bimini placement

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jacob samuelsson

Hi guys, I wish to add a bimini to my 83 Catalina 22 and my wife is going to sew it,butmy question is how do you get around the mainsheet if you wish to use the bimini while sailing? The mainsheet would be in the way and prevent placement far enough back to cover the rear of the cockpit.That wouldnt be a problem if you were not sailing but I wish to stay out of the sun while on the move.Also,to those of you who have one,is there a problem with boom clearance? Any help would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks in advance...
 
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jake

Not a problem

I bought a Catalina Direct bimini last year for my 1981 and if done correctly, there is no obstruction. That is assuming you are using the traveler on the stern. The mainsheet simply goes over the back of the bimini and yes the boom clears the top. I'm six one and can just sit up straight under the cover. The bimini typically covers the whole of the cockpit area from hatch to just a few inches short of the stern. If you want to see the telltales or the mast vane that requires you to either stick your head out the back and look over the bimini or look around the side. It's worth it to not get cooked by the sun. The bimini was one of my best investments for enjoying the boat. Sailing with the bimini is easy as long as the wind is not gusting past 10-12 mph. I think I would worry with stronger winds about safety and the sturdiness of the bimini itself. Cool sailing!
 
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Aldo

It's worth doing

Jacob: Jake wrote a very nice reply to your question. I agree with everything he said. You certainly do want to have a bimini to escape being baked by the sun. It does take a little of the fun out of sailing for me. I can't see the main very well with the bimini up, but when the question comes up whether or not to use the bimini, if it's hot and sunny, we use it. As Jake also wrote, there are wind conditions that can make it too windy to use. Also, during docking we usually fold it up. I also made my bimini, as you are proposing doing. I made it 20 years ago, just to see if it was a good idea. It was. It would be worth buying one if you didn't have the materials and know-how to make one. I have to remake the fabric for mine this summer. This will be the 3rd cover. I just used "fabric store variety" nylon the for the first two. This time I think I'll try heavier nylon. I made cars that go onto the jib tracks that I can adjust forward and backward, so that the rear of the bimini doesn't interfere with the main sheet. As I said, I just made this to see if it was a good idea, so I didn't want to drill a lot of holes into the boat, figuring where to mount the bimini. Aldo
 
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Louis Plaisance

MAKE YOUR OWN

Hello Jacob, You might want to check out the related link if you plan on making your own Bimini. Last summer I made one for our little boat for less than a boat buck! ljp Man...I love that little boat.
 
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