22OD Bimimi Top

[Pat Maundrell]

I am comsidering buying an OD22. I like the ease of trailering and rigging. I recently saw on of these with a complete custom wood interior that caught my eye (not for sale). I want to know if these boats will accept a Bimimi Top.Are there any years that are better buys that other years, or do you simply buy the best boat for the money, ie newest boat possible.One last question. I also am looking a a Catalina 22. Any comments.Thanks Pat cell 513 200 4102

 

[Dave]

Only with main down

Pat,I have an O'Day 222 but don't have a bimini. I suppose a folding bimini could be used when the sail is down, but it would not be possible with the sail up given the length of the cockpit and height of the boom. At anchor, I use a tarp draped over the boom and attached using bungies to the bases of the stantions which does a pretty good job of blocking the sun and rain. I have seen some that also use the main halyard to raise the tarp up a bit higher and give additional headroom. In addition, there are obviously canvas makers who can customize something for you if you like(check out this site's chandlery). You may want to check the archives and also owners reviews on this site to compare the various 22 foot options out there. Both seem to have satisfied owners. Note that O'Day stopped production near the end of the 1980's so you can't buy newer models. However, with proper maintenance, plastic boats will last indefinitely. Mine is a 20 years old, and still in great shape. Good luck,Daves/v Hakuna MatataO'Day 222

 

[Eric]

oday 22'

I agree with Dave. A Bimini would not be advisable because of the boom height. I have an O'Day 240. She won't support a Bimini either. I do have a Shade Tree cockpit cover. This ingenious design looks alot like a quonset hut. It goes over the boom, and attaches to the lifelines, supported by fiberglass rods that shape the cover and allows nice high headroom. It is fine in winds up to 25 kts. As for the O'Day line of boats, the mid to late '80's are often denoted by the triple digit model number such as 222, 240, 272 and so on. these last boats were produced by Pearson. They have a good reputation. I love mine.At any rate, after you decide what boat to buy, just google Shade Tree and you will see their full line of products.Good winds,Eric

 

[Rick19306]

Bimini on an O'22

I put a bimini on my '74 O'Day 22 three or four years ago, and, yes, I had to cut a custom hole for the backstay to pass through the fabric (it's also a pain to drop the mast), and, no, I can't stand up under the bimini, BUT, if I didn't have it, I wouldn't be sailing on Tampa Bay from May through October.

 

[Warren]

Poor Man's Bimini

The boom may be abit too low to sail with the bimini deployed.I've used a "blue tarp" spread over the boom and tied off to the side stays. At the rear I spread a boat pole to hold the tarp open and tie each end down to fittings at the rear of the cockpit.This setup has worked fine since 1972.....total investment: $5.00 plus the boat pole.