Aft sun shade to use while sailing? (DIY) C-22

[BigEasy]

This fabric is a little thinner than SunBrella, but much cheaper. I use it to make lots of things. I'd make a Bimini out of it, at least as a prototype.

Amazon.com: Waterproof Canvas Solid 600 x 600 Denier 330 Grams by Meter PU Coating Indoor Outdoor Fabric 100% Polyester / 60" Wide/Sold by The Yard (Aqua) : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Amazon.com: Waterproof Canvas Solid 600 x 600 Denier 330 Grams by Meter PU Coating Indoor Outdoor Fabric 100% Polyester / 60" Wide/Sold by The Yard (Aqua) : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

www.amazon.com

That fabric looks pretty good for prototype projects. Even though Sunbrella is over 2X more expensive, my rudimentary sewing skills justify using fabric that lasts many years, as long as possible! In any case, the Amazon fabric choice is much more appealing than a blue poly tarp.

 

[JBP-PA]

Here is a picture of the bimini and dodger on my 23ft boat. They were not DIY,

 

[BigEasy]

Here is a picture of the bimini and dodger on my 23ft boat. They were not DIY,

Ha! At first glance I thought, that looks damned good, then I read it was not DIY!
Not saying that a novice can’t do a professional grade job; however, it is a skill that requires lots of practice. I have tackled a sail cover, helm cover, deck hatch covers, & winch covers; however, after doing those projects, I had a canvas shop reskin my Bimini. They even had to redo the project because it retained a pool of water after rains.

 

[JBP-PA]

Ha! At first glance I thought, that looks damned good, then I read it was not DIY!
Not saying that a novice can’t do a professional grade job; however, it is a skill that requires lots of practice. I have tackled a sail cover, helm cover, deck hatch covers, & winch covers; however, after doing those projects, I had a canvas shop reskin my Bimini. They even had to redo the project because it retained a pool of water after rains.

Yep, a previous owner had it done. It's getting worn so I'm thinking I could copy it.

 

[Captain Grey Beard]

Carl,
Here is the Bimini I put on Serenity.
I got it off of Amazon.
If I remember correctly it was about $150.
I've had it installed for about 4 years.
It clears the boom, and it's forward enough to clear the main sheet. I may eventually lower it slightly? But that's not a hot priority.
And as a bonus, it also does not interfere with the pop top.

 

[Captain Grey Beard]

Here it is stowed.
In case you were wondering.

 

[Carl Wonderful]

Here is a picture of the bimini and dodger on my 23ft boat. They were not DIY,

View attachment 239608

I like the size and placement far aft of it. But you have to fold it forward, right? Hows that look? Does it block access to the deck or get in the way?
Looks like you can easily sail with it up which is good.
How is it attached?

 

[Captain Grey Beard]

I like the size and placement far aft of it. But you have to fold it forward, right? Hows that look? Does it block access to the deck or get in the way?
Looks like you can easily sail with it up which is good.
How is it attached?

Carl,
Notice a few things about his install:
1. That's not a Catalina 22.
(This is only important where the differences are concerned.)
2. His main sheet & traveler is forward of the Bimini & just at his Companionway.
Your mainsheet is well aft & on your transom. ( assuming it hasnt been moved?)
My bimini is mounted to short tracks that allow it to be adjusted forward or aft of its present location. (These tracks were included in the kit. They're aluminum.)
I really like his installation too, but it doesn't quite fit a Catalina 22. Could be modified I suppose.
The prize here is that there are plenty of options for you to pursue.
Shade in the cockpit is a beautiful thing!
I have seen Catalina 22 installations that fold forward, if that's your preference.
I Highly recommend you checkout the Stingy Sailors website. His write up on the Bimini subject is quite good!

Upgrade To a Bimini Top On a Budget

The first mate and I live at around 48 degrees north latitude, which means that we don’t get a lot of hot weather. We have four distinct seasons and enjoy them all. It will get to …

stingysailor.com

 

[JBP-PA]

I like the size and placement far aft of it. But you have to fold it forward, right? Hows that look? Does it block access to the deck or get in the way?
Looks like you can easily sail with it up which is good.
How is it attached?

The bimini folds up around the backstay which passes through it. I have a cover that also wraps around the backstay. The dodger folds forward.
It does not interfere with going forward, indeed it makes a nice handhold. At the dock, i usually remove the forward strap, but it is not really necessary. It is somewhat low in the sailing position, you can't stand under it, but the poles are telescoping so I can raise it about 8 inches, but it would interfere with the boom at this height. I also have a filler piece that goes between the bimini and dodger which is nice when it's raining, but I can't use the main with it.
I almost always keep the bimini up when sailing. I normally lower the dodger for visibility unless it's raining.
It is attached to my aluminum toe rail with special clamps. Straps fore and aft hold it in position.

 

[Carl Wonderful]

The bimini folds up around the backstay which passes through it. I have a cover that also wraps around the backstay. The dodger folds forward.
It does not interfere with going forward, indeed it makes a nice handhold. At the dock, i usually remove the forward strap, but it is not really necessary. It is somewhat low in the sailing position, you can't stand under it, but the poles are telescoping so I can raise it about 8 inches, but it would interfere with the boom at this height. I also have a filler piece that goes between the bimini and dodger which is nice when it's raining, but I can't use the main with it.
I almost always keep the bimini up when sailing. I normally lower the dodger for visibility unless it's raining.
It is attached to my aluminum toe rail with special clamps. Straps fore and aft hold it in position.

I'm likin' what you got goin' on. Think I will sort of adapt your setup to my C22.

I see what looks like a diy seat cushion in the cockpit... just closed cell foam you cut to size? Can I ask where you got it and how its working out. I want to do the same thing. I'm currently using pieces of 1 1/2" closed cell foam that I got from the hardware store along with cut pieces of thicker yoga mats but its sorts of a mess to look at. I do love the simplicity and the functionality of simple closed cell foam and you dont even have to bother with a cover if you don't want to. (or don't have the time or money)

Can you share where you got the frame and cover?
Stainless 1" poles on that?


Thanks! appreciate it!

 

[JBP-PA]

I'm likin' what you got goin' on. Think I will sort of adapt your setup to my C22.

I see what looks like a diy seat cushion in the cockpit... just closed cell foam you cut to size? Can I ask where you got it and how its working out. I want to do the same thing. I'm currently using pieces of 1 1/2" closed cell foam that I got from the hardware store along with cut pieces of thicker yoga mats but its sorts of a mess to look at. I do love the simplicity and the functionality of simple closed cell foam and you dont even have to bother with a cover if you don't want to. (or don't have the time or money)

Can you share where you got the frame and cover?
Stainless 1" poles on that?


Thanks! appreciate it!

Yep, closed cell foam from previous owner. I'm guessing its EVA foam based on the link below. Mine are probably from Canada, as was the original owner. The have a brand name that looks like "SOIAC" but it's hard to read. Google turned up nothing on that name.

They are quite comfortable, maybe not as soft as the common 2 inch open cell, vinyl covered cushions. They do not have a cover, they do not absorb water, and are UV resistant, so I leave them out whenever I'm on board. I tie them down to prevent them blowing away. They do get dirty easily, especially with the dog who has not learned to wipe her feet.

EVA Foam Sheets, Rolls, & Custom Shapes | FoamOrder

Shop high-density EVA foam sheets and rolls at FoamOrder. Durable, water-resistant, and UV-stable closed-cell foam perfect for boat decking, gym mats, and professional cosplay. Order custom-cut shapes or standard sheets with bulk wholesale pricing available.

www.foamorder.com

The Bimini was made by Natty/Genco in Canada.

Dodgers, Biminis & Enclosures - Genco Marine

Genco Marine

www.gencomarine.com

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Buyfoam.com has a good reputation. You can also custom order cushions for a reasonable price on amazon. Sewing isn't that difficult and mistakes aren't as obvious as one might think. You'll save yourself a ton of money by sewing or fixing your own stuff. Supplies are pretty cheap these days.

Closed cell foam can absorb water if you dunk it. I haven't seen or smelled any mold on it