I want to add a Bimini to my boat but I dislike the problems in will present in moving about the cockpit, exiting the boat and moving forward, etc.. I have been searching for ideas and came across this portable device called a "MANTIS" on the WM site. I am wondering if anyone has seen it in use or tried it? If it is stable enough, it may work quite well if attached to the stern rail or possible even 2 of them attached on the aft corners of the cockpit. This device seems to be easily removed which would certainly freeup the boat for racing or other times when sun or rain shade is not required. Bob
Bimini Option
- Thread starter kd4ao13295
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Better for fishing?
I spoke to the company about a year ago. They have little experience with sail boats, it appears, and mostly cater to the powerboat side. I think the product is designed more for non-moving applications like fishing, than for a moving sailboat.
I spoke to the company about a year ago. They have little experience with sail boats, it appears, and mostly cater to the powerboat side. I think the product is designed more for non-moving applications like fishing, than for a moving sailboat.
If you are that worried
about racing with the Bimini up, then buy one that can be collapsed on the backstay and covered.
about racing with the Bimini up, then buy one that can be collapsed on the backstay and covered.
Not sure what kind of boat
you have or what your cockpit configuration looks like, but a capable loft ought to be able to design and install a bimini for your boat that will not restrict your movements in the cockpit or your ability to go forward. I have standing headroom under the bimini of my H28.5 and I've moved the forward straps outboard to connect with the top of the lifeline stanchions so movement is not impeded in any way. Before rejecting a bimini, I would suggest talking to a couple of canvas lofts or sailmakers and see what their ideas for your boat may be.
you have or what your cockpit configuration looks like, but a capable loft ought to be able to design and install a bimini for your boat that will not restrict your movements in the cockpit or your ability to go forward. I have standing headroom under the bimini of my H28.5 and I've moved the forward straps outboard to connect with the top of the lifeline stanchions so movement is not impeded in any way. Before rejecting a bimini, I would suggest talking to a couple of canvas lofts or sailmakers and see what their ideas for your boat may be.
I looked at this, too.
It seemed too small to really work well. With the sun moving, a decent sized bimini already has enough sunny spots under it. With something as small as this, you might not get nearly as much shade as you want.
It seemed too small to really work well. With the sun moving, a decent sized bimini already has enough sunny spots under it. With something as small as this, you might not get nearly as much shade as you want.
I love my bimini
I use the forward stanchions to hold onto for entering and exiting. Lots of standing head room too. In no way does it restrict my movement about the boat. I'm not sure what your configuration is, but on my 31 Almand, the bimini works great. I even hang screens off the sides for sleeping in the cockpit. My dodger goes on in less than ten minutes too, with no tools required. Maybe you need one of those hats with the umbrella on it. Keep it up, Ctskip
I use the forward stanchions to hold onto for entering and exiting. Lots of standing head room too. In no way does it restrict my movement about the boat. I'm not sure what your configuration is, but on my 31 Almand, the bimini works great. I even hang screens off the sides for sleeping in the cockpit. My dodger goes on in less than ten minutes too, with no tools required. Maybe you need one of those hats with the umbrella on it. Keep it up, Ctskip
Not as Big as You Think
The pic doesn't show how big it really is. I saw one mounted (picture) and it didn't look too sturdy.
The pic doesn't show how big it really is. I saw one mounted (picture) and it didn't look too sturdy.
Bimini
The bimini on my S2 in no way restricts cockpit movement or boat entrance/exit. It has no tie down straps, but rather uses stainless tubing, same size as the bimini frame, which mount it firmly to the aft cockpit railing. Makes a good hand hold when using the boarding ladder, but certainly doesn't get in the way.
The bimini on my S2 in no way restricts cockpit movement or boat entrance/exit. It has no tie down straps, but rather uses stainless tubing, same size as the bimini frame, which mount it firmly to the aft cockpit railing. Makes a good hand hold when using the boarding ladder, but certainly doesn't get in the way.
I wouldn't go anywhere without my Bimini!!
My hunter 22 had a bimini and I loved it. It never restricted movement in the cockpit or anything like it. I wouldn't trade it for its weight in gold when I was sailing mid-summer. Once you get use to having a bimini you feel naked without it. I don't know what size boat you have, but I can say that the bimini on my old Hunter 22 was nice. It didn't run the entire length of the cockpit because of where the mainsheet was. It was good because I could sit in an elevated position and have shade even when the sun was at a wierd angle. I think that they should be standard gear on a boat, especially with the threat of skin cancer etc. If you find a good canvas shop they will be able to cut one that fits your boat. Don't be afraid to spend a little extra money for quality but deal with a place with a good rep or one that you have seen some of their work first hand!
My hunter 22 had a bimini and I loved it. It never restricted movement in the cockpit or anything like it. I wouldn't trade it for its weight in gold when I was sailing mid-summer. Once you get use to having a bimini you feel naked without it. I don't know what size boat you have, but I can say that the bimini on my old Hunter 22 was nice. It didn't run the entire length of the cockpit because of where the mainsheet was. It was good because I could sit in an elevated position and have shade even when the sun was at a wierd angle. I think that they should be standard gear on a boat, especially with the threat of skin cancer etc. If you find a good canvas shop they will be able to cut one that fits your boat. Don't be afraid to spend a little extra money for quality but deal with a place with a good rep or one that you have seen some of their work first hand!
Thanks to all...
On my h32 the bimini was great, included a dodger, zip in back and side curtains and a window to see the mainsail thru. I did not cause any problems. Later I got a C27 which came with a bimini, it was always in the way when boarding, when handling dock lines and when going forward. Hurricame Charley rearranged that boat and now I have a C250WK which is probably the coolest boat I have had and I love it without a bimini, but my Tilley Hat just doesn't provide enough shade, so I must consider a bimini. I appreciate the comment to talk to a canvas shop rather than just buy stock unit. I am sure a fuctional design can be accomplished and I will pursue that avenue. When I saw the ad for that Mantis, it seemed like a possibility but most likely not. Thanks for all the comments.
On my h32 the bimini was great, included a dodger, zip in back and side curtains and a window to see the mainsail thru. I did not cause any problems. Later I got a C27 which came with a bimini, it was always in the way when boarding, when handling dock lines and when going forward. Hurricame Charley rearranged that boat and now I have a C250WK which is probably the coolest boat I have had and I love it without a bimini, but my Tilley Hat just doesn't provide enough shade, so I must consider a bimini. I appreciate the comment to talk to a canvas shop rather than just buy stock unit. I am sure a fuctional design can be accomplished and I will pursue that avenue. When I saw the ad for that Mantis, it seemed like a possibility but most likely not. Thanks for all the comments.
Its a matter of priority.
It seems to ba a small expensive contraption which will occupy valuable space at the stern rail. A bimini is a proven affordable form of protection. I have had bimini tops in all kinds of boats and never has the small hindrance on movements around the cockpit offset the necessary protection. I can take my bimini off in less than 5 minutes not that I ever do except when we have a hurricane warning.
It seems to ba a small expensive contraption which will occupy valuable space at the stern rail. A bimini is a proven affordable form of protection. I have had bimini tops in all kinds of boats and never has the small hindrance on movements around the cockpit offset the necessary protection. I can take my bimini off in less than 5 minutes not that I ever do except when we have a hurricane warning.
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