Catalina 320 Bimini

[Ron M]

We are considering buying a 1997 Catalina 320 (very nice boat). However, when I stand at the wheel the my head hits the bimini. I'm only 5'11" ! My son's is 6'2" -- his head will be through the canvas. Is this bimini height typical or could it be adjusted. Doesn't look like there is much room remaining between the canvas and the boom. Thanks.

 

[valcour]

I have a 310 and am 6' tall. I have standing headroom at the helm under the Bimini, but if I want to go hard to weather (racing) the Bimini interferes with the boom, so I always take it down before a race (you can't see the sails anyway with it up). If I am cruising, I leave the Bimini up and raise the traveler higher than optimal so I don't have to tighten the sheet so much. This is a trade off, but it works for me. You can probably adjust yours a couple of inches, but will probably have issues if the main is sheeted in hard.

 

[Ron M]

Thanks

Thanks for the info.... we bought a Beneteau 331.

 

[valcour]

Re: Thanks

How do you like the 331? We looked at them before we bought the 310.

 

[Banooma]

My .02- I've noticed that some C28 owners equip their boats with no dodger, but a large bimini. Those large biminis need to go entirely under the boom, and necessarily made it difficult for me to stand and see. My preferred configuration was a dodger/ bimini combination. The bimini extends from just beyond the end of the boom to the stern, where it sits high enough to enable a taller sailor to stand and see over the dodger. Regardless, good luck with the Beneteau!