I'm interested in putting a bimini on my 23.5 (1996) and was wondering if any of you had done so? If you have, where did you get the bimini, cost, difficulty of installation, etc.
Thank you!
Thank you!
- Status
I just installed a bimini on Kinship last week. I ordered it from the store here at HunterOwners.com for about $360, which was quite a bit less than either West Marine or Sailrite. It went on pretty easily, except for a few things. First, when I drilled the holes for the aft stantion of the bimini, I hit an alouminium backing plate, I'm assuming that was put in place by Hunter for a turning block for a Geni or cruising spinnaker. This is great for making sure that the bimini stay where it's suppose to, but it made turning the screw in quite difficult. Also, look closely at the screws that come with the kit. The screws that are supplied to mount the eye pads are only slightly smaller than those for the bimini bows, and it's easy to get them confused.
Trying to hold the assembled biminy in place to measure for proper location would be a lot easier with an extra set of hands. My 1st mate fell ill on the day that I did the work, and it was a weekday, so the marina was pretty much desserted.
Also, there's a mention on their web site that they recommend shipping it to your marina, as they are large and ship with motor freight. Ours came in a box about 5' long via UPS.
Other than those minor issues, I'm pleased with the bimini and the installation.
Trying to hold the assembled biminy in place to measure for proper location would be a lot easier with an extra set of hands. My 1st mate fell ill on the day that I did the work, and it was a weekday, so the marina was pretty much desserted.
Also, there's a mention on their web site that they recommend shipping it to your marina, as they are large and ship with motor freight. Ours came in a box about 5' long via UPS.
Other than those minor issues, I'm pleased with the bimini and the installation.
Kinship
I have a couple of questions regarding your bimini. Did the bimini come with a storage cover? Can you sail with the bimini up?
I have a couple of questions regarding your bimini. Did the bimini come with a storage cover? Can you sail with the bimini up?
Bill J,
I did so on a 240. See the Owners Modifications on the 240 page. http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...id=267&cat_id=12&aid=6610&page=article&mn=240
I can sail with it up, and people can sit on the stern rail seats as well when it is up or down.
I have no complaints.
Good luck. Jehr
I did so on a 240. See the Owners Modifications on the 240 page. http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...id=267&cat_id=12&aid=6610&page=article&mn=240
I can sail with it up, and people can sit on the stern rail seats as well when it is up or down.
I have no complaints.
Good luck. Jehr
Anytime I drill where there might be a backing plate I use a tap that matches the bolt/drill size. If you don't already have a tap set you can get them at a local hardware store and match them at that time. Makes jobs like this much easier.
Possible to sail with it up but I don't do it unless my wife insists. If it bothers you consider putting a window in it so you can see to trim the main better.
More on bimini's here: http://h260.com/bimini/bimini.html
If you use the sailboatowners.com chandlery you can specify the size needed for your size boat.
Possible to sail with it up but I don't do it unless my wife insists. If it bothers you consider putting a window in it so you can see to trim the main better.
More on bimini's here: http://h260.com/bimini/bimini.html
If you use the sailboatowners.com chandlery you can specify the size needed for your size boat.
I bought mine here, great service
I bought my bimini from this site and received great service, advice and most of all the quality is superior. I have become a stesdy customer!! Honest!!
Earl Keim II
I bought my bimini from this site and received great service, advice and most of all the quality is superior. I have become a stesdy customer!! Honest!!
Earl Keim II
- Status