Bimini top

[briost]

My '74 O'Day 23 has rot in the bimini top in one, possibly two places. I would like to fix these areas, or replace the top. What is the core material? If I decide to replace the top, where could I get one?Also, I don't think I have the original rudder. Mine is a kick-up style. Did it originally come with a fixed rudder?

 

[Russ20666]

Bimini and rudder

Every canvas bimini I have ever seen doesn't last very long (including mine). Especially down here. The sun just eats them up at an amazing rate. I would strongly consider replacing it with sunbrella material.I don't know for sure but the original paperwork that I acquired with my '80 23 shows a fixed rudder and I don't recall seeing one on the options list. I could be wrong.

 

[Marshall]

rudder answer

the rudder you have is from a Macgregor, and likely does not perform as well as the intended rudder which was fixed. see if you can get a used J-24 rudder! that combonation is awesome. as well, your local west marine can get you a new bimini, or a canvas shop can make you a new top. and Yes anything other than sunbrella will never last long. you can order that material and use the top you have as a pattern and sew one yourself. may the wind at your back never be your own,

 

[Keith823]

More on the Rudder

I agree that the 23 was made with a fixed rudder. I have a 1973 with a fixed set-up, as shown in the documentation I have for it. Manuals and information on later models have all shown the fixed rudder. D&R Marine has them in their parts list for these boats.