Alternative to bimini

[BarryL]

Hello,

My previous boat didn’t have a Bimini and there really wasn’t room for one.

I used the taylormade anchor shade. Cheap, easy to use put up and take down, worked reasonably well.

https://www.taylormadeproducts.com/products/boat-tops/shades/anchorshade/

barry

 

[skob1014]

Measure up some light shade clothe.
That is the stuff that lets the wind pass through.
Sew back two edges so they will take plastic electrical conduit.
Grommets on each corner and in the middle each long edge.
Light lashing lines on each corner.
Mine are to length with cheapo plastic hooks on the end.
A correct length of smaller diametre tube (2/2 inch) fits across the centre grommets to take slack and prevent fluttering.
2 minutes to set up or take down.

That looks great!

 

[garymalmgren]

That looks great!
Thank Skob (?)

I have a side panel that is about 2 foot X 3 foot that clips on to either side to provide protection when the sun is low.

 

[David in Sandusky]

Here is my solution:

Hunter 27_75-84 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

Hunter 27_75-84 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

hunter.sailboatowners.com

Our awning ties in to our bimini. But you could make one that ties into poles in fishing pole holders on the stern rail as suggested above. If you don‘t aren’t into the sewing thing, call SBO. They produced our cover to my design (and tied it into our bimini) for a very reasonable price. It takes about 5 minutes to rig, gives excellent sun protection, has adjustable side flaps, lets the breeze through, cools the cabin, and let’s us leave the companionway open in the rain.

 

[skob1014]

Here is my solution:

Hunter 27_75-84 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

Hunter 27_75-84 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

hunter.sailboatowners.com

Our awning ties in to our bimini. But you could make one that ties into poles in fishing pole holders on the stern rail as suggested above. If you don‘t aren’t into the sewing thing, call SBO. They produced our cover to my design (and tied it into our bimini) for a very reasonable price. It takes about 5 minutes to rig, gives excellent sun protection, has adjustable side flaps, lets the breeze through, cools the cabin, and let’s us leave the companionway open in the rain.

That looks fantastic. Thanks!

 

[Kingjim91]

Hello,

My previous boat didn’t have a Bimini and there really wasn’t room for one.

I used the taylormade anchor shade. Cheap, easy to use put up and take down, worked reasonably well.

https://www.taylormadeproducts.com/products/boat-tops/shades/anchorshade/

barry

I have one of these currently. The height is adjustable, and there's a tie-down strap at each corner. Makes the cockpit much more comfortable on a hot sunny day.
I've seen other boats with a patio umbrella stuck into a fishing rod holder.

 

[Morgan donor]

Maybe, add a solar panel to charge your devices.
Seriously, Just buy a bimini for $500.

 

[jssailem]

Here is a couple ideas from Blue Performance

 

[skob1014]

Maybe, add a solar panel to charge your devices.
Seriously, Just buy a bimini for $500.

View attachment 215169

I actually had a bimini on it from previous owner. I removed it. Prefer an unobstructed cockpit. I just want protection from the elements when at anchor. Seems like a boom tent is a good way to go.

 

[captcoho]

We use an Anchor shade, it's by TaylorMade.

https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-Products

Overton and other marine outlets.
Fits perfectly in the side of the aft quarter berth

 

[Skipper J]

While we're on the topic of biminis - I need to replace the fabric on mine. I was going to go with the dark blue color, Captain's Navy, until I read that the air might be very hot under it. It's a 3-bow bimini on an 18-foot boat. Thoughts? I may put a cockpit enclosure on it later, which I do think would be too hot in Captain's Navy. Sailing mainly where it's in the 80's and above in summer.

Also, any recommendations for quality bimini skin sources? I looked into making one through Sailrite but that is very involved. Don't want to buy a cheap bimini that fades or falls apart after 3 seasons though. I am definitely leaning towards Sunbrella fabric. I plan to keep the existing aluminum frame though stainless steel looks better, in my opinion. Hope aluminum will do ok with salt water. Thanks.

 

[kappykaplan]

I was going to go with the dark blue color, Captain's Navy

I have a bigger boat and bigger cockpit, with no issues with the dark blue fabric for my bimini.

 

[Skipper J]

Ok, thanks for the observation.

 

[RussC]

Ours is known as the conestoga . lightweight nylon with a sewed in pocket on each end to hold segmented fiberglass tent poles. folds down in a very small package and goes up quick just under the boom. welcome on hot no-wind periods and lunch breaks etc.

 

[Davidasailor26]

We also have Captains Navy with no significant heat issues. On very calm days very close to the canvas might be a little warmer than ambient air, but not enough to be a reason to avoid the color.