adding a bimini to a 25.5

[Canonshooternb]

I have a 1985 Hunter 25.5 and love cruising our shorelines here in NB. When anchored under the hot summer sun it would be nice to have a bimini for sme protection.
Has anyone ever added one to this model of a hunter ? I have seen online at ANP.ca that they have some universal models available.
I would love to hear from others on the pros and cons of adding one of these.
The Price seems right.


Paul

 

[egodsey]

Last summer I installed a Bimini top on my 25.5. I use it when under way as well as when at anchor. Great addition to the boat.
There are two major design considerations.
1. Low, longer bimini that can fit under the boom (shades more of the cockpit but prevents one from standing at the helm) ... or ... higher, shorter bimini that fits aft of the boom (shades less of the cockpit but enables one to stand at the helm).
2. Deck mounted bimini ... or ... rail (pushpit) mounted bimini.
I like to be able to stand at the helm ... and I did not like the idea of having any more tubing (around the pushpit) than absolutely necessary, so I opted for a rail mounted, high ( but shorter) bimini.
As you might suspect there are no stock biminis that fit ... so I bought a stock frame, modified it to fit and purchased the rail mounting hardware from Sailrite. And I then sewed up a Sunbrella top to fit the frame ... with zipper slot for the backstay. Oddly enough this slot is on the front of the bimini, not on the back (as you might expect.)
I'll be out of pocket this week, but if you want additional details send me a PM and when ZI get back I'll post the name of the vendor, the dimensions and the P/N of the frame ... along with some photos.
Regards,
E. Godsey

 

[Canonshooternb]

Last summer I installed a Bimini top on my 25.5. I use it when under way as well as when at anchor. Great addition to the boat.
There are two major design considerations.
1. Low, longer bimini that can fit under the boom (shades more of the cockpit but prevents one from standing at the helm) ... or ... higher, shorter bimini that fits aft of the boom (shades less of the cockpit but enables one to stand at the helm).
2. Deck mounted bimini ... or ... rail (pushpit) mounted bimini.
I like to be able to stand at the helm ... and I did not like the idea of having any more tubing (around the pushpit) than absolutely necessary, so I opted for a rail mounted, high ( but shorter) bimini.
As you might suspect there are no stock biminis that fit ... so I bought a stock frame, modified it to fit and purchased the rail mounting hardware from Sailrite. And I then sewed up a Sunbrella top to fit the frame ... with zipper slot for the backstay. Oddly enough this slot is on the front of the bimini, not on the back (as you might expect.)
I'll be out of pocket this week, but if you want additional details send me a PM and when ZI get back I'll post the name of the vendor, the dimensions and the P/N of the frame ... along with some photos.
Regards,
E. Godsey

I would love to see some photos of your setup. Not real handy with a sewing machine so thought this universal may do the trick

 

[Steve Dion]

You can order a complete bimini from this website. They will be built to your specifications.

They may offer you some advise if you need it too.

 

[Steve Dion]

There are stock bimini's available.

http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail.htm?group=244&cat=1702

..... or you can have a semi-custom one made.

 

[twodzusfittings]

I would like to provide my two cents as well. First, spend the extra and get all stainless steel fittings as the plastic will not take the force when someone uses the frame as a grab handle. Secondly, make sure you have them use the best threads possible for the stitching as it will last longer. Have strengthening pads put in at crucial points like where the rear stay comes down through the bimini top and any don't use it.

 

[Canonshooternb]

I would like to provide my two cents as well. First, spend the extra and get all stainless steel fittings as the plastic will not take the force when someone uses the frame as a grab handle. Secondly, make sure you have them use the best threads possible for the stitching as it will last longer. Have strengthening pads put in at crucial points like where the rear stay comes down through the bimini top and any don't use it.

ANP.ca has them available with SS hardware also. Does anybody have experience with this company ? Also I would love to see some pictures of a hunter 25.5 with a Bimini.
I scoured the net but most images are low quality from ads

PL

 

[twodzusfittings]

I don't have a picture of my Bimini, but while looking through the want ads on the internet I came across this picture. The reason it got me interested is the stern seating addition. I like the idea and am thinking of creating one this winter. Got to have a sailing project while the snow is falling.

 

[Canonshooternb]

I can see where that would be handy. It looks like it was well done also

 

[Elise]

Hi! Brand new to this site and may be than I'm a little late in posting this however, we bought our 1985 Hunter 25.5 with a nice bimini installed and have minimal complaints. See attached photos. It's a low bimini (under the boom) so we can't stand at the helm however, we mostly sit while underway so for us it is ideal!

 

[twodzusfittings]

I see you have what looks like a Honda engine on the transom. What make and model number is your motor mount? Looking eventually to replace mine.

 

[twodzusfittings]

Sorry, this message is for Elise:

I see you have what looks like a Honda engine on the transom. What make and model number is your motor mount? Looking eventually to replace mine.

 

[Elise]

Sorry, this message is for Elise:

I see you have what looks like a Honda engine on the transom. What make and model number is your motor mount? Looking eventually to replace mine.

I missed this...sorry twodzusfittings!
We have a 15hp Honda engine. The motor mount is a Garelick however, we bought the boat with it already installed so I don't have much more information for you. We do not have any complaints with the mount.

Hope this helps!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Folks,

Please remember that transoms are not heavily beefed up like power boats and they are generally rated for up to 10 hp only. In addition, old up and down spring loaded motor mounts of many years ago are not rated for the heavier newer 4 stoke engines. If using a 15 hp engine and the bow starts to raise, you are in a sense considered plowing or going slower than the hull will allow and would suggest that you back down until the bow lowers and not plowing to achieve the fastest speed under power thru the water.

crazy dave condon