Installing a Bimini/Dodger

[Derf589]

Hi!
My husband, Fred, and I just joined the forum. We have found many helpful topics on this site, and thought we'd send out a question in regards to installing a Bimini and Dodger. We recently purchased a 1985 34 foot Hunter this spring. Sadly, this summer we didn't get to enjoy it many times, due to other obligations. However, one thing we said was going to be a priority for next year was a Bimini and possibly a Dodger, as well. Then, of course, we want a lazy jack for the main sail, and the list goes on and on...
My question is, have any of you installed a Bimini yourselves? We can purchase a kit from Sailrite, but do we measure from the outer edge of the boat, or just inside the lifeline?
I recovered our berth cushions, and I'm willing to try most any sewing project, however, this seems a little bit intimidating.
Thanks, Michele

 

[geek_guy]

If you are asking about installing an already made bimini......You'd want to measure to wherever you want the poles to mount. Probably the best would be where you have a level area and enough space to not interfere with other lines, winches, etc. the poles have several inches of flexibility so you don't have to be too exact. With mine I put the poles just outboard of the cockpit seat backs. This site usually has the exact Bimini that came with your boat. That was nice as I didn't have to worry much about the details. You'd want it some space inside the life lines.
Installing the ready made Bimini is very easy. Have a friend hold it and decide and mark where the brackets go. Drill pilot holes and screw them down. Attach the Bimini poles to them. Spread out, and estimate where you want the brackets to hold the tie downs. Mark drill pilots and screw down.

 

[SailormanDan]

Hi Michele,
The bimini on my '81 H27 sits on the coaming where the winch & cleats are, sorry if the picture isn't the best, but should give you some idea. I guess to answer your question, you would be measuring from across the cockpit, not the whole width of the aft end. Sailrite has a whole video that starts with figuring out where to install the frame, etc., and shows you all the steps.
The frame was on the boat when I bought it, but I replaced the old vinyl cover with Sunbrella from Sailrite and watched their videos for ideas, but didn't follow it all exactly. A dodger is on my list, but farther down at this point.

 

[shemandr]

My wife and and made a dodger for our Ranger 29 years ago. We used materials from Sailrite - I don't remember if it was a boat specific kit. Our lesson is that there are so many variables that your result is bound to have some deficiencies. Just accept that. It won't be perfect in design.
To answer your question, you measure from inside the lifelines. You do not want the dodger to fit outside the lifelines.
Where inside the lifelines depends on your design. You have to decide the height and other dimensions. Height is important because if it's too high you won't be able to see over it - especially the smaller member of the crew. Too low and you may have to stoop uncomfortably to get under it or it may obstruct egress from the companionway. You have to decide how to handle the winches. You want to have room to make a 360 degree circle around the winch with the handle without obstruction from the dodger. Will you be able to stand over the winch or otherwise have your body in a position to apply enough muscle to operate the winch with interference from the dodger? You have to make sure the dodger doesn't obstruct your leaving or entering the cockpit from the deck. Will there be a place for your foot on the side deck. Handhold? The lines for the primary winch will need to run fair or accommodations made for them. You will want it to add to the esthetics of the boat so that it doesn't look like a spaceship landed on the boat. As you can see not all of these goals are likely to be achieved 100%. So you have to decide where to compromise. If possible you should look at, and interact with other H34 owners dodgers, and custom after market dodgers and see what you can learn.
The fashion now if to have a dodger-binimi that covers the cockpit completely with side curtains which turn the cockpit into a all weather living space. Traditional boats had dodgers which were not much more than a companionway shield.

 

[kaptainkenny]

I replaced the Bimini that came with the boat which was fastened to the coaming as SailormanDan writes with one purchased from this site that attaches to the railing. It is much sturdier and opened up the cockpit to move forward/aft easier. Also was easy to install/attached to the railing. They probably have measurements for your H34.

 

[HMT2]

Michele,

I'm not sure what the frames are like from the pre made bikinis, but we have 7/8 stainless tubing as the frame for our bimini, filler and dodger. It is very sturdy and use them as handholds moving of and on the boat. Here is a picture of the framework, it's not all up because I was painting the topsides at the time but it might give you an idea or two. I am also including picture of it up. Sorry the aren't more specific to your question but it's all I could find.

 

[SFS]

...I'm not sure what the frames are like from the pre made bikinis...

Mike, it's been my experience that the frames in pre-made bikinis vary widely. Some are impressive, others not.

Are you going to post a thread about your offshore race? Get any good pictures?

 

[Joe]

The Sailrite kit will include measuring instructions. You can call or email them with specific questions before you order. Pretty good way to go if you have a sewing machine capable of handling canvas.

For best price on pre made, self installing gear check these guys: http://www.islandnauticalcanvas.com/ They will have templates for your boat, but still ask you to send specific measurements for any features you want built into the cover.

Some of the local canvas shops around here are incredibly expensive.

 

[Don Crowther]

Hi Michele
I had a bimini made for our boat. I've attached it to the railing so as not to introduce any more holes (possible areas to leak) to the cabin. With it mount this way I could also increase the height so I wouldn't have to duck. I also set back a little so it doesn't interfere with the boom.
Our dodger that came with the boat. But i'll attach the only photo I have so you can see part of it.

 

[Derf589]

I like the looks of this design. Was it premade, or did you make it? It looks like the attachment from Bimini to Dodger unsnaps for better visibility. Am I correct? Thanks for the pictures. I'm also thinking the 7/8 is a good choice. This post is to HMT2.
Thanks for the picture from Don Crowther. I like the idea of being higher and no boom concerns. Also like the solar panel...but that's farther down the road..ha

 

[HMT2]

Michele,
Mine was made...I don't sew, however the frame was in place when I bought the boat. Yes in the space between the Bimini and dodger, that piece is clear plastic covered by a snap on piece of Sunbrella that is nicely finished, we normally only take that piece off when we are racing. You can have the frame made then you can sew your canvas. If you or your husband are handy you can make the frame too, but there are some tools that are unique for bending the stainless. We also have a cover that we put on in the summer in place of the dodger that is completely open for the summer months, it gets too hot down here to restrict airflow! Here is a link to a guy that shows the canvas work he did on his boat, the thread is long, but it is around post number 123 or so that he starts to talk about his canvas work. http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/my-1980-hunter-30-rennovation.163441/page-7 Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Dave Groshong]

Our rail mount bimini for the H34 is one of our proudest designs, actually designed by a customer, we have sold over 60 to date:

http://shop.hunterowners.com/cu/detail-tmpl.php?53977
http://shop.hunterowners.com/cu/detail-tmpl.php?a=2&pid=53977&model=34

Installation is a breeze, just clamp the fittings to the stern pulpit, no drilling required.

 

[SFS]

@Dave Groshong - Do you have one for a 1983 H31?

 

[Dave Groshong]

Hey SF, yes we do have a bimini for the h31:

http://shop.hunterowners.com/cu/detail-tmpl.php?a=2&pid=53977&model=31

It's almost identical to the h34 bimini I posted a few pictures above in this thread

 

[FredV]

How about for a 1979 Cherubini 37C?

 

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[Dave Groshong]

Sorry for the late reply Fred, no pre-patterned bimini for the h37c, but here are our worksheets, I'm always happy to help:

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/measure/demo.php?id=888

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/measure/demo.php?id=887

Rail mount and coaming mount.

 

[Terry Cox]

Here is a picture of the framework, it's not all up because I was painting the topsides at the time but it might give you an idea or two.

Hi Skipper, nice pictures of your boat and project. A question, the starboard bow cleat has a dock line secured to it. Can you explain what kind of knot that is?

 

[HMT2]

Terry, its a cleat hitch with an extra turn at the top because the line was extra long. That has subsequently been rectified. We have dock lines with eyes on the port side (dock side) and use cleat hitches on the starboard side so that we can vary the distance from the dock.