Boom to Bimini Clearance

[Neil McDonald]

Today I agreed to have a custom bimini built for my boat by a very experienced local professional. He asked about the height of the boom above the cockpit floor - so that he can set the proper height and hence clearances from the top of the bimini - and suggested that I should measure the boom height when under sail.

My first assumption was that the boom will be at its lowest when sailing close hauled with the vang tightened hard down. But then it occurred to me that the worst case scenario (lowest boom level under sail) might be as the boom swings across on a tack when sailing with the vang not set so tightly.

Would any of the experts like to make a suggestion here?

 

[richk]

Neil
I have the same boat as you and had a custom bimini made several years ago. I just hoisted the sail and allowed an inch or two clearance beneath the boom while close hauled. If you have short term plans to replace the mainsail, you may want to wait on the bimini until the sail's done and installed.
Rich in Annapolis

 

[Hugh4753]

On my boat the only time the boom hits the top of the bimini is if I forget to snug the the topping lift after sailing. Otherwise the tension on the sail keeps it from touching. Really don't think you'll have much of a problem while sailing.

 

[Bill1565]

I leave my topping lift set at loose when sheeted in hard. When not sailing, that gives me a boom height that is lower than necessary. On my 37 c that will still allow a bimini height of 6-4 or so.

 

[Paul F]

Agree with you Neil, I have had to lower my bimini with a new mainsail. Crank it down as much as you can and then measure from there. When tacking it is not being pulled downward as when applying the vang and mail sheet.