Need recommendations of best place to buy a bimini for 1987 Hunter 285. Interest in anyone's experience with fitting it to the boat and whether or not it is possible to sail with the bimini open. Would prefer a business in the Midwest if possible.
Bimini for 1987 Hunter 285
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The original boom height and mainsail on the 28.5 will not clear much over 5'-7";
you would need to have the mainsail foot tapered up probably 10-12"at teh clew to clear a bimini of about 6'-1" heardoom.
Check out Celebration II Bimini photos on : www.huntertwentyeightfive.com
for custom sternrail mounted Bimini by North Sails , Annapolis, MD.
you would need to have the mainsail foot tapered up probably 10-12"at teh clew to clear a bimini of about 6'-1" heardoom.
Check out Celebration II Bimini photos on : www.huntertwentyeightfive.com
for custom sternrail mounted Bimini by North Sails , Annapolis, MD.
I am unaware of any stock bimini's made to fit the H28.5. Most reputable sail lofts or canvas shops ought to be able to make one for you -- however they are not inexpensive. Mine is made from Sunbrella and has stainless frames. Both are well worth the cost. Like Stewart indicates above, I also had a few inches taken off the leech of the main when I ordered a new sail so that the bimini would clear the boom when the sail is raised. And yes, you can certainly sail with the bimini deployed. I hardly ever sail without the bimini opened during June-September. To me, a bimini is a real life saver.
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Hi, I'm about to get my first bimini for my 1984 28.5 (#059) with the following features:
- 6' headroom (is the whole foot of the main trimmed the same or just taper from mast to a 10" shortening of the foot at the leech?)
- Full coverage from companionway to stern (can I add zippered or open slits for the traveler and backstays?)
- Attach to coaming or rails?
- Stainless ($$$) or aluminum ($) frame?
- Clear plastic "window" above wheel to view main
All advice much appreciated.
- 6' headroom (is the whole foot of the main trimmed the same or just taper from mast to a 10" shortening of the foot at the leech?)
- Full coverage from companionway to stern (can I add zippered or open slits for the traveler and backstays?)
- Attach to coaming or rails?
- Stainless ($$$) or aluminum ($) frame?
- Clear plastic "window" above wheel to view main
All advice much appreciated.
I am surprised to see that the H28.5 was made in 1984. I assumed the run began in 1985 and ended in 1989. As to the bimini, mine runs the width of the cockpit and from the stern pushpit to just short of the mainsheet bridle. I have athwartship zippers to accommodate the backstays, and zippered pockets for the fore and aft bows. The central bow is supported by straps from the aft bow. It would be hard for me to imagine a slit to allow the movement of the traveler. I personally think that stainless frames are well worth the additional cost (as is Sunbrella fabric). My bimini is secured/bolted to the deck just inside the toe rail. I don't have a clear plastic window above the helm, but may add one some time in the future. I find that I'm able to see both sail shape and the masthead Windex by looking through either of the holes for the backstays. Not perfect, but it works. I had the leech of my main shortened which creates a slight upward angle of the foot. The bimini is a life saver and you are going to love it.
Warren, you're right about that - it's an '85 - sail # 059! Thanks.
Back to biminis, I was thinking about a blue Sunbrella one, but my wife suggested a light color like white or tan to help reflect the sun and heat. I know I've felt the sun's heat radiating from dark biminis and would like to avoid that to the extent possible.
Back to biminis, I was thinking about a blue Sunbrella one, but my wife suggested a light color like white or tan to help reflect the sun and heat. I know I've felt the sun's heat radiating from dark biminis and would like to avoid that to the extent possible.
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