Detachable Sidewall Sun Protection for Bimini

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May 17, 2010
81
Hunter 270 Ottawa
Our 2002 Hunter 270 has rectangular panels of sunbrella that attach to our Bimini to provide "sidewalls" for sun (wind, rain) protection. The panels quickly attach/detach with plastic clips. We usually use them when we are at the dock, using the cockpit; we simply would not use the cockpit as much if we did not have them. We have even sailed with the "stern" panel up.

We would be interested in hearing about other methods of cockpit sun protection that do not involve a full cockpit enclosure, including how they attach to the Bimini.
 
Oct 29, 2005
2,362
Hunter Marine 326 303 Singapore
Jim, I've been thinking of fabricating side shades that hangs down from bimini. Haven't decide how it should be attached to the bimini yet. Could you post pics of yours here, include the plastic clips? Thanks.
 
Nov 6, 2009
353
Hunter 37 FL
We have panels about a foot high that zip to the bimini and have grommets at the bottom for tying to lilfeline on the sides and the back one ties to rails. It's made out of Phifertex so you can see through it, but blocks out lot of sun.
 

Sailm8

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Feb 21, 2008
1,750
Hunter 29.5 Punta Gorda
We use a much simpler method. I had a large square of insect screen fabricated and just throw it over the bimini when we anchor. I is long enough to reach the gunnels. Cuts the sun and bugs then rolls up when not in use for easy storage.
 
Nov 6, 2009
353
Hunter 37 FL
I should add that our bimini has 2 zippers, one for the sunshade and one for the full enclosure that we use when it is cold/windy or buggy.
 

BLIGHT

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Feb 10, 2004
93
Hunter 35.5 Middle River Maryand
Re: Boom Tent

I have made two sets of panels which extend from the bimini to the deck, (Sunbrella for wind, and rain and Phifertex for sun protection), and both are attached to the bimini by "10 zippers. In this way I can choose the panels that I want to install depending on the weather and both will use the same female section of zipper that is sewn on the inside edge of the bimini . In the short sections where the bimini frame makes it difficult to work with a zipper I have used 1" marine Velcro as the attachment device. I have found that the Phifertex is really great in reducing the heat in the cockpit and it does let the breeze flow through, unlike the Sunbrella fabric.
Bob
 
May 17, 2010
81
Hunter 270 Ottawa
Jim, I've been thinking of fabricating side shades that hangs down from bimini. Haven't decide how it should be attached to the bimini yet. Could you post pics of yours here, include the plastic clips? Thanks.
Our bimini panels are locked up with the boat for the winter. The buckle is the type at the link below. I am not happy with the buckles as the panels "droop" at the top, allowing sun in & not looking smart. The buckles are quick to attach & detach & we could put battens at the top to stop the droop. I put the post up to get other sailors ideas.

http://www.plastic-buckle.com/images/products/thumb/PH328a.jpg

PH328 Dual Adjustable Side Release Buckle
Price: As low as $0.14
 
Oct 29, 2005
2,362
Hunter Marine 326 303 Singapore
Jim, thanks. I uses same buckle for crouch straps for life jacket.
Maryd, Bob, Phifertex is exactly the material I was looking for but don't know what it's call. Thanks.

Ken
 

BLIGHT

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Feb 10, 2004
93
Hunter 35.5 Middle River Maryand
Ken
I have found that the darker colors of Phifertex will appear to work better for sun protection then light shades.

Bob
 
Nov 6, 2009
353
Hunter 37 FL
There are different shade/openness factors for Phifertex. Usually the closer the weave, the higher the price. It's a tradeoff, more shade...less air. Sailrite will send you samples on a sample card for $5. We made our sunshade Phifertex about a foot high because by the time the sun reaches low enough to come under the sunshade it is late in the day, and we still get a breeze from underneath the sunshade. Looked at sunshade when on the boat today, it is more like 18" high, anyway it just comes down to top lifeline for tying.
 
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Oct 29, 2005
2,362
Hunter Marine 326 303 Singapore
Bob, Maryd, noted. Alas, I've just received my Sailrite orders, else I could add the Phifertex sample catalogue. My friend's Hunter 33 came with white color Phifertex on the windshield. Looks dirty after awhile. Yah darker color would be better. Thanks.
 
May 17, 2010
81
Hunter 270 Ottawa
Jim, thanks. I uses same buckle for crouch straps for life jacket.
Maryd, Bob, Phifertex is exactly the material I was looking for but don't know what it's call. Thanks.

Ken
My wife just reminded me that she had sewn sun protection panels for our previous boat using the door screen material that is "pet proof" (about 4 times stronger than regular screen door screens). It was hard on her sewing machine when the needle hit the thick filaments in the screen so not a favorite material to work with. However it allowed good visibility and let in a lot of air & stopped the sun quite effectively if it was not shining directly on the screen. A black material that is very durable. We are just debating about using Phifertex (we have some from SailRite that we were going to use for port screens) or pet screen, but after getting all of the ideas from the posts, we are certainly going to improve our existing Sunbrella panels.
 
Oct 29, 2005
2,362
Hunter Marine 326 303 Singapore
Once not too long along, Sunbrella was the only marine material on my mind .... now I know better. :)
 

BLIGHT

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Feb 10, 2004
93
Hunter 35.5 Middle River Maryand
For those that have not used Phifertex you will find that it is a very easy fabric to work with. I would also suggest that you use a Sunbrella bias cut binding material on the raw edges for a more professional appearance and to stop the "friezes". For the corners, or places where a tie down grommet would be installed, reinforce those areas either a material such as Sunbrella or better yet, something like Top Gun. Also, if you are planning on to making a panel for the stern you will find that if you use two zippers across the aft section of the bimini and start each from the center of the bimini it will make it easier to install.
Bob
 
May 24, 2004
20
Hunter 376 Rock Hall
We also made our sunscreens from Phifertex. We used Sunbrella one inch folded binding and used "common sense" fasteners. The side panels can be attached to either the port or starboard sides. They are especially welcome after a long hot cruise and the sun low on the stern.
 

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