Hunter 26 bimini

[Rick E.]

It is crunch time, & I have to make up my mind on a bimini for our Hunter 26. Before I do so, I would appreciate some advice on the different options. Has anyone tried a smaller model (3- 4 feet of coverage)? The smaller ones, at least in theory, would probably be easier to use while sailing, & thus would stay out of the way of the boom. But maybe they do not give enough coverage from the sun to be worth anything. The second option I am considering would mount to the stern rail seats, but when folded up, I wonder if it sticks too far up in the air, or does it in some way prohibit the use of the stern rail seats?Finally, my boat is 2 hours away in storage - does anyone know how far apart are the side rails of the stern rail seats? Thanks for the help. I checked archives & could not find answers to these specific questions. Rick Engelv/s Moonglow

 

[David Oberholtzer]

archives

Check the archives. There are many dicussions about this.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Bimini

Rick;I guess I am the one who introduced Ameriseam to Hunter and they make good products. You can order your bimini throught the HOW chandlrey and emphazize Ameriseam.You can get a 6 footer which I recommend. You will have to move the attachment of the mainsheet on the boom forward about 18-21 inches and does not really affect the loading at all. You do not need to worry about the distances, lengths and so forth as the Ameriseam biminis are specifically made for your boat. You will need to advise this is the old style Hunter 26 and whether or not you have stern rail seats. The install is simple. Phil Herring with the HOW chandlrey will be glad to help you.Crazy Dave Condon

 

[alan]

Dave, how does the aluminum bimini hold up in...

...a marine enviornment? Trying to save money to please the secretary of MY navy. alan

 

[Tom]

Aluminum holds up well, but...

Hi Alan,I have a 1999 260 and purchased the 6 foot bimini directly from Ameriseam in spring of '01. It is great value and fits well. I had the same questions as you. On the 260, the stern seats are NOT impacted by the bimini at all. I am 6 feet and have to hunch slightly while standing at the wheel under the bimini, but is is far better than roasting in the sun with unrestricted headroom. The most difficult part is not being albe to see the mainsail shape.I moved my mainsheet attach point only 8 inches forward for clearance and the boom clears just fine over the top.The link will provide Bimini pictures from the Photo ForumNow to your recent question: Alu. vs. SS. The alu. is sufficient. Mine has been installed for 2 seasons and is in fine shape. The only advantage to SS is that it is going to be a stronger handhold. The Alu gives quite a bit and will probably bend or break if someone really puts some wieght behind it. SS will be much more sturdy, but it also costs quite a bit more.Fair winds,Tom

 

[Douglas Miles]

4' bimini easier for viewing wind indicator.

I have and prefer the 4' bimini. It provides sufficient coverage for the helm, stern rail seats and partial coverage along the sides. It is easier to see around while at the wheel. The 6 footer does provide more coverage but also provides considerably more obstructed view. You really need to experience the two versions to appreciate the difference. Taller people are probably more effected by this difference as you alluded to.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

window

You can always put a window in the bimini to see the wind vaneCrazy Dave