Bimini solution for my Cal 29

[damoses1]

I am looking for some extra shade! If you have a bimini, where did you buy yours? Are you satisfied with it? What size would you recommend?

I am just looking for a simple bimini cover that will provide shade to the cockpit. I don't need one of the larger ones with zippers and windows on it.

Also, I am not handy with stitching and would rather not try to build my own. A pre-made kit would be perfect.

How do the rail mount biminis work out? I have several winches and cleats in my cockpit and am concerned about maneuverability.

All comments welcome!

Thank You!

 

[tommays]

I have a Dodger but no Bimini is there one one the boat or in your future

I don't see you main sheet system in the pictures but i will guess the Bimini will need to end a good bit before the wheel to allow main sheet function

 

[Gary_H]

I have a three bow Bimini on my Cal 2-25. unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of it in the deployed position. The rear bow fits behind the back stay and there is a split that snaps together so that the back stay comes up through a little hole in the Bimini. The Bimini works great except it makes it hard to check the mainsail trim. It does however make a big difference on the 98-100 degree days here in the middle of summer. If I'm still afloat this weekend I can take some pictures. The original was on the boat when I bought it but in bad shape so I had it duplicated by a local canvas shop.

 

[Gary_H]

Here is kinda a picture of it where you can see how the bow frames are arrainged.

 

[Ed Schenck]

You could buy one of these: http://search.overtons.com/?Ns=p_im...70+4294963077&cname=Bimini-Tops-T-Tops-Shades . Notice on the website that you can search by height and width. Get rough dimensions from the boat. The tubing is easy to cut to fit so long as you start with too large. These less expensive pre-made biminis use aluminum frames and "plastic" hardware instead of stainless. My own bimini has an aluminum frame and after nine years still looks good. Not as strong and heavy but I have been through some pretty serious weather that ripped the canvas but the frame was no problem. Like Gary's above I use web straps fore and aft. You can also buy additional fittings to secure, for example, the aft frame to the rails with tubing.

 

[stevec22206]

Just installed this one on our C27 two weeks ago. Purchased online from websweeper.com. It's a standard size made by Carver. Checked into a custom bimini with stainless tubing and zippered at the back to accomadate the split back stay. Quoted at $1,200. Decided to go with the standard model but did upgrade to stainless fittings over the nylon. Just shy of $400. Aluminum frame, Sunbrella top, straps, boot and hardware to mount. Have standing headroom but did raise the boom about 7".

Steve

 

[Ol Dave]

There's more to a good Bimini. (1) When you are mounting it consider if it is obstructing the winch handles in any way (2) Look at the tensioning straps and position them so you can make your way forward easily (3) You will really want to consider a glassine window that will allow you a view of your Windex when either standing or seated (4) If you go with the window you'll want a velcro cover on it for additional shade when you are not sailing (5) a reinforced slit will allow you to extend it past your back stay, otherwise your backstay will rub a hole in it and the skipper won't get enough shade (6) consider an extra bow or a separate bimini to cover the companionway hatch for both rain and shade, a custom bent bimini will solve all or most of these problems.

A quick and dirty workaround may be as simple as a beach umbrella bungeed to the steering column with a seam ripped out and then velcroed (duct taped) back in place for the backstay

 

[Gary_H]

Also remember when you make your measurements to account for the hight of the boom under sail not sitting on your topping lift. If not you may snag your Bimini when you tack.

 

[damoses1]

Thanks for the helpful comments and photos!

I just purchased a bimini from iboats.com using the measurements I took from the boat. I plan to mount it on the rail- just to be sure it is out of the way of my winches. I also am contacting my sail shop about getting a plastic window installed so I can still see my trusty windex. I am still considering how to deal with the two backstay wires that will be going through the top of the bimini. I have seen a couple of options: Routing the lines through two installed eyelets on the bimini, or installing two zippers on the top of the bimini; one for each line. I'm assuming I'll need a special type of uv-protected zipper.

Any suggestions?

 

[Gary_H]

My bimini has as oval slot cut into it where the split backstays go thru. from the oval to the back edge of the bimini there is a split where you pass the bimini around the backstay when you are setting it up. the split is not held together by a zipper but by those metal eye and twist things where you put the tab through and then twist it 90 degrees. I don't know what the danged things are called but they are used on biminies and dodgers all the time. You could also used heavy duty snaps as well. If you want to use a zipper there are heavy plastic ones that work well , like the ones used in diving suits just keep them well lubed.

 

[damoses1]

What would be a good size window to install? Is 1 square foot too big??

 

[s sauer]

Bimini

I've been very happy with a custom Bimini made by North Sails in Annapolis with Sunbrella fabric over three 1" diameter stainless steel bows, full 7' width of the cockpit, mounted on the forward edge of the stern pulpit. We have zippered slots at the split backstay and a 12"x12" sail trim window with velcrow attached cover. For photos go to : www.huntertwentyeightfive.com /Gallery/Celebration II/DSC00989 and DSC00990 or same site /Gallery/Mainsail/Bimini.
It was necessary to raise the boom about 8" to get standing headroom under the Bimini, which I did when I ordered a new mainsail.

 

[Sailm8]

Make sure you get a flap sewn into the underside of the bimini so you can cover the window when you don't need it. I had to add one after I had the sun come through and blind me on certain tacks, It fastens with velcro and I had a little pouch sewed to hold it to the underside when not in use.

You might want to consider having a zipper sewn in the back edge and a piece of material made to sew on when at anchor. Seemed like the sun always came in and toasted us before we added it.