I am thinking about buying a bimini for my boat. I haven't done any measuring yet, but was wondering if there were any suggestions as to what size works best. I would like to get one that could give shade while sailing. I am looking at overton's and west marine...any ideas about price/ quality? Richard
Bimini top for 26s
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Bimini Top Measurements
I put a bimini on my boat this year, but I used a frame kit off of ebay and sewed my own top. Consider: do you want to sail with the bimini? If you are only going to use it tied to the dock, then it can be huge and mounted a lot of places. But if you plan to sail with it up, you will probably be limited by 1. the main sheet, limiting forward edge 2. backstay, limiting back top bow 3. boom limiting how high it can be. I have a picture that incorporates those dimensions at www.photobucket.com/albums/v721/oreana123 John S
I put a bimini on my boat this year, but I used a frame kit off of ebay and sewed my own top. Consider: do you want to sail with the bimini? If you are only going to use it tied to the dock, then it can be huge and mounted a lot of places. But if you plan to sail with it up, you will probably be limited by 1. the main sheet, limiting forward edge 2. backstay, limiting back top bow 3. boom limiting how high it can be. I have a picture that incorporates those dimensions at www.photobucket.com/albums/v721/oreana123 John S
I got one
Richard, I bought one from GMI and looked hard at the one from Overton. I wanted to make sure that I had a bimini that was big enough and slightly overdid it. I ordered the 6 footer and realized late that I would have been better off with something no larger than a 5 foot. It's hard to fit it between the main block on the boom and the backstay while maintaining height enough to sit under or exit over the lazerette and swim ladder, yet low enough to allow the boom to swing during a tack or to run close-hauled without rubbing the bimini. I'll include a link where I found mine. http://www.gmitopdesign.com/ They have a lot to choose from and very nice service. I got 3 foot rails to allow for adjustment. Good choice. I failed to purchase the adjustable back supports. Bad choice; should have gotten them. With all that out of the way, let me say that the bimini was one of the best additions ever for my boat. While I was in Fl. last year, it made my time on the water (on it a lot) much more enjoyable whether sailing or at anchor. Good luck and fair winds, Larry
Richard, I bought one from GMI and looked hard at the one from Overton. I wanted to make sure that I had a bimini that was big enough and slightly overdid it. I ordered the 6 footer and realized late that I would have been better off with something no larger than a 5 foot. It's hard to fit it between the main block on the boom and the backstay while maintaining height enough to sit under or exit over the lazerette and swim ladder, yet low enough to allow the boom to swing during a tack or to run close-hauled without rubbing the bimini. I'll include a link where I found mine. http://www.gmitopdesign.com/ They have a lot to choose from and very nice service. I got 3 foot rails to allow for adjustment. Good choice. I failed to purchase the adjustable back supports. Bad choice; should have gotten them. With all that out of the way, let me say that the bimini was one of the best additions ever for my boat. While I was in Fl. last year, it made my time on the water (on it a lot) much more enjoyable whether sailing or at anchor. Good luck and fair winds, Larry
mine is 4' L x 72"W x 36 H
its a taylor made, comes knocked down, was about $200, and is fair to good quality. (not sunbrella but similar) I could (should) have gone with a 5'. the height is the big issue. I can sail with it up, but it does chafe a little on the boom when close reaching.
its a taylor made, comes knocked down, was about $200, and is fair to good quality. (not sunbrella but similar) I could (should) have gone with a 5'. the height is the big issue. I can sail with it up, but it does chafe a little on the boom when close reaching.
archives
Richard, if you haven't already, search on "bimini" under "26S" model in the "Ask a Macgregor Owner" forum. There is a lot of information here including pics. I'm pleased with my Westland from Overton
Richard, if you haven't already, search on "bimini" under "26S" model in the "Ask a Macgregor Owner" forum. There is a lot of information here including pics. I'm pleased with my Westland from Overton
BIMINIs...a SAILING Necessity !!
HI RICHARD...You mentioned that you are "THINKING" about a BIMINI...WELL..Without a doubt...those enjoyable SUMMER SAILINGs can be MISERY without a BIMINI !! Theyre not an option if you want to ENJOY sailing in comfort, and protect you and yours from the ELEMENTS. GET A BIMINI...stay dry in rain, cooler in the SUN, and dont forget...THEY SURE MAKE A MACGREGOR LOOK NICE ! Youve guessed it...I think BIMINIs are necessary,although kinda costly... SUNBURNs can be more COSTLY.
HI RICHARD...You mentioned that you are "THINKING" about a BIMINI...WELL..Without a doubt...those enjoyable SUMMER SAILINGs can be MISERY without a BIMINI !! Theyre not an option if you want to ENJOY sailing in comfort, and protect you and yours from the ELEMENTS. GET A BIMINI...stay dry in rain, cooler in the SUN, and dont forget...THEY SURE MAKE A MACGREGOR LOOK NICE ! Youve guessed it...I think BIMINIs are necessary,although kinda costly... SUNBURNs can be more COSTLY.
Thanks for info
I did a search , but neglected to do the search in the (duhhh) "archives" section...Lots of good info there and in this thread too. I have decided to get one...should make the key west trip(I feel like a kid waiting for xmas)much better! Thanks again, Richard
I did a search , but neglected to do the search in the (duhhh) "archives" section...Lots of good info there and in this thread too. I have decided to get one...should make the key west trip(I feel like a kid waiting for xmas)much better! Thanks again, Richard
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