Bimini Cover

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Jun 25, 2009
542
Hunter 33 Seabrooke, Houston
Now that I have shown off my bimini, I need a cover for it
Does anyone have a templet so I can copy?
If it wasn't for the darn split backstay it would be a cinch, but it's a bugger to do itMaybe I'm just being lazy here, but a templet would do great!
 
Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Are we talking about a cover for when the bimini is folded against the backstay(s)? If so then it is very easy to make a pattern. I wish that I had some drawing software to illustrate. And I don't have pictures. But mine is usually folded and under cover. I made my bimini so making a cover was pretty simple.

Take an old bedsheet and on one side cut 12" or so slits for your backstays. The end of the slits will match where the top frame rests on the wires. The length of the slits should give you enough material to cover the folded up canvas plus three inches of overlap. Fold that over the top and down the back. Now cut the front side to match the length. Now you can see how to round the ends leaving enough material to sew a solid seam. You sew it inside out of course.

For the slits I used 2" velcro. It requires seams on the slits, reinforcement of the area where the wire hits, and an overlapping flap. I can provide details if necessary.

You need a seam along the length of the two bottoms. I roll it so that no raw edge is exposed. Or you can order welt from Sailrite like what is on the bimini. Then the seam around the corners and down the 12" ends. Then I sewed two inch wide velcro in four inch lengths along the bottom, maybe six places.

So you end up with what is a long pocket with two slits at the back. Easier to make than explain I can tell you.

P.S. just added a really lame sketch using M/S Paint. :confused:
 

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Added a sketch to first post Jorge.
 
May 24, 2004
7,176
CC 30 South Florida
We leave ours on all the time with the exception of when preparing the boat for hurricanes. Our current bimini has been on the boat for 5 years and I figure we can probably get 2 more years out of it before replacing. We have Scotch Guarded it twice and washed (by hand only) a couple of times. At a replacement price of around $500 it seems like $70 a year is a fair price to pay to avoid the inconvenience of having to put it up and take down. It also protects the cockpit instrumentation and fixtures from UV rays.
 
Jul 7, 2009
252
Beneteau First 405 Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Bimini pattern

I can take my sailboat bimini quickly just by unzipping the pockets from the tubes. I have to release 2 plastic brackets at the rear from the back rods but a screwdriver does that in a jiffy. I also leave it on to protect the boat. Only removed it during high wind days in April. Also my sailboat's bimini frame is secured by stainless rods and is a hassle to fold back. I just take the cover off.

My river boat has a bimini cover. That bimini is secured by adjustable straps and it can fold neetly at the rear of the boat. That cover is made of 3 sections of material. The center section is just a straight piece of fabric. The two corners are made of 2 pieces sewned together in order to make the curved part. I am also a firm believer of making patterns, either paper or cloth, so if you start with an old sheet as ED suggested, you should be able to come up with something pretty close.
 

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Jun 25, 2009
542
Hunter 33 Seabrooke, Houston
Thank you all for your suggestions and pictures, but I think it would be nice to have a templet from someone who actually has one, on the same boat as I do
I will try Ed's suggestion though
 

Paul F

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Jun 3, 2004
827
Hunter 1980 - 33 Bradenton
Here are some pictures of the bimini cover that was made for my 33 with cuts for the split back-stay. Also, some of the lower attachment that is used for the life lines in the stern. The lower life lines make boarding and docking the boat much easier.
 

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Ed H

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Sep 15, 2010
244
Hunter 33_77-83 Regent Point Marina, Virginia
Here is a picture of the boot on my bimini.
 

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Jun 25, 2009
542
Hunter 33 Seabrooke, Houston
Here is a picture of the boot on my bimini.
Ed H,
Thanks for your photo.
I guess I will have to estimate and have it cut; Does the zipper at the bottom get interrupted around the backstay?
If I make it longer and baggier will be OK, I suppose
Will try making a templet...
 

Ed H

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Sep 15, 2010
244
Hunter 33_77-83 Regent Point Marina, Virginia
Yes, in fact the bottom has 2 long zippers and one small zipper that is the base of the triangular piece. That triangular piece has zippers on all 3 sides. However when I remove the cover I never unzip all 3 zippers of the triangular piece (I am afraid it will blow away). I remove the cover by unzipping all 3 zippers on the bottom and 1 side of the triangular piece. Ed H
 
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