Bimini 1 inch SS Frame on Hunter 260/270

[jimfrankelly]

I just installed a new Bimini on my 2002 Hunter 270 (which is basically a 260 model) with a one inch stainless steel frame. I also installed stainless steel tubing (from the bimini frame to the stern rail) as struts on the rear and front of both sides in order to add rigidity and get rid of the straps.

I went with the one inch tubing and struts as we use the bimini frame as a support to help us get down from the high cabin top (we try to use it as a balancing point and not put much of our weight on it, but there are times !!). The previous 7/8 inch aluminum tubing was just not strong enough if we lost our balance & had to put more of our weight on the bimini frame. The new set-up is very strong. As I approach 70 it seemed to be a prudent investment to keep us sailing.

 

[BobSail]

Great idea! Do you have some images you could share?

 

[SamLust]

7/8" aluminum was a lousy idea. I lost balance coming down from the deck on my 260, grabbed the cheap bimini and caved it in. Was able to straighten it out more or less, but was not happy. Would have changed it to 1" ss if I had kept the boat.

 

[Benny17441]

I would not recommend the use of the bimini frame to steasy yourself as it may provide a false sense of security and will not likely hold your weight when you loose your balance. The 1" may be steadier than the 7/8" but I doubt either will hold the weight of an average adult person. Good habits pay off so I would recommend making a consious effort to only hold yourself on things that will clearly hold your weight. Just pull on that frame sideways and try to estimate how small of a force would take to make it crumble. The tubes may be strong but the joints and anchors would likely be the weak points. "One hand for the boat and the other for yourself"

 

[cephius (Dave)]

jimfrankelly,

I had my Bimini upgraded to SS for the same reason. Any pole on a sailboat eventually becomes a grab point. That large step from the cabin top down to the cockpit on our H260 does need a support point. The Bimini is right there. It doesn't matter if it is safe, right, or prudent, it will be used.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Benny is correct about holding onto either the aluminum or stainless steel frame being unsafe as I know customers who did that and both types failed in some cases with injury.

crazy dave

 

[jimfrankelly]

Great idea! Do you have some images you could share?

This is a photo of the stainless steel struts added to the bimini for rigidity.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Still do not hang onto it no matter what if is is stainlesss steel or not. I t will give.

 

[jimfrankelly]

1" SS Bimini as Balance Point

Still do not hang onto it no matter what if is is stainlesss steel or not. I t will give.

We are very careful about putting any significant weight on the bimini but often do use it as a "balance point" when coming off the cabin top ... perhaps applying 15 pounds or so of pressure at best.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Again be very careful as I err on the side of safety from experience.