H 23.5 Bimini

[stackwalker]

Took the family out yesterday on the boat... on the busiest boating weekend of the year. Things went pretty smoothly overall though we got snagged by the the state park officials for a lengthy inspection.

The boat came with a bimini so I set it up before we left home. Once on the water, I quickly realized there was no way I'd be able to install the boom and mainsheet as it was too tall and the top covered the entirety of the cockpit preventing the mainsheet from operating. Somebody, perhaps on a forum, or maybe in passing mentioned that some biminis were meant to function only at anchor? Has anyone else seen this or did the previous owner simply buy the wrong bimini top. It looks completely unused which might be a result of it not fitting.

I could find no branding or makings indicating a manufacturer. Any thoughts? Any pointers to a bimini that functions fully while under sail?

 

[VT Fitz]

We sailed the 23.5 for the last 10 seasons and thought about a bimini, but in all candor, I didn't want one for two primary reasons. First, you can't see the telltales on the main while sailing. Second, there'd be no headroom when it's deployed. Perhaps that second issue is minimized with your set-up, but it sounds like you still have an issue because the boom is in the way.

We had an AnchorShade, which we used when not sailing. It basically created another cabin for us with standing headroom. We had a quick-release shackle on our main sheet, detached it at the base padeye, swung the boom out to starboard, then reattached the shackle to the bottom of the first stanchion, from outboard of the lifeline. Maybe that would work for you to deploy at anchor or on the dock.

In the first picture you can see how it covered the cockpit. In the second, look in the upper middle and you can see the main sheet block attached to the stanchion base.

 

[stackwalker]

I'm in a bit of a conundrum with the wife. She doesn't like to sail in the sun. In Idaho, the sun shines from May til October pretty much nonstop. So yesterday when we had the bimini up, she was happy as could be, but I could only put up my jib, which got me a whopping 2 knots. So I need a bimini that works while under sail. I'll install some telltales on the shrouds low enough for me to see for wind indicators.

 

[VT Fitz]

Hmmm. Conundrum indeed. It's important to keep the admiral happy. I've seen biminis that are low enough to stay below boom, but it sure likes a crowded cockpit to me. Maybe you can keep your canvas, but you may need a new and/or re-engineered frame.

Post some pix of what you've got.

Also, telltales on shrouds help with knowing wind apparent direction, but they don't help at all with the more important concern: sail shape.

 

[DJN51]

I,ve sailed with my bimini up for 10 yrs,One sold here made by Ameriseam.I actually put clear plastic windows in it to see windex.Works great on those 90 degree days

 

[Kermit]

Hmmm. Conundrum indeed. It's important to keep the admiral happy...
...Also, telltales on shrouds help with knowing wind apparent direction, but they don't help at all with the more important concern: sail shape.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more important than keeping the admiral happy. What's the point of good sail shape if she's not happy? (This is Kermit being serious for once.)

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Stackwalker;
First you need to keep the wife happy as the old phrase "a happy wife is a happy life. It is obvious that the bimini is either aftermarket or hand made and to me serves no function as most folks want to sail under some form of protection. With that stated after submitting drawings way back which the 23.5 involved from, I located a company called Ameriseam to build canvas for me. Since the boom was low, we designed one to be deployed below the boom; therefore, you could only sit underneath which most folks appreciated.. I would suggest a light color as dark colors produce more heat. Either a 4 foot or 6 foot is available. I suggest the 6 foot. When putting up or deploying, simply move the boom to the side to unhook and fold back. That company is now in a third owner's hand and Jim Larsen builds excellent gear. Suggest working thru the forum store on this should you go thru that route. The window in the bimini is an excellent idea as well.

However a picture of current bimini deployed should be posted as maybe there is a chance it can be modiefied. I hope this information is helpful.

Kermit the frog being serious, that is hard to believe, but Oh Croak

 

[stackwalker]

Yes! Thanks very much Dave. With the 6 foot version of the bimini, is there any interference with the mainsheet?

 

[GGordonWoody]

In Idaho, the sun shines from May til October pretty much nonstop

I'm moving to Idaho.

 

[Ron20324]

...(This is Kermit being serious for once.)

Oh, Kermie... I'm not surprised you're a bit somber today. I saw in the news that the guy who has done Kermit's voice for 27 years is no longer doing it (I think he croaked). I wonder if you have been called to do an audition for the part?

 

[Kermit]

I wonder if you have been called to do an audition for the part?

Kermit with a Southern drawl. Yep. That would do it. I do love singing "Rainbow Connection", though.
I would audition as a leg double for Kermit but my legs are too skinny.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

NO interference but you cannot stand up on the 23.5 when deployed and use only a light color bimini so the heat will not build up under it like a dark color does.

@Kermit the news advised you changed your voice. Oh boy. Here we go again with a new singing frog. Beribit.