I am interested in buying a bimini for my H260 and the ones listed for sale on this site state that I must move the mainsheet. Why? It doesn't seem like it would be in the way and I don't really want to redrill holes and relocate it if I don't need to. Can anyone explain what necessitates moving the mainsheet to install a bimini. Thanks for your help! KC
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My 1995 H26 bimini...
...is 5' front-to-back, mounted on the sternrail seats. When I bought the boat last year, the forward edge of the bimini overlapped the boom by about 4". I had to adjust the topping lift (later removed in favor of a rigid vang) to keep the boom from chafing on the bimini. To fix this, I relocated the mounts for the bimini so that the forward edge of the bimini is now about 2" aft of the boom end. This generally provides good shade for the sternrail seats, and for the aft third of the benches, which is fine with me. The biminis that require moving the mainsheet are one to two feet longer. They provide a larger shaded area at the expense of conflict with the boom. I don't know whether any of the biminis available here can be set up like mine or not.
...is 5' front-to-back, mounted on the sternrail seats. When I bought the boat last year, the forward edge of the bimini overlapped the boom by about 4". I had to adjust the topping lift (later removed in favor of a rigid vang) to keep the boom from chafing on the bimini. To fix this, I relocated the mounts for the bimini so that the forward edge of the bimini is now about 2" aft of the boom end. This generally provides good shade for the sternrail seats, and for the aft third of the benches, which is fine with me. The biminis that require moving the mainsheet are one to two feet longer. They provide a larger shaded area at the expense of conflict with the boom. I don't know whether any of the biminis available here can be set up like mine or not.
Bimini for H260
I just added the stainlees steel version of the premeasured bimini for my 2001 H260. You will have to replace the mainsheet bail on the boom forward about 12-18". After attaching the bimini to the stern rail seats you will be able to move the bimini around until you are satisfied with its position. You should have two bails attached to the bottom of your boom ( one for a reef point and one for the mainsheet). I simply drilled out the rivets holding the forward (mainsheet)bail and moved the mainsheet forward until it cleared the front edge of the bimini. I was able to position the bimini (6' version)so that it covered a majority of the cockpit area including the stern rail seats. I had the same concerns when purchasing the premeassured bimini ( I recommend spending the extra bucks and go with the stainless steel model # 92541 @ $842.00). You will appreciate the bimini come July/August.
I just added the stainlees steel version of the premeasured bimini for my 2001 H260. You will have to replace the mainsheet bail on the boom forward about 12-18". After attaching the bimini to the stern rail seats you will be able to move the bimini around until you are satisfied with its position. You should have two bails attached to the bottom of your boom ( one for a reef point and one for the mainsheet). I simply drilled out the rivets holding the forward (mainsheet)bail and moved the mainsheet forward until it cleared the front edge of the bimini. I was able to position the bimini (6' version)so that it covered a majority of the cockpit area including the stern rail seats. I had the same concerns when purchasing the premeassured bimini ( I recommend spending the extra bucks and go with the stainless steel model # 92541 @ $842.00). You will appreciate the bimini come July/August.
How did you attach bail?
How far from the end of the boom did you end up moving the mainsheet bail to? How did you attach the new bail to the boom?
How far from the end of the boom did you end up moving the mainsheet bail to? How did you attach the new bail to the boom?
How about a shorter bimini?
I test sailed a new 260 with the 6' bimini and bought a used one with a 4 footer. I prefer the 4' bimini because it makes it easier see the wind indicater at the top of the mast. No rerigging of the mainsheet required. It's an option to consider. You will also want a window in the 6' version.
I test sailed a new 260 with the 6' bimini and bought a used one with a 4 footer. I prefer the 4' bimini because it makes it easier see the wind indicater at the top of the mast. No rerigging of the mainsheet required. It's an option to consider. You will also want a window in the 6' version.
4' Bimini
Doug Miles, did you purchase a stainless steel 4' bimini? Where did you purchase it? How much? For two less feet, I'll be glad to avoid messing with the mainsheet bail. Thanks.
Doug Miles, did you purchase a stainless steel 4' bimini? Where did you purchase it? How much? For two less feet, I'll be glad to avoid messing with the mainsheet bail. Thanks.
Moving mainsheet bail pretty common
Hi Kathy- You have a good question. The 6' coverage bimini requires you to move the mainsheet bale attached to your boom further forward in order for it to clear the bimini. You do have a 4' coverage option that doesn't necessitate moving the bale. You'll find it in the section called Pre-Measured Biminis. The pre-measured bimini attaches to the coaming and is available in both a 4' and 6' (must move mainsheet for this one as well) versions. We also have a rail mounted bimini for the 260 that is only available with 6' of coverage. So you don't necessarily need to buy a bimini that requires you to move your mainsheet. You'll just get more cockpit coverage if you are willing to do so. In speaking with the manufacturer of the rail mounted and pre-measured bimini, they said that the larger coverage bimini was designed in response to a request by Hunter Marine and is the most common one purchased. If you would like maximum coverage then the simplest way to move the bale is just by adding a new padeye to the boom further forward and reattaching the bale. If you have any additional questions or would like more clarification please don't hesitate to contact me at Karisa@HunterOwners.com. Thanks! Karisa
Hi Kathy- You have a good question. The 6' coverage bimini requires you to move the mainsheet bale attached to your boom further forward in order for it to clear the bimini. You do have a 4' coverage option that doesn't necessitate moving the bale. You'll find it in the section called Pre-Measured Biminis. The pre-measured bimini attaches to the coaming and is available in both a 4' and 6' (must move mainsheet for this one as well) versions. We also have a rail mounted bimini for the 260 that is only available with 6' of coverage. So you don't necessarily need to buy a bimini that requires you to move your mainsheet. You'll just get more cockpit coverage if you are willing to do so. In speaking with the manufacturer of the rail mounted and pre-measured bimini, they said that the larger coverage bimini was designed in response to a request by Hunter Marine and is the most common one purchased. If you would like maximum coverage then the simplest way to move the bale is just by adding a new padeye to the boom further forward and reattaching the bale. If you have any additional questions or would like more clarification please don't hesitate to contact me at Karisa@HunterOwners.com. Thanks! Karisa
Attach Bail?
AC of Boston: The boom on my h260 has a track on the bottom that runs it's entire length. The factory placement for the "reef" bail and the "Mainsheet" bail are in this track at the end of the boom. The bails are attached by rivets (2 each). I chose to drill out the rivets on the most forward bail and slide it forward; opened the bimini and positioned the bail just forward of the bimini; then proceeded to drill and rivet the bail in it's new location. Took no more than five minutes. The distance I moved the forward (mainsheet) bail was between 12"-18" from it's original position. I have sailed with the bimini up and have experienced no adverse affects from moving the mainsheet forward. In order to read the wind I have attached telltales to the shrouds low enough to be read from under the bimini.
AC of Boston: The boom on my h260 has a track on the bottom that runs it's entire length. The factory placement for the "reef" bail and the "Mainsheet" bail are in this track at the end of the boom. The bails are attached by rivets (2 each). I chose to drill out the rivets on the most forward bail and slide it forward; opened the bimini and positioned the bail just forward of the bimini; then proceeded to drill and rivet the bail in it's new location. Took no more than five minutes. The distance I moved the forward (mainsheet) bail was between 12"-18" from it's original position. I have sailed with the bimini up and have experienced no adverse affects from moving the mainsheet forward. In order to read the wind I have attached telltales to the shrouds low enough to be read from under the bimini.
Bimini Help Thanks
Thank you all for your help regarding my bimini question. I think we'll go with the 4ft. version so my sun sensitive hubby can be "shady" and I can get some sun! Happy Sails To You! Kathy C
Thank you all for your help regarding my bimini question. I think we'll go with the 4ft. version so my sun sensitive hubby can be "shady" and I can get some sun! Happy Sails To You! Kathy C
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