I hate the look of a bimini and dodger on my race cruiser. My wife hates the heat and sun blasting down when we sail. Is there an alternative to the traditional overhead coverings available? I am looking for something that is easy to put away and easy to put up. Looking for a solution.... Thanks
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hmmm
As far as I know, you're stuck with one of those two, "when we sail", though if you're looking for shade at anchor or docked, a light boom tent can do wonders, rescued some nylon screening a long while ago, it was a very nice fabric, and I've seen it for sale but can't remember where or when. it was a very open cloth with maybe a 1/8 inch weave, and placed it outside for my sister (wheelchair bound) to sit under, made it remarkably cool and shady and was super light, maybe something to that effect would work for you? You'd have to set it up and take down when sailing. Ken.
As far as I know, you're stuck with one of those two, "when we sail", though if you're looking for shade at anchor or docked, a light boom tent can do wonders, rescued some nylon screening a long while ago, it was a very nice fabric, and I've seen it for sale but can't remember where or when. it was a very open cloth with maybe a 1/8 inch weave, and placed it outside for my sister (wheelchair bound) to sit under, made it remarkably cool and shady and was super light, maybe something to that effect would work for you? You'd have to set it up and take down when sailing. Ken.
There are several simple solutions:
1. Get over it and get the little lady a bimini. 2. Sail without her. 3. Get the bimini and stay home. Let her sail the boat. You can't have your cake and eat it too. " My wife hates the heat and sun blasting down when we sail." I have never seen a sailboat that looks better without a dodger and bimini, but that is a matter of opinion. Jim
1. Get over it and get the little lady a bimini. 2. Sail without her. 3. Get the bimini and stay home. Let her sail the boat. You can't have your cake and eat it too. " My wife hates the heat and sun blasting down when we sail." I have never seen a sailboat that looks better without a dodger and bimini, but that is a matter of opinion. Jim
overhead cover
boats do look slimmer without one and some like that. I know I kind of like my 376 when I take the bimini off, but it looks bigger when I have it on too
You can always forget about the bimini and go with all solar panels and tell yourself it's for the environment I have a hugh bimini (6x8 I think) and sometimes wonder how it would be if I replaced that bimini with solar panels the next time the bimini needs replacing. Sure would generate a lot of power and wouldn't leak if done right. Funny how we use canvas to cover our heads but then wonder where we are going to put the solar panels
boats do look slimmer without one and some like that. I know I kind of like my 376 when I take the bimini off, but it looks bigger when I have it on too
You can always forget about the bimini and go with all solar panels and tell yourself it's for the environment I have a hugh bimini (6x8 I think) and sometimes wonder how it would be if I replaced that bimini with solar panels the next time the bimini needs replacing. Sure would generate a lot of power and wouldn't leak if done right. Funny how we use canvas to cover our heads but then wonder where we are going to put the solar panels On my old 376.......
..... we used to call the Bimini the "Air Conditioner"..... it made a huge difference in sailing comfort. With that setup, the Bimini folded back,rolled up, overhead and out of the way. It was quick and easy.Maybe Franklins boat is set up the same way ? Hopefully, you will not take any of Jentine's advice. Certainly he did not address any of your questions. Many of us at our marina have purchased sunbrella, and have made custom shades for the foredeck and over the companionway. I,too, like the way my boat looks without the dodger, but do like the way it effectively gives you another "room" in the boat when it is raining. Many of us sail with our custom awnings or maybe a more accurate term would be "flys", although certainly not in heavy weather. They are typically rigged with a couple of bungee cords, and the forward portion can be raised or lowered just by sliding the cords up or down a stay, or by moving to a different location. Many of the setups zip into the forward portion of the bimini. However, that might work best for someone with a permanant bimini as ours are. We do need to contend with the arch on some of the Hunters, so a permanant bimini is not a limiting factor. I may be able to scrounge up a picture of the old, folding bimini if you think it would help. In this case, a picture is definitly worth a thousand words. Good luck.....Jeff
..... we used to call the Bimini the "Air Conditioner"..... it made a huge difference in sailing comfort. With that setup, the Bimini folded back,rolled up, overhead and out of the way. It was quick and easy.Maybe Franklins boat is set up the same way ? Hopefully, you will not take any of Jentine's advice. Certainly he did not address any of your questions. Many of us at our marina have purchased sunbrella, and have made custom shades for the foredeck and over the companionway. I,too, like the way my boat looks without the dodger, but do like the way it effectively gives you another "room" in the boat when it is raining. Many of us sail with our custom awnings or maybe a more accurate term would be "flys", although certainly not in heavy weather. They are typically rigged with a couple of bungee cords, and the forward portion can be raised or lowered just by sliding the cords up or down a stay, or by moving to a different location. Many of the setups zip into the forward portion of the bimini. However, that might work best for someone with a permanant bimini as ours are. We do need to contend with the arch on some of the Hunters, so a permanant bimini is not a limiting factor. I may be able to scrounge up a picture of the old, folding bimini if you think it would help. In this case, a picture is definitly worth a thousand words. Good luck.....Jeff
Perhaps
You should try a parasol? Easy to set up, easy to take down. Be the first on your block, or slip. You could start a fad....;D
You should try a parasol? Easy to set up, easy to take down. Be the first on your block, or slip. You could start a fad....;D
compromise
Forget the dodger unless it's easily removable, but get a bimini that lays down over the cabintop like a reversed convertable car top. I like mine lowered in cool weather to take advantage of the sun and also when night sailing so I can see the stars. But on hot sunny days, it is up. If you are a serious racer, take it completely off when you race, it's not that hard.
Forget the dodger unless it's easily removable, but get a bimini that lays down over the cabintop like a reversed convertable car top. I like mine lowered in cool weather to take advantage of the sun and also when night sailing so I can see the stars. But on hot sunny days, it is up. If you are a serious racer, take it completely off when you race, it's not that hard.
Both
Where I sail it gets very hot with the sun blazing down...I have a bimini and a dodger and would not be without either one.
Where I sail it gets very hot with the sun blazing down...I have a bimini and a dodger and would not be without either one.
Dodgers and Windshields
I have a -gasp- full cockpit enclosure on my boat in the winter. I also put a winshield on my motorcycle... not for fashion, mind you. I enjoy taking the enclosure down and the windshield off in the early summer but having these less than aesthetically appealing devices in foul weather sure extends my sailing and riding season! All the best, Trevor P.S. Yes, that's our dog Evo on the backseat...
I have a -gasp- full cockpit enclosure on my boat in the winter. I also put a winshield on my motorcycle... not for fashion, mind you. I enjoy taking the enclosure down and the windshield off in the early summer but having these less than aesthetically appealing devices in foul weather sure extends my sailing and riding season! All the best, Trevor P.S. Yes, that's our dog Evo on the backseat...
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