Alternative to bimini

Apr 24, 2023
21
Hunter 28 Rochester, NY
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!
 
May 29, 2018
561
Canel 25 foot Shiogama, japan
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.
 
Nov 8, 2007
1,579
Hunter 27_75-84 Sandusky Harbor Marina, Ohio
Here is my solution:


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.
 
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Apr 24, 2023
21
Hunter 28 Rochester, NY
Here is my solution:


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!
 
Jul 6, 2013
223
Catalina 30TR, Atomic 4 2480 Milwaukee
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.


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.
 
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jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,784
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Here is a couple ideas from Blue Performance
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Sep 7, 2022
66
Captiva Yachts Sanibel 18 Lake Wylie
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.
 

RussC

.
Sep 11, 2015
1,603
Merit 22- Oregon lakes
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.
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May 17, 2004
5,549
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
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.