Tricky Top
Pete, A satisfactory bimini for the 25.5 requires some engineering! The boom is way too low to mount a bimini underneath as you'd only have squatting room. I purchased a 3-bow 6' top from Overton's, measured to give well over 6' standing headroom. I then mounted the support frames to the coaming on slider tracks alongside the toerail. Locating the tracks next to the toerail doesn't interfere with sitting on the coaming and gives clearance for the winch handles. The rear section of the top had to be split between the rear and middle bows to allow the backstay to pass through. I had this done by a local auto upholstery shop, covering the split with a vinyl flap secured with velcro. With the top all the way back, the front edge just clears the leech of the main while providing shade and shelter for a goodly part of the cockpit while sailing. When not sailing, the boom can be swung to the side and the whole top slid forward on the tracks to cover the whole cockpit. The top folds up against the backstay for storage. I've had mine on the boat for 7 years and its still good as new, of course mine is in freshwater! The tricky part is measuring for the split as the backstay is off center. I did this by mounting the top in front of the backstay and marking the place where the backstay touched. Overton's also has the tracks and mounting hardware. At the time I did mine, the whole thing cost about $225 but still could be done for less than $300. Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
