One of my winter projects is to design and make a boom tent for my Beneteau F235. The Admiral doesn't like to bake all day on the boat, so this addition will get her out more often. I realise that there isn't room under the boom on the F235 to have a shade over the cockpit, so I think I'll make a boom tent that I can erect over the boom when the main is not up. Has anyone designed such a beast, and does anyone have any advice about this project - especially any design or construction ideas that would make the thing better in any way? I plan to make it out of Sunbrella fabric. Thanks, Neil
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Made one.
I have a cover that I can use over the boom. It is designed to also cover the cabin and companionway when we are away from the boat for extended periods. I made it about 11' wide by 15' long. It has a 36" zipper in the middle of the tail end so that it can go around the topping lift. This lets it extend beyond the end of the boom. A small line is sewn in the hem and then grommets are installed every three feet. Each of the side grommets has one of those bungy cords with the adjustable hooks. When it is over the boom I adjust the cords to the top lifeline. When I use it as a cover the hooks go to the toerail. The tail end zipper goes nicely around my bridgedeck mounted mainsheet. I also made my own bimini from a Sailrite kit. It is possible, my boat also has a low boom that extends well into the cockpit.
I have a cover that I can use over the boom. It is designed to also cover the cabin and companionway when we are away from the boat for extended periods. I made it about 11' wide by 15' long. It has a 36" zipper in the middle of the tail end so that it can go around the topping lift. This lets it extend beyond the end of the boom. A small line is sewn in the hem and then grommets are installed every three feet. Each of the side grommets has one of those bungy cords with the adjustable hooks. When it is over the boom I adjust the cords to the top lifeline. When I use it as a cover the hooks go to the toerail. The tail end zipper goes nicely around my bridgedeck mounted mainsheet. I also made my own bimini from a Sailrite kit. It is possible, my boat also has a low boom that extends well into the cockpit.
Versatile Bimini(s)
I've built 2 Biminis for my O'Day 240 -- #1 mounts below-the-boom, #2 goes above the boom. We use #1 underway and #2 is for at the dock or at anchor (but, truth be told, for stops of a day or two, we don't switch Biminis). Both designs utilze the same pair of adjustable Forespar poles -- the afteone behind the backstay, and the forward one suspended by lines leading to the port and starboard shrouds. Shorter tie-down lines lead to lifelines/stanchions. I've attempted to include with this post a composite photo that shows both designs, and the mosquito net that fits below either Bimini. The net adds a feeling of a "whole upstairs" to the boat. Upon initial set-up, measure and add clips to the aft pole tie-downs, then you'll find that future deployments are a snap. (If the composite photo don't make it with this post, I'll be pleased to send them via e-mail.)
I've built 2 Biminis for my O'Day 240 -- #1 mounts below-the-boom, #2 goes above the boom. We use #1 underway and #2 is for at the dock or at anchor (but, truth be told, for stops of a day or two, we don't switch Biminis). Both designs utilze the same pair of adjustable Forespar poles -- the afteone behind the backstay, and the forward one suspended by lines leading to the port and starboard shrouds. Shorter tie-down lines lead to lifelines/stanchions. I've attempted to include with this post a composite photo that shows both designs, and the mosquito net that fits below either Bimini. The net adds a feeling of a "whole upstairs" to the boat. Upon initial set-up, measure and add clips to the aft pole tie-downs, then you'll find that future deployments are a snap. (If the composite photo don't make it with this post, I'll be pleased to send them via e-mail.)
Versatile Bimini Photos
(Ref. my previous post, "Versitle Bimini(s)" Sorry that the composite picture didn't make it on 1st shot. (Attempt was made with wrong file extension.) Success this time!!!
(Ref. my previous post, "Versitle Bimini(s)" Sorry that the composite picture didn't make it on 1st shot. (Attempt was made with wrong file extension.) Success this time!!!
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fast low cost
I us on my 30'er a trap for Northen Tool,they have many sizes an colors,i like(silver)seem to last longer,and cooler too! I put it over boom and use the eyes that are already there in trap for bungy cords over and down to tow rail,trap I picked is wide enough to go just a little over safety lines,so shade from side,runs from mast all along boom to back stay. cost was about $12 total. On a 22Mac that I had,I used two 3/4in PVC tubes too hold ends up of trap a little higher,they bend some across above boom,side to side on boat,and bungys hold as needed.
I us on my 30'er a trap for Northen Tool,they have many sizes an colors,i like(silver)seem to last longer,and cooler too! I put it over boom and use the eyes that are already there in trap for bungy cords over and down to tow rail,trap I picked is wide enough to go just a little over safety lines,so shade from side,runs from mast all along boom to back stay. cost was about $12 total. On a 22Mac that I had,I used two 3/4in PVC tubes too hold ends up of trap a little higher,they bend some across above boom,side to side on boat,and bungys hold as needed.
One comment
We have a homemade bimini. Although we can't use it while sailing, It's great while at anchor. And believe me, down here we know about a hot summer. We also supplement that with a T-A-R-P (lol) over the boom and forward, over our pop top, and as forward of the mast as it will be bungeed. Easy up, easy down. Start with the tarp over the boom idea, then modify it as you see fit. Make sure if your going to make it for below the boom to use it while sailing, It will not be in the way to foul any lines or sheets. And save room for casting if you fish. Otherwise, get inventive.
We have a homemade bimini. Although we can't use it while sailing, It's great while at anchor. And believe me, down here we know about a hot summer. We also supplement that with a T-A-R-P (lol) over the boom and forward, over our pop top, and as forward of the mast as it will be bungeed. Easy up, easy down. Start with the tarp over the boom idea, then modify it as you see fit. Make sure if your going to make it for below the boom to use it while sailing, It will not be in the way to foul any lines or sheets. And save room for casting if you fish. Otherwise, get inventive.
Tarp over boom
Same here, about $20 for a silver tarp and some bungees in Home Depot. Great for rainy weather too, as you can keep the main hatch open. Peter H23 "Raven"
Same here, about $20 for a silver tarp and some bungees in Home Depot. Great for rainy weather too, as you can keep the main hatch open. Peter H23 "Raven"
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