I have been contemplating a combination Dodger/Bimini like other people have. I was talking to a chap yesterday about the usual sailing stuff when the topic turned to boat equipped Dodger/Bimini. He said on his boat that the Bimini blocks visual access of the main sail when making adjustments. He said he found it difficult to see the main, especially when sailing single handed; however even with crew on the boat, relying on others to adjust the sail could be problematic. Have others here encountered this problem and what did you do about it. He suggested that perhaps some clear vinyl could be used, but I know over time the clear vinyl would crap up and not be very useful.
Dodgers, Bimini
- Thread starter rsn48
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Bimini - no dodger
My Starwind 27 is similar to yours in size. My bimini (when opened) fits just under the end of the boom. When I'm at the helm (behind the wheel) it's impossible to see the main or the jib without craning my neck excessively, so I don't bother trying to trim. If I want to obsess about sail trimming, I put somebody else at the helm so I can be in front of the bimini and see the sails. BTW, the bimini is a little bit of a pain, even if it does provide comfort. The supports interfere with the cleats for the genoa sheets and the height is just low enough (to fit under the boom) that I have to stoop if I'm standing up in the rear of the cockpit. At least it keeps me from getting hit in the head with the boom on occasion, though!
My opinion is that I don't want both a dodger and a bimini on a boat our size, and I would rather have the bimini for comfort on those hot summer days and the occasional rain, than the dodger for warmth on a cold day. During our sailing season, the hot days outnumber the cold days (because we are not likely to be sailing) by far. As far as clear panels go ... fine for a dodger but not for a bimini. Not unless I want to sit in an oven. Your location may call for a different opinion.
My Starwind 27 is similar to yours in size. My bimini (when opened) fits just under the end of the boom. When I'm at the helm (behind the wheel) it's impossible to see the main or the jib without craning my neck excessively, so I don't bother trying to trim. If I want to obsess about sail trimming, I put somebody else at the helm so I can be in front of the bimini and see the sails. BTW, the bimini is a little bit of a pain, even if it does provide comfort. The supports interfere with the cleats for the genoa sheets and the height is just low enough (to fit under the boom) that I have to stoop if I'm standing up in the rear of the cockpit. At least it keeps me from getting hit in the head with the boom on occasion, though!
My opinion is that I don't want both a dodger and a bimini on a boat our size, and I would rather have the bimini for comfort on those hot summer days and the occasional rain, than the dodger for warmth on a cold day. During our sailing season, the hot days outnumber the cold days (because we are not likely to be sailing) by far. As far as clear panels go ... fine for a dodger but not for a bimini. Not unless I want to sit in an oven. Your location may call for a different opinion.Do you know of a good local dodger person?
Anywhere in the lower mainland. My $.02 : around here, I'd rather have a dodger than a bimini - especially on a small boat where a wet companionway means wet everywhere. On the other hand, I guess it would be nice to be out of the wet under a bimini, but again, that's a lot of gear on a small boat.
Anywhere in the lower mainland. My $.02 : around here, I'd rather have a dodger than a bimini - especially on a small boat where a wet companionway means wet everywhere. On the other hand, I guess it would be nice to be out of the wet under a bimini, but again, that's a lot of gear on a small boat.
Dodger recommendation
I can't find the number, but call the marine store at Mosquito Creek in North Vancouver and ask for the number to "Rose's." I phoned and they do dodgers, there number was passed on to me. I would ask at Stevenston and West Marine stores at False Creek, to pass on a name to you.
I can't find the number, but call the marine store at Mosquito Creek in North Vancouver and ask for the number to "Rose's." I phoned and they do dodgers, there number was passed on to me. I would ask at Stevenston and West Marine stores at False Creek, to pass on a name to you.
Tracia, an excellent shop in Ferndale
There is an excellent place in Ferndale (WA) just over the border that is a well kept secret. Rob does excellent work and his price is fair and competative. Here are the particulars: Gilmore's North Stat Upholstery 6408 North Star Rd. Ferndale, WA 98248 (360) 384-3706 Bus (360) 961-8828 Cel No, I don't work for Rob but he has done some work on my boat--excellent-- and has worked on several of my friends' boats.
There is an excellent place in Ferndale (WA) just over the border that is a well kept secret. Rob does excellent work and his price is fair and competative. Here are the particulars: Gilmore's North Stat Upholstery 6408 North Star Rd. Ferndale, WA 98248 (360) 384-3706 Bus (360) 961-8828 Cel No, I don't work for Rob but he has done some work on my boat--excellent-- and has worked on several of my friends' boats.
Both
I have the whole works, dodger, bimini, and the fill in strip between the dodger and the bimini. Even a back drop for the back of the bimini. while sailing, depending on the weather we can fold the bimini up around the aft stay, this way we can see the main. if it's raining we just put it out and stay dry. as long as we don't put the strip in we can see the top of the mast and make whatever changes we need. on rough days the dodger is really a blessing. Happy sailing
I have the whole works, dodger, bimini, and the fill in strip between the dodger and the bimini. Even a back drop for the back of the bimini. while sailing, depending on the weather we can fold the bimini up around the aft stay, this way we can see the main. if it's raining we just put it out and stay dry. as long as we don't put the strip in we can see the top of the mast and make whatever changes we need. on rough days the dodger is really a blessing. Happy sailing
Bimini is a must here too
I share the view that a bimini is a must. It also prevents me from seeing the main, and I have to keep the topping lift on to keep the boom from resting on the bimini, but after a couple of weekends in the heat without it, I am ready for the shade. I take it off in the fall and don't put it back up until May, so I get in some sailing without it. I figure I get too much sun as it is, even while trying to avoid it.
I share the view that a bimini is a must. It also prevents me from seeing the main, and I have to keep the topping lift on to keep the boom from resting on the bimini, but after a couple of weekends in the heat without it, I am ready for the shade. I take it off in the fall and don't put it back up until May, so I get in some sailing without it. I figure I get too much sun as it is, even while trying to avoid it.
Bimini with vision panel
A couple of points in answer to your issues with mainsail trim; our bimini for a Hunter 28.5 was built by North Sails with a 12"x12" clear vinyl window for sail trim (and velcrow closed roll out canvas Inside cover). It is also attached to the forward mid point of the stern pulpit, so it is the full width of the boat and sits well above any winch handle clearance problems. I bought a new mainsail and had the foot tapered about 8-10" higher to create 6'-1" headroom under the bimini. If your main is in good condition, any sailmaker can make this kind of adjustment and you might want them to make it a loose footed main when they do it. We can easily sail and trim with the bimini up. We do not have or need a dodger, and that's where IMHO forward visibility becomes an issue. There are other factors in bimini design, such as our split baclstay with backstay adjuster, and our traveler crossing the cockpit right at the companionway, but our Bimini is about 7' wide and 5'-6" long, extending right back to our transom. I don't need any more sun, and I don't know how we ever did without a Bimini.
A couple of points in answer to your issues with mainsail trim; our bimini for a Hunter 28.5 was built by North Sails with a 12"x12" clear vinyl window for sail trim (and velcrow closed roll out canvas Inside cover). It is also attached to the forward mid point of the stern pulpit, so it is the full width of the boat and sits well above any winch handle clearance problems. I bought a new mainsail and had the foot tapered about 8-10" higher to create 6'-1" headroom under the bimini. If your main is in good condition, any sailmaker can make this kind of adjustment and you might want them to make it a loose footed main when they do it. We can easily sail and trim with the bimini up. We do not have or need a dodger, and that's where IMHO forward visibility becomes an issue. There are other factors in bimini design, such as our split baclstay with backstay adjuster, and our traveler crossing the cockpit right at the companionway, but our Bimini is about 7' wide and 5'-6" long, extending right back to our transom. I don't need any more sun, and I don't know how we ever did without a Bimini.
Stay Warm (and dry) - not Cold!
As I write this it's raining buckets outside. Earlier today I went down to the West Marine Trawlerfest in Poulsbo where it was cold and raining off and on. The people back east just don't understand.... (and neither did the reps from California). What you need here (Northwest and BC - including the "Sunshine Coast" ) is a dodger (to keep the rain off your head and out of your face, and a windshield to keep frostbite from hapening. For the one month of unusual weather the dodger also gives you something to duck under to keep from geting sunburned. The bimini just doesn't provide enough protection and that's why you never see one around here. You can put an option with the dodger which is an extension that will go back to the backstay. Specify a zipper be installed in the aft end of the doger so one can install the extension. The extension should have a bar across the backstay and you can have a fly that comes down a couple feet to the pushpit. If you get really creative you can rig the extension so you can still sail the boat then put a couple skylights in it so you can see the sail trim. And for a few more bucks you can add port and stb'd flys to help keep the cockpit seats dry if the wind is blowing when it's raining. For myself, when motoring or even sailing, I usually try to sit under the dodger and sail or motor the boat using the autopilot remote. The dodger still doesn't eliminate UV - it still gets through via reflected light off the coachroof or direct light through the windows. Some of the canvas makers are using a thread that lasts much longer than the old thread but not everybody is using it. One person I talked to charges a bit more if that thread is spec'ed but it's worth it. Clear Vinyl: There are some really good plastics available now that don't discolor like they used to, especially if they are covered when not being used. My plexiglass is 13 years old and as clear as the day it was new (I use window covers and take the dodger off in the winter). Hope this helps.
As I write this it's raining buckets outside. Earlier today I went down to the West Marine Trawlerfest in Poulsbo where it was cold and raining off and on. The people back east just don't understand.... (and neither did the reps from California).
What you need here (Northwest and BC - including the "Sunshine Coast" ) is a dodger (to keep the rain off your head and out of your face, and a windshield to keep frostbite from hapening. For the one month of unusual weather the dodger also gives you something to duck under to keep from geting sunburned. The bimini just doesn't provide enough protection and that's why you never see one around here. You can put an option with the dodger which is an extension that will go back to the backstay. Specify a zipper be installed in the aft end of the doger so one can install the extension. The extension should have a bar across the backstay and you can have a fly that comes down a couple feet to the pushpit. If you get really creative you can rig the extension so you can still sail the boat then put a couple skylights in it so you can see the sail trim. And for a few more bucks you can add port and stb'd flys to help keep the cockpit seats dry if the wind is blowing when it's raining. For myself, when motoring or even sailing, I usually try to sit under the dodger and sail or motor the boat using the autopilot remote. The dodger still doesn't eliminate UV - it still gets through via reflected light off the coachroof or direct light through the windows. Some of the canvas makers are using a thread that lasts much longer than the old thread but not everybody is using it. One person I talked to charges a bit more if that thread is spec'ed but it's worth it. Clear Vinyl: There are some really good plastics available now that don't discolor like they used to, especially if they are covered when not being used. My plexiglass is 13 years old and as clear as the day it was new (I use window covers and take the dodger off in the winter). Hope this helps.- Status