Bimini on Hunter23.5

[Nicky17000]

I'm in a dillema whether to install a bimini on our 23.5.
The thing is that we have a very hot summer with uv index generally 10 or more. So. the first argument would be what I'm waiting for?
We usually set up a boom tent when we are at anchor.
What worries me is how would an opened bimini affect the handling of the boat under sail. There are no other Hunter23.5's in our area to make comparison. What concerns me is that the boat is tender and since it has a rather large cockpit(which I like) it will need a bimini the size of which may be found on much larger and heavier boats.
Does anyone has experience with sailing a 23.5 with the bimini on, especially when the wind start to freshen up a bit or there is a chop (or both)?

 

[George H260]

I think you'll find there is no problem with it up other than it might block your view of the mainsail. My wife insists on having it up when sailing, but when alone I keep it down. Here's some more stuff about bimini's which can be obtained at the sailboatowners.com chandlery.

Go to: http://h260.com/bimini/bimini.html

 

[Rick Webb]

I Noticed no Difference

Even if it did it would still be worth it to get out of the sun.

 

[Dave L]

A member in our club swears by his and he sails a Catalina 22. I'm strongly considering putting one on my 23.5

Does anyone have photos of a 23.5 with a bimini installed? I would like to see what it looks like.

 

[George H260]

Since the 23.5 is just a little sister to the H240/26/260 it would look pretty much the same.

http://h260.com/bimini/bimini.html

 

[Benny]

The effect of the Bimini to the boat under sail will be negligible. Unlike the sails the Bimini provides insignificant lift. I would say your type of sailing and your geographic location will probably be the determinant factor to decide wether you need one or not. Here in Florida 9 months out of the year if you sail for more than three hours during the middle of the day it is a necessity. I have gotten to the point that Biminis are expendable as they go on and stay open for the duration of their lifespan. They only come down when there is a huricaine watch. They have withstood winds of 50 knots with no ill effect. Between rain, bird crap and the sun rays they last about 4-5 years.

 

[Dennis Kitchen]

Nicky, bimini is must equipment

at least on my boat. Can't see any sailing issues except visibility as previously stated. I have a custom two piece bimini. If its not terribly hot out I use only the aft one. ( see album on my profile page ). The aft one allows use of the stern seats and standing room at the helm. The forward one is near standard and blocks view of mainsail and makes going forward a pain. However; with both biminis up and 10-15 knots of breeze life is good in the shade.:dance:

 

[Nicky17000]

Hello everyone

Thanks for your feedback.
Now my uncertainty is tipping in favor of installing one before the summer.
Happy sailing

 

[themacway]

Re: Hello everyone

with the rear bimini up (which is all we have on our little h18.5, due to its smaller size), you should be able to do what we do when sailing with the sun at our backs. we put a piece of sunbrella up with some snaps we installed, both on the aft end of the bimini and a 'wrap-around' we made to tie off on the stern rail. this little 4'x7' piece rear drop-down (foldable into lesser area if you want) is a real life saver. it's like a rear flap on a safari cap - keeps your neck and back from getting sizzled. the piece's color matches the bimini, cost about $30 from sailrite and was a 'snap' to put on. we just folded the edges over and sewed a hem, then put the snap thingies on it ourselves. it has ZERO affect on sailing. furthermore, for this season, we're now making a complete, custom wraparound of the cockpit area, and we're also fashioning a no-see-um meshed, with plexi window sides (with fold down covers) mast-to-stern camping tent, ala rhodes 22. the forward part will snap to the front of the bimini. it only takes one little 1" metal loop to shape the top at the hatchway, similar to the ones that come with the older pop-top hunter models. can't wait for the expanded room. the cockpit on an 18.5 is very roomy, so it'll add a ton of space to our little wing keeled wonder. it already has more options than i've seen on many much more expensive boats. i can't believe how much money the original owner put into this thing. it's amazing the value you can get in these little used sailboats. if you're patient, and careful...
jack b in midland, tx usa

 

[RocklockI]

Re: Hello everyone

As a new 23.5 owner , I will be installing one on my boat too . I have only seen the coaming mount vertion for it though .

I've seen pics with rail mounting and stern rail mounting ,but havnt seen them for sale .

Gary