Bimini Design Suggestions

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Sea Gypsy

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Jul 6, 2004
6
Catalina 30 Tampa
I have a '83 30' Catalina currently with a bimini that stops just aft of the wheel. I'm getting into racing and need to do a full rounding of the wench handle, which we can't now because of the bimini support. I'm looking for suggestions on how to configure a bimini set-up (pictures would be great) that would give the helmsman some cover (none now), allow ample room for grinding and give me optimum coverage in the cockpit. It would be great if I could use some of what I have now. One thing I'm considering is to move the bimini aft of the backstays, cut the cloth and install a zipper. That will accomplish a couple of objectives but leave the hatch and forward instruments exposed. Any suggestions??
 
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Paul (Affinity C320)

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Jul 12, 2004
285
Catalina 320 chestertown
Look around your marina

For boats that may have something you like. Ask your racing buddies -- they probably already have something that could be useful. That way you could see it first hand. Paul
 
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Ken Juul

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Feb 12, 2004
85
- - Stingray Point, Va
RE: Bimini

Some things to think about. If you extend the Bimini too far aft you will not be able to see your sail unless you put in a window. You will get little relief from the sun with a window installed. Mine is installed as you suggest. I don't race, so looking around the edge to check the sail is not a big deal. Rather than zippers, consider using velcro to close the split. The overlapping flaps tend to be more waterproof than a zipper and easier to operate should you decide you want to fold the bimini up to get some sun.
 
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John Olson

I have a nice set up

I have a dodger over my hatch that I could not live with out. Then my bimine are screwed to my deck in frount of my rear polpit 2". Then the top has my split backstay runing throw with no zippers. I removed the back stay and set up the bimini where I liked it and then took it down and tightined the rig found out how hi the top was when it was set up and then meashered the with of the split backstay at the right hight then took backstay off reset the bimini and burned the holes with ahot knif at the right width in the center of the top. Then put leather patches over the holes inside and out ran the backstay throw the top and round letherpatches taped them in place when the back stayand top looked good Then take it off and glued them with M5200 sealer and let them dry when dry I put brass gromits for the stays to go throw and we are done .I cut the bimini coverto go on around the stays. The top raps around the stays and is out of the way and looks good . The only thing I would do diffrent is insted of deck mounting the bimini I would bend the lower pipe and mount it right to the slanted frount poulpit rail with bimini hard where so you dont have to drill the deck. If I sit on the sides of the boat I can see the sails enough to adjust them John olson
 
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Sea Gypsy

Would you have a picture?

Thanks for the suggestions. The last time we raced we took the bimini off completely. It worked, but it got very hot. Would you happen to have a picture of the set-up you describe? I've been looking and asking a lot of people to find an optimum configuration without spending a small fortune. Thanks seagypsy@tampabay.rr.com
 
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JOlson

One picture comeing up

I will take some pictures this weekend and and see If I can get them on the post monday JohnOlson
 
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