Best hight for a bimini?

[kmart]

Hello all. I have a Pearson 10M. The boom height when with the main raised is just under 5' 8" off the cockpit sole. I.e. just about the level of my forehead. (Don’t ask me how I know this! L ) I need to add a Bimini per the Admiral’s orders else she won't go sailing. I will have the fore edge of the Bimini far enough aft to clear the swing of the boom. The question is what a reasonable height? If I make it lower than the boom as all Biminis I have seen are, then I can’t stand at the wheel without constantly ducking. If I make it standing height (just over 6 foot) then the top of the Bimini will be higher than the boom. Does this significantly affect sailing performance? Aesthetically... would this not look odd? I haven’t yet seen another sailboat with Bimini higher than the boom.
Any recommendations?

 

[Tom J]

Boating is all about compromises. Your boat is set up more for performance than cruising, so adding a bimini will involve some sort of compromise. A small bimini such as you describe could work. When the Admiral is aboard, the bimini is deployed. When she isn't, it could be folded back out of the way, maybe.

 

[Jackdaw]

Or you could go 'all-in', and recut your main and have your gooseneck moved up. Then you could have a full Bimini and a happy wife. Smaller main would effect light airs performance, and would move your sailplans CE around a bit, but should be OK.

 

[NYSail]

have the bimini aft of the boom and have a peice made for the middle between the bimini and dodger and use it when at anchor. Just adjust your boom and there you go... compromise.

 

[mgabjam]

Have a '76 Pearson 10M as well. My bimini is aft the boom. Do not have a dodger. It sits higher than the boom.