Bimini length/height (25)

[Stephen Blake]

Just put on deposit on a '77 25 (cream puff...well nearly). YESSSSS!!!!! She is on blocks with mast down waiting for bottom etc. My impatience is driving me nuts and I want to bye her (un-named) a new bimini NOW. I can measure the width OK but I need to know what height I need and what length is practacle. Can the boat be sailed with the Bimini up? I would appreciate any numbers/answers that you guys can give me. BTW coverquest.com seems to have incredible prices on biminis as does canvasbay for sail covers.Thanks, Stephen

 

[Steve Growcock]

Bimini for a 25

Hey Stephan. congrats on the new boat!As you know, the midwest heat can be a bit challenging. The bimini will convert the cockpit from a sauna to a protected area from the heat and glare.Last season, I bought a bimini for my 25 from West Marine. Stock number 1893255S (sizes L: 4' x W 73-78" x H 36" )The lower height is to fit under the boom. You will have to split the bimini and the cover to fit around the backstay.When I sail or motor, I can keep it up but I fold back the front half that I can watch the sails. Normally, I just use the bimini when anchored or in the slip when there is no steady wind to cool down. Have fun with the you new purchase. Keep us up to speed on your progress of getting the boat ready for the season.steve!

 

[JOHN]

YOUR SO LUCKY A 25 O'DAY

STEVE, YOU HAVE LUCK IN FINDING YOUR 25 O'DAY, I NOW OWN SAME UNIT AS OF 3 WEEKS. AND CAN'T WAIT TO PUT HER IN THE BAY AND THEN GULF OF MEXICO. LOOKING FORWARD TO SAILING TO KEY WEST AFTER THE SHAKE DOWN. MINE IS IN THE WATER AT MY DOCK I WAS ABLE TO AQUIRE WITH THE BOAT. IT'S A D.B. SHORT MAST MODEL IN FAIR SHAPE, BEEN SITTING IN THE SAME WATER FOR 5 YEARS NOW, PREVIOUS OWNER HAD SOME UNEXPECTED THINGS HAPPEN AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED IN 1997. SEND ME YOUR PROGRESS REPORT AS YOU GET IT READY, I WILL ALSO SHARE. THE 9.9 OUTBOARD NEEDS WORK, ALSO BEEN LOOKING FOR SAME. GET IN TOUCH, THANK YOU, JOHN JWANNI9846@aol.com

 

[Stephen Blake]

Split bimini for backstay?

I hadn't thought about the backstay getting in the way. Pray tell me what is the proceedure for "splitting" the bimini to fit around the backstay. Thanks, Stephen

 

[Steve Growcock]

fitting the bimini around the backstay

Hi Stephan:As an example, consider the West Marine bimini sizes I previously posted.As I have the bimini mounted, the leading edge is a couple inches aft of the mainsheet. The top of the bimini skirts just underneath the boom. When unfolding the bimini, I have to raise the boom a bit to allow for the arc of setting the bimini in place.The trailing edge extends 5 or 6 inches beyond the backstay. Remember the bimini is about 3' above the sides of the cockpit. The backstay angles in from the stern attachment toward the masthead. It is also slightly offcenter.Kind of a pain, but I recommend you set up the frame on the boat and place the bimini on top of the frame to get the placement and depth of the cut. (On my boat the trailing frame rib is actually aft of the backstay.)You will need to enlist the services of a person with a sewing machine to finish the edges of the cut and to attach velcro to the bimini cover as one of the zipper sides will need to be cut to fit around the backstay.When the bimini is folded up, it sandwiches the backstay as the ribs and the bimini are in front and behind backstay. Steve!

 

[Don Evans]

Picture

Stephen, go to the owner album, and look for a picture of my 25 with bimini up, and 2 solar panels attached atop. Look to the right side and you will see the zipper out to the backstay. The canvass shop should protect this "backstay hole" with a ring of leather as a chafe protectant.Additionally, consider having a clear panel added so you can see the sails. Have them add a velcro on cover so it can be covered up. You may want to add in zippers all around if you are considering a future need for a complete cockpit enclosure (I have a picture in the album of this too).I would recommend having the canvass shop out to the boat, if possible. If not make sure they already have a pattern for your vessel.Don