Bimini for Hunter 280

[Rick]

Hi 280 folks... I'm looking into a used Hunter 280, and it does not yet have a bimini.. I checked this site to purchase one, and found the rail mount, vs. the larger fixed mount. My question is which to choose... I see the rail mount covers 3 1/2 where the other covers 8 foot. Is the rail mount big enough to do the job... I like the fact that I wouldn't have to have extra spars to walk and clean around by doing the smaller one... Any comments as to which to purchase would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Martin]

Cruising area?

Rick, In my opinion, the biggest two factors in selecting the size of the bimini are what area of the country you sail and whether you are a "sun worshiper" or "sun avoider." I cruise on the Cheasapeake Bay which gets some very hot summers. When I bought my Hunter28, it had a bimini that only covered the aft half of the cockpit. On intense sunny days, everyone would try to crowd into the bit of shade offered by this smaller bimini. After only two months of ownership, I had the local canvas shop add a zipper to the front of this half bimini and to fabricate a zip on addition that covered the rest of the cockpit up to the companionway. This has been the best money I've spent on the boat. Now everyone in the cockpit is shaded and it makes summer sailing much more enjoyable. The concept of the two part zip together bimini was that I could remove the forward half if we ever wanted more sun. WE HAVE NEVER GONE BACK TO ONLY HALF THE BIMINI.So choose based on how sunny is your cruising area is and on how much you enjoy the sun.Martin Coles/v ARES

 

[Larry Long]

Mainsheet attachment point

The 280's I have seen with the half bimini were equipped that way because the mainsheet attached to the top of the steering pedistal and would have prevented easily continuing the bimini foreward. If, on the other hand, you have the mid-boom mainsheet and traveler mounted in front of the companionway you are free to put the bimini where you need it. I was going to post a picture of my bimini, but I decided this other one might do more to convince you that you should have a full coverage bimini and stay out of the sun.

 

[Ed Fluss]

Full Bimini but you still need sunscreen!

The full bimini on the 280 (or really almost any boat) is the way to go. I had the full bimini and with some creativity and some velcro straps I could lift it into a half bimini on the days I had sun worshipers out on the boat or I want to see some stars at night.The issue of the mid-boom vs end boom sheeting is important. I switched to midboom sheeting and not only did I have to add the cabintop traveler, I also had to get a stronger BOOM. So if you currently have midboom sheeting your all set. But, if you have end boom, you must make sure you boom can handle the change (there were cases of the boom snapping/failing) so call Hunter.The full bimini again is the way to go. Keeps that hot sun off you but remember to still wear sunscreen. I am often told I am more tan than any guests or crew. I hide under the bimini all day. Its the reflective light that can also get you...so wear clothes and sunscreen...at least most of the strong sun parts of the day.Gee I miss that 280... (have the 326 now)EdS/V Michaya, NYC

 

[Bob]

285 with the same problem (sort of)

Rick,I have a 285 which I know is not the same as your boat but I have a similar problem. Our bat has a bimini which shades the helm area and goes under the last two feet of the boom. It does a nice job of shading most of the cockpit but when I'm at the helm with the bimini in place, the top of my head (I'm 5'11") rubs up against the bottom of the bimini. I find myself bending a bit at the waist which dosen't help my back after a while.Our bimini needs to be relplace because it's beat so I'm thinking of having a canvas shop make one the is higher but sits behind the end of the boom. To make up for the rest of it I'm also going to have an additional panel that will attach to the foward edge of the bimini and then to the aft edge of our dodger. But to complicate things a bit, out main sheet is just behind the companion way, so I'm going to ask the canvas man if he can make the connector in two sections and make them so they overlap a bit. This way we can use the connector when the sheet is positioned off center of the companion way.Granted we won't be able to use the connector when we're under sail because the main sheet will be moving all over the place, but I think it will serve us well when we're at anchor, in the slip and not using our sail. I've even seen "windows" in these connectors so that you could see through them while motoring. I get around a lot on the boat when we're under sail and the short bimini won't be too much of a disadvantage. Besides, like the other posting have said, you should always use a sun screen. Having a bimini won't stop reflected rays.

 

[PD]

My rail mount bimini

I am about as fair skinned as people come. So I put a rail mount bimini on my boat. It does not provide 100% coverage all the time, but does cut down on the mid day direct sun (and provides decent protection at the helm in the rain. Between the dodger, the bimini, going below and the sails - exposure is limited.I set my bimini so that I can stand under it, this does reduce the shade area. It does not interfere with any sailing or cleaning, and provides something to hold to as well.If you are looking for no exposure - go with the cumbersome 8' bimini.I will send specific info for anyone interested.

 

[Ed]

280 Bimini

Rick,Here's a pic of my '97 280 with the full-length cockpit bimini (and dodger, too). The bimini overlaps the dodger by about 6 in. at the companionway. With the mid-boom traveler arrangement, I think this works great. I'm 6 ft. tall, and I can stand up under it at the helm. If you want more pics of the bimini, email me at sailor_ejs@hotmail.com

 

[Pete]

Full Bimini

Hi there-Here in Florida the full Bimini is about a must due to the constant sunshine out there.My friend recently installed rail cloths around his cockpit to keep the reflected rays from the water from striking you all day-a good idea I think. Our 1998 H280 has the full Bimini and does a real good job. Happy sailing . Pete