Groovy Bimini

[Melody Miller]

Hello Everyone:I had a dodger but now I think I'd like a bimini. My problem is that I don't have a traveler but rather the mainsheet comes down through a single block mounted in the cockpit floor in front of the wheel - right where the bimini top would be.My neighbor in the marina says a bimini could still be made to accomodate my mainsheet.Does anyone have experience with a bimini with a "groove" cut to allow the mainsheet?ThanksMelody

 

[PJ Walchenbach]

Solid Vang?

I have a solid "piston-type" boom vang on my 36 which allows me to remove the topping lift and construct my binimi on top of the boom. Advantages: increased head room, increased length and width, dry when it rains. Disadvantages: difficult to motor or sail with bimini "up" in more than 15 knots apparent.If you do not have a solid vang, but can support your boom some other way, I highly recommend this method. My tarp is supported by three lengths of 10 foot pvc pipe. The forward two rest on top of the boom. The aft pipe is tied to the back stay. Each end is secured to a lifeline. I made the tarp by sewing together two 12 foot sections of Sunbrella. After hemming the edges and making sleeves on both ends, the finished size is about 10' x 11'.Send me an email if you are interested in more details.Pauls/v Mata HariSeattle, WApjwalch@sprynet.com

 

[Melody Miller]

Maybe This will Work

Hi People:Here I am replying to my own message. If I moved my mainsheet to midboom then it would be routed through the block in the floor of the cockpit at an angle instead of straight up and down as it is now.That might free up some space immediately in front and above the wheel pedestal - where the bimini top would be.Anxiously awaiting your reponsesMelody

 

[R. Palaia]

Will get in the way

Melody,Here's my opinion. By moving the sheet forward on the boom, this will cause it to be more in the way as you move about the cockpit (it is now on an angle instead of straight up). If your mainsheet is just in front of the pedestal wheel, just start the bimini at that point and continue aft. You'll still be in the shade while at the wheel. Maybe a connector can be made to attach to the bimini on two sides, but the center would have an open slot where the mainsheet can pivot through. I'm sure any canvas shop could give you some advice. Contact several to get different opinions.Roc

 

[John Mavrovich]

Main Sheet to Cabin Top

Melody, why not consider attaching your mid-boom main sheet through a series of blocks leading to the mast and back to a winch on the cabin roof. This is the typical mid-boom setup anyway. This will allow for a full bimini if you wish. You will sacrifice the close proximity of the main sheet to the helm however.