bimini for a 1990 Hunter 28

[Joe]

I own a 1990 Hunter 28, and wanting to purchase a new bimini for our sailboat. I would like to shade the area from stern rail to companionway entrance. There are no Hunter 28's in my year to look at. I am looking for a design that someone has that are very happy with that does not restrict your rough sailing days. I would like to install the frame out of 1" stainless steel tubing, with a good quality canvas. We sail at Carlyle Lake which is in Illinois. I would like the design to be were I can pull all the frame work back when not in use. I have a split backstay to deal with as well. Is there any one who has ordered a system that is very happy with, and do you have the dimensions that I could use as a template. Thanks, Joe.

 

[Terry]

Hi Joe, we were very happy with the one on...

our 1989 H28. The previous owners had a dodger, bimini with full side curtains built by a canvas shop. The rear SS tubing was secured to the cockpit coaming much like the SS arches on other boats. We sold the boat two years ago. I recommend that you have a canvas shop do it. If you have the tools to do it yourself I would would suggest you go to a canvas shop for a detailed quote with sketched layout and ask lots of questions.Terry.

 

[Joe]

Canvas Shop name

Terry, thanks for your reply. Do you know the name of the Canvas shop that built your bimini. I am in St. Louis. Do you think he still has the patterns and framework dimensions.There is no one in our community that does this type of work. If you have a phone no. that would be a good start. Thanks!

 

[Terry]

Hi Joe, I do not know who built the SS tube ...

frame. The previous owner had Everett Canvas (Everett, WA) replace the dodger and bimini. The original side curtains were still okay. This was eight to ten years ago and the company ownership changed hands last year. I've been in their shop before and they do not keep individual boat project drawings, etc. They mostly work from hand drawn sketches.As I remember the dodger SS tubing frame height on our H28 was at about neck level so that I could see over it while standing at the helm. The bimini rear frame was about three inches above head level so that I could stand erect while at the helm.If you have a facsimile machine I can send you a sketch of how ours was built and attached to the boat. You can contact me at tandpcox@verizon.net. If not I can mail it to your home address.Terry

 

[S. Sauer]

Custom or 'standard' biminis

Have you looked into the Chandlery section of this web site under canvas shop? There are two categories of biminis: Rail Mount and custom. A rail mount is listed for a Hunter 280 at $742 but it is only 3-1/2' coverage. The 'custom at 'up to 6'long & 7' wide is listed at $980.I just had North Sails in Annapolis build a custom rail mounted bimini and bimini boot, with split back stay provisions and a plastic sail trim 'window' for my 1986 28.5, but they were able to measure the boat. The length and height of your boom may also be a factor that affects head room under the bimini unles you recut the main sail as well. By doing a rail mount, you automatically clear the winches and life lines. If you need a custom job, you may want to start by checking with reputable sail makers in your area.