I presenty own a 1995 Hunter 23.5 . Although I've seen several pictures of 23.5s with biminis closed, I haven't seen any under sail with the bimini up. If I purchase a bimini, can I sail with it out? The boom seems lower than those on the Catalinas but it gets hot out on the water and my sun shade doesn't work under the boom. Please let me know and send pictures with your bimini extented, if it works underway. Thanks, Vern
- Status
It works!
I sailed extensively last year with my 1993 23.5 with the bimini up. No problems at all, the boom clears with a couple of inches to spare, even close hauled with the sheet tight. It's a little more difficult to check the main for trim - but no big deal. I also just installed stern rail seats and confirmed I can still raise the bimini - also no problem, you just can't sit in the SRS with the bimini up.
I sailed extensively last year with my 1993 23.5 with the bimini up. No problems at all, the boom clears with a couple of inches to spare, even close hauled with the sheet tight. It's a little more difficult to check the main for trim - but no big deal. I also just installed stern rail seats and confirmed I can still raise the bimini - also no problem, you just can't sit in the SRS with the bimini up.
They're right here
We offer those for the 23.5 both with and without stern seats. See link below. My understanding is that anything called a bimini should be capable of deployment while under sail. If you have to take it down under sail, it's not a bimini.
We offer those for the 23.5 both with and without stern seats. See link below. My understanding is that anything called a bimini should be capable of deployment while under sail. If you have to take it down under sail, it's not a bimini.
Hunter makes the seats to retrofit
Hunter manufactures the seats when you place the order. They are not an off the shelf item. I also just installed a set. I love them. They are pricey but worth it. The cost $675 complete if memory serves me right. I need a longer tiller extension to sail from the stern rail seats but it can be done. Call Hunter and talk to Mike Thomas.
Hunter manufactures the seats when you place the order. They are not an off the shelf item. I also just installed a set. I love them. They are pricey but worth it. The cost $675 complete if memory serves me right. I need a longer tiller extension to sail from the stern rail seats but it can be done. Call Hunter and talk to Mike Thomas.
Phil or Brad, Do you have any pictures of a bimini on a 23.5 without the stern rail seats? Would like to see the setup. Thanks, Vern
Bimini and SRS
My sail club is having an open house this weekend, so depending on weather, I'll try to take pictures of my set-up. Some of the things of note: 1. The boat is a 1994 23.5. 2. SRS from Hunter - it took some tweaking to make them fit, but they look great on the boat. 3. I noticed I will need a longer tiller extension using the SRS. 4. The stock bimini works under sail - I currently have no pictures but I'll take some. 5. I have also installed the PX Powercleats with a 2:1 on the jib sheets (my wife doesn't have the strength to trim with the stock 1:1). 6. Check out our open house if you're near Stoughton, WI.
My sail club is having an open house this weekend, so depending on weather, I'll try to take pictures of my set-up. Some of the things of note: 1. The boat is a 1994 23.5. 2. SRS from Hunter - it took some tweaking to make them fit, but they look great on the boat. 3. I noticed I will need a longer tiller extension using the SRS. 4. The stock bimini works under sail - I currently have no pictures but I'll take some. 5. I have also installed the PX Powercleats with a 2:1 on the jib sheets (my wife doesn't have the strength to trim with the stock 1:1). 6. Check out our open house if you're near Stoughton, WI.
Longer tiller extension for stern rail seats
I had to get a longer tiller extension when I put stern rail seats on my 95H23.5. I went for the Forespar Quick release 27-48 inch. It's nice to be able to just pop it off to store below. ...RickM...
I had to get a longer tiller extension when I put stern rail seats on my 95H23.5. I went for the Forespar Quick release 27-48 inch. It's nice to be able to just pop it off to store below. ...RickM...
Jonathan - 2:1
Jonathan, This may be hard to follow, but I'll give it a shot. I'll only reference 1 side - it's a mirror image on the other side. 1. I took a Harken becket block with swivel and mated it to the stock Schaefer stand-up base already on the deck. 2. I added a block to the clew of the jib. 3. Dead end your jib sheet at the becket of the new stand-up Harken, run it through the new block at the clew, back through the stand-up Harken block, and finally thru the powercleat. 4. The result is that you end up pulling twice as much line, but only 1/2 the force. 5. In addition, I tied a SS ring to a bungie, tied it to the forward lifeline stantion, and ran the doubled jib sheet thru the ring. This keeps the lines/blocks from snagging the mast when tacking. A little trick I borrowed from a Hobie 18 rigging. I'll get some pictures and add them next week.
Jonathan, This may be hard to follow, but I'll give it a shot. I'll only reference 1 side - it's a mirror image on the other side. 1. I took a Harken becket block with swivel and mated it to the stock Schaefer stand-up base already on the deck. 2. I added a block to the clew of the jib. 3. Dead end your jib sheet at the becket of the new stand-up Harken, run it through the new block at the clew, back through the stand-up Harken block, and finally thru the powercleat. 4. The result is that you end up pulling twice as much line, but only 1/2 the force. 5. In addition, I tied a SS ring to a bungie, tied it to the forward lifeline stantion, and ran the doubled jib sheet thru the ring. This keeps the lines/blocks from snagging the mast when tacking. A little trick I borrowed from a Hobie 18 rigging. I'll get some pictures and add them next week.
Have the same problem Rick M.
I am also in the market for a longer tiller extension as I have also just added Stern rail seats at the coaxing of Rick Webb. I saw the model you bought. Is 48 inches too long when fully extended or is it just right? Thanks
I am also in the market for a longer tiller extension as I have also just added Stern rail seats at the coaxing of Rick Webb. I saw the model you bought. Is 48 inches too long when fully extended or is it just right? Thanks
- Status