Ameriseam Bimini

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Gary Bridi

I just finished installing a bimini on my 1992 H23 from Ameriseam. Just wanted to let you all know that they were great to work with. The split backstay was not on the origional pattern, so when it arrived, it would not fit. They worked with me to refit it trough the baskstay with zippered slits and holes positioned for the backstay. The final result is a great fit and good boom clearance. I'd recommend Ameriseam for their work and customer service.
 
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mike43067

low boom

Gary, The boom is sooo low on the 23. How did you ever manage a bimini without first raising the boom?
 
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Gary Bridi

Low boom reply

I had plenty of room to fit the bimini. While doing a shakedown, I easer the topping lift completely and tightened the mainsheet and had more clearance than I expected between the boom and the bimini. I'd guess there is about 5'of standing headroom under the boom. I probably loose another 3-4 inches from the bimini. It was well worth the investment..today's weather had bright sun and temp was about 82. The bimini made it very comfortable.
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Another low boom reply

Mike: My 1988 H23 came from the previous owner with a bimini (thanks again, Ed!!). I don't know what brand it is, but I do know that it keeps the sun off like you wouldn't believe, clears the boom and the split backstay just fine and there is still plenty of headroom underneath. I am 6'-2" and I can sit all the way aft in the cockpit without hitting my head on the underside of the frame. OK, so I have to stick my head out the side to check my sail trim, and the spiders in the corners take a little getting used to, but it's a small price to pay for some shade!! Peter Suah s/v Raven
 
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Chuck Michel

Above the Boom?

Has anyone tried on thought of installing a Bimini ABOVE the boom? It is true that this strategy would limit how far forward you could mount the Bimini but my measurements show that if the Bimini were mounted approx. 5'10" but only 2-3 " froward of the split backstay, you would have clearance for the boom to swing. The biggest issue I've thought of is the danger of an uncontrolled jibe, I think a boom vang would help. Any comments from the experts (anyone who's tried this!) would be appreciated.. Chuck Michel "Windsongs"
 
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Gary Bridi

Above the boom

Above the boom might work. I wonder how long (fore to aft) the bimini could be at that height. As O think about it, there is no reason that could not be done and have it constructed so the backstay passes through the bimini. That way, it could be longer.
 
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Gary Bridi

Above the boom wont work

There are only about 15 inches between the backstay and the topping lift at 6' height. below the boom is best
 
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E.J. LaBranche

Above???

I might be missing something here. If you put the bimini above the boom what do you do with your mainsail.
 
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Chuck Michel

Above the Boom

Since the Bimini is reasonably flat and horizantal to the deck, the laminar flow would be interrupted relatively little. The actual point of merit, I think, is that the bimini would have to be mounted with the 15" limit that Gary mentioned.. I would live with the limitations presented since I often stand while at the helm..
 
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Gary Bridi

E.J. Hit the nail on the head!

Not only what do you do with the main...the topping lift is also in the way.
 
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John Thomas

Boom height

The boom on my 23 seems a little too low to give 5 feet of standing room, but I have heard that this is due to the stretch that has occurred in the original UK mainsail that I use. I would love to have a bimini, but it just doesn't seem possible without first purchasing a new sail. Any comments?
 
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Guest

Response to John Thomas

My H23 is a 1992, so I asssume if there is main sail strech it would heve happened by now. I have about 5' + a few inches to spare. you may want to haul in the topping lift so you have 5' or so headroom and see what the mainsail shape is like underway.
 
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Gary Adams

what does it cost

After all was said and done with your bimini what was the total cost of the unit. I have been looking at installing one as well. Do you have any picture you could email of the bimini? I would love to see how it looks. You can e-mail me direct to gladams@mtco.com Gary Adams
 
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Guest

Bimini

Gary, I don't have a picture to send. The cost was $325. It works great and is designed to allow the backstay to pass throught the bimini. If you order one, let them know you have a 23 with s split backstay and they recently worked on two that needed to be modifies to fit. It stores at about 30-40 degrees tilted afy and rests on the backstay, a cover is included and it is not in the way! Gary
 
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