Bimini Top For Catalina 22

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allantodd

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Dec 23, 2010
29
Catalina 22 Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner
Thanks to all who help me purchase my new cdi roller furling and sail. Now I need help on bimini top.

I need advice on following:

Can I install under the boom and still be OK sailing easily with bimini up?

Which is best to buy? Ebay at $ 325, with aluminum tubing or others for $ 500. with stainless steel tubing?

WHat do I need to look out for when I buy? And install?

Is bimini a good decision or just another wishful working product?

Thanks in advance to all who has had experience.

Allan
 
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CaptDon01

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Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
Take a look at my public profile. I have two photo albums with pictures of bimini's on our Capri-18, and our current boat, C-22 MK-II version. In the saltwater environment, SS is the only way to go, inland freash water, aluminum is fine, just not as strong as SS. I've had real good luck with a guy who lists all the time on eBay in the sailboat hardware section. I've purchased some bimini mounts from him. Excelent products, and free shipping a lot of the time. Sailing with a bimini on a hot sunny day sure is nice. We also like it up to protect the cockpit and cabin from dew at night.

Don
 
DannyS

DannyS

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May 27, 2004
933
Beneteau 393 Bayfield, Wi
My sister in law has a Catalina 22 MK-II and it came with a bimini. It was nice just hanging around the marina on a hot day or at anchor but it was very in the way when sailing. The end boom sheeting made it difficult to sail along on a reach as the main sheet would hang up on the bimini. In order for her bimini to work she'd have to relocate it forward far enough to keep that from happening but then the boom vang would be in the way and the back of the cockpit would be exposed. She ended up taking the thing off.
 
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CaptDon01

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Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
Sounds like the bimini might be to long on her MK-II. Our's doesn't cover the whole cockpit. It extends from just behind the vang to just slightly after of the middle of the cockpit. On our Capri-18 the bimini was mounted to a track so you could slide it back and forth depending on the situation. On our MK-II it's mounted to the rear portion of the genoa track.

Don
 
Captain 9330

Captain 9330

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Oct 12, 2009
55
Catalina 22 Buffalo
It's a Bimini top for me

Allan,

I had the same questions until 2 summers ago when a couple boating supply stores went out of business nearby and the price of a Bimini top and support system was drastically cut (slashed actually about 70% and how do you walk away from that?). The only fabric top left was the widest that would fit and the only frames left were much narrower sizes. For the price, I bought 2 frame kits. With an hour spent with a hacksaw, hand file and a drill, the problem was solved for good.

I agree SS is the way to go but Aluminum was what fell into my lap. With 2 frame kits, I even had enough spares left over to make support struts to brace the trailing edge. The top stows itself neatly across the aft end of the cockpit. I have the center frame pivot mounted on track slides on the headsail tracks. I am still working out the best way to attach the forward frame to keep it tight but so far the nylon straps work fine.

I like sailing with the Bimini top up. I have plenty of clearance under the boom and behind the top for the mainsheets. Sitting just behind the top, I can see the masthead wind indicator and sail shape easily. I have to lift the boom in order to collapse it back to its stowed position but that is a trivial concern. There is plenty of room under it to going forward climbing through between the cabin top and the Bimini top.

After 23 years looking at Bimini tops wishing I had one, I am completely satisfied. What I do enjoy after sailing at anchor or dock is kicking back with a cool drink and having a snooze in its shade during scorching midday sun hours!

Hey, go for it.
Derek
 

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allantodd

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Dec 23, 2010
29
Catalina 22 Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner
Re: It's a Bimini top for me

Captn Bob and Dereck,

Thank you so much for your comments. You guys are awesome to help out so much. My Cat 22 is on Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City, and I have an AMF Sunbird (16' daysailor) at my lakehouse private dock about an hour away form OKC. Both on water ready to sail 365 days a year weather permitting.

Should either one of you guys get near OKC please contact me. Free place to stay for you and family and choice of sailboats. Would love to treat you to world known sailing (Lake Hefner) in OKC. Always wind with higher altitude lake than all surroundings. I believe Captn Bob has sailed that lake before.

Regards to all from Oklahoma,

Allan
 
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CaptDon01

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Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
Re: It's a Bimini top for me

Allan,

I've sailed Lake Hefner several times. I work for the FAA and would bring my boat with me when I attended school at the academy there in OKC.

Don
 
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allantodd

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Dec 23, 2010
29
Catalina 22 Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner
Re: It's a Bimini top for me

If you ever get back to OKC, you won't have to bring your boat. I would be pleased to let you use mine. My dad now 87 retired from FAA and I am licensed pilot.

I hope to meet you one day!

Allan
 
Solace of Freedom

Solace of Freedom

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Aug 12, 2010
46
Catalina C22 Lake Erie
My C22 came w/ a bimini. I left it off after the first season of sailing. But, I could not sail w/ it up, so I rarely used it. Collapsed at the back of the boat it definitely got in the way. Even if it fit under the boom, I don't think I would sail w/ it up. In Michigan, you've got to soak up some sun when you can. Unless you need to stay out of the sun or the admiral wants the shade I'd skip it and invest in something your boat really needs.
 
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paphman

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Sep 21, 2005
297
Catalina 22 Henderson Bay, NY
Allan

We use a product called Pro-tect. These are smaller biminis that can be taken down when not needed. We purchased one about four years ago, and last year got another one. Then are made from sunbrulla and the quality is great. Made in the USA. You can close half of it down, or close the entire unit down if not needed, and leave it in place. The web site is Pro-tect.com Give them a look, I think you might like them. I have not been to Lake Hefner before so looked it up on the net. It looks like a great lake to sail on. I was at Fort Sill after I returned from Nam in 1970, and some of us would go to Lake Tenkiller on the week ends. Your lake looks every bit as nice as that. Hopes this helps

Dale
 
Joetech

Joetech

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Apr 13, 2007
142
Catalina 27 TR Lorain, Ohio
Pro-tect.com?

I too have a C-22 and am interested in a Bimini. I went to the Pro-tect.com website and it is for construction protection such as booties so work boots don't scuff a new floor. What is the website?
 
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paphman

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Sep 21, 2005
297
Catalina 22 Henderson Bay, NY
Lorain,

I left out a letter. The web site is pro-techt.com If you have any questions about the product I can e-mail you of site. We love the two that we have and they are never in the way.

Dale
 
Ken

Ken

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Jun 1, 2004
1,182
Catalina 22 P. P. Y. C.
I would choose the largest bimini that will fit your C22, you will thank yourself later, going forward can be a real project from one too low.
 
Captain 9330

Captain 9330

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Oct 12, 2009
55
Catalina 22 Buffalo
Allan,

Went to West Marine on the weekend (what else to do on a snowy Western NY afternoon) and on the clearance counter I found a Bimini slide track system with all its hardware. I will be moving my attachment points for the main frame in the spring. At 1/3 the original price, it goes right along with costs I had for the rest of the project.

I wish you well with finding such good deals for your own purchases. And thanks for your generous offer in true Trailer/Sailor spirit.

Derek
 
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