Any thoughts on H240 bimini tops? I'm considering an H240 purchase and I was wondering if I should add this option to my list. My main concern is that the bimini may not have enough clearance. Any advice?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
D
Daniel
Same feelings....
I have been strugggling with the same question for couple of years now. Having the protection from the sun would be great but I have found that when I sat in similar size boats with a bimini it was very cramped and confined when it fit under the boom. I have thought of the 4 foot size binimi offered in the chandlery and keep hopeing someone who has one on a H240 would post pictures, including ones with someone in the boat. I have a tarp I rig with the mainsail halyard that works great for when I am in the slip or anchored. You can raise it high enough to have ample headroom etc. and it makes a huge difference but you can not sail with it. Hope people respond and let us know and give advice. Daniel
I have been strugggling with the same question for couple of years now. Having the protection from the sun would be great but I have found that when I sat in similar size boats with a bimini it was very cramped and confined when it fit under the boom. I have thought of the 4 foot size binimi offered in the chandlery and keep hopeing someone who has one on a H240 would post pictures, including ones with someone in the boat. I have a tarp I rig with the mainsail halyard that works great for when I am in the slip or anchored. You can raise it high enough to have ample headroom etc. and it makes a huge difference but you can not sail with it. Hope people respond and let us know and give advice. Daniel
G
Gary
my experience
I have already posted my experiences with my new 240 with stern rail seats and the Hunter option bimini. I suggest you view it on this site in an earlier post. My situation is still unresolved two months later, however I am hopeful my experience will result in a new design which will be more suitable and will fit the 240. I suggest you contact Greg Emerson at Hunter as I have found him to be the best resource on these types of issues. Good luck and happy sailing.....
I have already posted my experiences with my new 240 with stern rail seats and the Hunter option bimini. I suggest you view it on this site in an earlier post. My situation is still unresolved two months later, however I am hopeful my experience will result in a new design which will be more suitable and will fit the 240. I suggest you contact Greg Emerson at Hunter as I have found him to be the best resource on these types of issues. Good luck and happy sailing.....
H
Harold
My H240 Bimini will last....
Forever because I keep it in the basement. I have a 99 H240 and use a 5X7 tarp when motoring and a 8X10 tarp when anchored. The bimini top gets in the way when sailing and makes the stern seats unuseable when folded down. The camper option is great when anchored for the night. My 2 cents.
Forever because I keep it in the basement. I have a 99 H240 and use a 5X7 tarp when motoring and a 8X10 tarp when anchored. The bimini top gets in the way when sailing and makes the stern seats unuseable when folded down. The camper option is great when anchored for the night. My 2 cents.
B
Bob Wilton
Thank You
Thanks all for the feedback. It appears from all I've read that there just isn't enough room/clearance for a useful bimini on the H240.
Thanks all for the feedback. It appears from all I've read that there just isn't enough room/clearance for a useful bimini on the H240.
C
Carl
240 bimini
Bob, I think there have been some changes to the bimini on the newer models. We purchased our 2002 240 in April, and got the bimini option. Our bimini has rear support arms that hold it up even when not in use. There is ample head room with the bimini open while sailing if seated, I dont think you would be standing unless motoring. If I need to stand while motoring I stand behind the bimini and look over the top. We love having a bimini top and I cant imagine doing without one. Its true it does not cover the stern rail seats but I think thats the point in having those seats so people who want the sun can have it while others are enjoying the shade of the bimini.~Carl~
Bob, I think there have been some changes to the bimini on the newer models. We purchased our 2002 240 in April, and got the bimini option. Our bimini has rear support arms that hold it up even when not in use. There is ample head room with the bimini open while sailing if seated, I dont think you would be standing unless motoring. If I need to stand while motoring I stand behind the bimini and look over the top. We love having a bimini top and I cant imagine doing without one. Its true it does not cover the stern rail seats but I think thats the point in having those seats so people who want the sun can have it while others are enjoying the shade of the bimini.~Carl~
B
BART FORD
shade
Yes. by all means get the bimini. The poptop camper cover is almost worthless. The bimini will provide much needed shade in the hot summer windless days. Good Luck
Yes. by all means get the bimini. The poptop camper cover is almost worthless. The bimini will provide much needed shade in the hot summer windless days. Good Luck
C
Crazy Dave Condon
Bob
After so many responses on the forum, maybe I can sum up all this for you as I for all intent purposes pushed Hunter to build the 23.5 which is now the 240 with increase cockpit and stability plus I introduced both boats. As mentioned, the bimini is strictly for shade from the sun and for that purpose, it is highly recommended in the Carolinas from experience. May I ask where you will be sailing? As for the camper top which gives you additional head room in the cabin, that is a choice. The biggest problem with the bimini is the manufacturer as some complain that the bimini is being struck by the boom when the mainsail is deployed. Usually with Ameriseam, that is not the case as all of theirs work is built very well and that is what the HOW chandlrey uses.. We had another one from a different vendor whose name I will never reveal had the same problem. Well, I had a 212 bimini and it fit pretty well on the 240. I only had to shorten the rear support legs which I attached to the stern rail seats forward which are not in the way of sitting in the stern rail seats. I hope this answers your question. I would like Harold of Smith Mountain Lake to post a photo of the tarp style that you are using or better yet, where is the boat located and if the tarp is in place, I would like to see it. I remember when they started clearing the land for that lake, relative was in charge of building the dam, West Lake with the traffic light was only a spot with Robbies Country Store and a damn good old moonshine still appx. 1700 feet from that location. I lost some brain cells at that still. The best peach brandy ever made. Crazy Dave Condon
After so many responses on the forum, maybe I can sum up all this for you as I for all intent purposes pushed Hunter to build the 23.5 which is now the 240 with increase cockpit and stability plus I introduced both boats. As mentioned, the bimini is strictly for shade from the sun and for that purpose, it is highly recommended in the Carolinas from experience. May I ask where you will be sailing? As for the camper top which gives you additional head room in the cabin, that is a choice. The biggest problem with the bimini is the manufacturer as some complain that the bimini is being struck by the boom when the mainsail is deployed. Usually with Ameriseam, that is not the case as all of theirs work is built very well and that is what the HOW chandlrey uses.. We had another one from a different vendor whose name I will never reveal had the same problem. Well, I had a 212 bimini and it fit pretty well on the 240. I only had to shorten the rear support legs which I attached to the stern rail seats forward which are not in the way of sitting in the stern rail seats. I hope this answers your question. I would like Harold of Smith Mountain Lake to post a photo of the tarp style that you are using or better yet, where is the boat located and if the tarp is in place, I would like to see it. I remember when they started clearing the land for that lake, relative was in charge of building the dam, West Lake with the traffic light was only a spot with Robbies Country Store and a damn good old moonshine still appx. 1700 feet from that location. I lost some brain cells at that still. The best peach brandy ever made. Crazy Dave Condon
H
Harold
Dave......
The H240 is at Pelican Point, A dock...There is no tarp installed now because I am hoping leaving the tarp stowed will make it rain...
The H240 is at Pelican Point, A dock...There is no tarp installed now because I am hoping leaving the tarp stowed will make it rain...
C
Crazy Dave Condon
Harold
I bet you just love walking donw th hill to A dock. Its fun when there is snow. I will probably be there this coming weekend but for a brief visit with my pontoon boat and I may be borrowing Franks Hobie 17 rig. Be careful on the way up as US 220 will be patroled heavily and on the lake too around the confluence of the Roanoke and Black Water. Crazy Dave
I bet you just love walking donw th hill to A dock. Its fun when there is snow. I will probably be there this coming weekend but for a brief visit with my pontoon boat and I may be borrowing Franks Hobie 17 rig. Be careful on the way up as US 220 will be patroled heavily and on the lake too around the confluence of the Roanoke and Black Water. Crazy Dave
- Status
- Not open for further replies.