.
1. This isn't going to hold you whole body weight, so grab the rail not the bimini frame.
2. When the bimini is up, your ability to move from the cockpit up to the topside and forward is limited (think when tending bow lines to leaving the slip or return).
3. I loop the forward strap under the grab rail handle and run it back up the the webbing loop where it attaches to the bimini frame rather than installing the included metal pad eye . Saves drilling the cabin top.
The bimini is the last thing I stow when leaving the boat. I rest under the shade while tiding up lines and stowing things below. Like I said, worth every penny.
KBG
