Bimini Top Question

[Bruce Jones]

I am thinking of getting a bimini top for my Cat 22 and have a few questions. Do I have to raise the boom to have the bimini top up? With the boom raised, is sailing ability hendered? Can I sail with the bimini up? I am a new(to me)Catalina 22 owner ('82, sail #10657)and am trying to outfit her. Any suggestions on the bimini top would be greatly appreciated. I really enjoy the discussions from all the owners out there.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Sailing with a bimini

I would presume some kind of adjustment to the boom would be necessary to accomodate a bimini. This would affect your sailing. I also can't imagine you'd want to sail with it up due to the windage of the thing. This would affect your sailing as well. Biminis are made to be removed easily. Maybe a dodger would be more along the lines you're thinking of. Usually they're built around the boat's features so you don't have to mess with taking it down every time. They're made to be a sun/rain/wind shield for those in the cockpit. You might check out the line we have on the site to get an idea of what you might want in the long run.LaDonna

 

[Jim Winjum]

new bimini

I purchased a bimini at the end of August. We really appreciate the sun protection. We are able to sail in very light air with it up. The boom and main sheet barely clear. Visibility is only possible by getting out from under it. Our general use, of course, is when motoring or anchored.