Does anyone have experience with installing a bimini over the cockpit of an O'Day 25? I've measured it all out and it seems that to have any coverage of the aft end of the cockpit will require running the backstay through the cover (no problem) but I'm not sure whether it should come in under or over the boom. Over seems too high and under seems a little low. At the forward end, I'm ultimately limited by my traveler, so it would only overlap the boom by about two feet anyway. I've seen some great information here, any insight would be great! Thanks.
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Steve Growcock
bimini install
I installed a bimini on my Oday 25 - mojo - this summer. What a great purchase it was to keep the Midwest heat out of the cockpit. I bought a standard issue out of West Marine for ~$250. The bimini was, I believe, one of the smaller ones they offer, ~ 3 ft front to back. You are correct, you are going to have to split the top bimini and cover (and zipper) for the backstay. This requires installing a bit of velcro on both pieces. Also, you have to be a bit patient when setting it up as the rear support pole is aft of the backstay with the other two support pieces forward. The bimini does fit under the boom with an inch or two to spare and aft of the mainsheet. (I have a mainsheet traveler installed in the cockpit, not of the end of the boom.) Due to the arc, you may have to pick up the boom a bit when setting up the cover for use. Also, the height is limited; standing up straight in not an option under the bimini. Typically, I use the bimini when anchored. However, if under sail, I tend to keep it a little loose so that I can move it around bit to see the sails. My bimini has a single pivot point - it works okay. Alternatives could be a traveler mounted for the bimini to be able to adjust it fore and aft for a better fit or if needed to move it forward for sailing. This alternative would require a custom setup, costing much more. In summary, the bimini is a excellent purchase to keep out the weather. Good luck. Steve Growcock
I installed a bimini on my Oday 25 - mojo - this summer. What a great purchase it was to keep the Midwest heat out of the cockpit. I bought a standard issue out of West Marine for ~$250. The bimini was, I believe, one of the smaller ones they offer, ~ 3 ft front to back. You are correct, you are going to have to split the top bimini and cover (and zipper) for the backstay. This requires installing a bit of velcro on both pieces. Also, you have to be a bit patient when setting it up as the rear support pole is aft of the backstay with the other two support pieces forward. The bimini does fit under the boom with an inch or two to spare and aft of the mainsheet. (I have a mainsheet traveler installed in the cockpit, not of the end of the boom.) Due to the arc, you may have to pick up the boom a bit when setting up the cover for use. Also, the height is limited; standing up straight in not an option under the bimini. Typically, I use the bimini when anchored. However, if under sail, I tend to keep it a little loose so that I can move it around bit to see the sails. My bimini has a single pivot point - it works okay. Alternatives could be a traveler mounted for the bimini to be able to adjust it fore and aft for a better fit or if needed to move it forward for sailing. This alternative would require a custom setup, costing much more. In summary, the bimini is a excellent purchase to keep out the weather. Good luck. Steve Growcock
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R.W.Landau
a thought
Jarad, I have no experience yet. I helped a friend with his 272 bimini and am going to take some of the ideas for his and mix them with some new ideas and see how they work but I am not going to attempt it till spring. We fitted my frends so that his backstay came through his bimini. He mad ethe frame then we carefully measured the top so that the backstay would protrude through with minimal conflict. It has a zipper and velcro flap and has to be assembled around the backstay( the frame and the top). His is mounted on his pushpit with two clamps that are worth $25.00 each so he didn't have to drill holes in the boat. I was going to use a home manufactured clamp that would allow me to adjust it up and down on the pushpit. I am going to try to combine those two ideas so that while sailing the bimini is under the boom, but at anchor, the boom will be raised with the topping lift and the adjustable clamps on the pushpit will slide up to give headroom . This is only ideas and the bugs have not been worked out. Like I said that is a my spring project when the mast is up and the boat is in sailing condition. r.w.landau s/v Exhibit"A" 78 O'Day 25
Jarad, I have no experience yet. I helped a friend with his 272 bimini and am going to take some of the ideas for his and mix them with some new ideas and see how they work but I am not going to attempt it till spring. We fitted my frends so that his backstay came through his bimini. He mad ethe frame then we carefully measured the top so that the backstay would protrude through with minimal conflict. It has a zipper and velcro flap and has to be assembled around the backstay( the frame and the top). His is mounted on his pushpit with two clamps that are worth $25.00 each so he didn't have to drill holes in the boat. I was going to use a home manufactured clamp that would allow me to adjust it up and down on the pushpit. I am going to try to combine those two ideas so that while sailing the bimini is under the boom, but at anchor, the boom will be raised with the topping lift and the adjustable clamps on the pushpit will slide up to give headroom . This is only ideas and the bugs have not been worked out. Like I said that is a my spring project when the mast is up and the boat is in sailing condition. r.w.landau s/v Exhibit"A" 78 O'Day 25
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Tom Ehmke
R.W., any pix of the 272 bimini?
I have been following all the bimini threads because this is a spring project I would like to do. Your idea of being able to adjust the bimini height is a great one. Have you made any sketches or taken measurements? I'd appreciate any info on the 272 bimini you worked on because I sail a 272 also. Tom
I have been following all the bimini threads because this is a spring project I would like to do. Your idea of being able to adjust the bimini height is a great one. Have you made any sketches or taken measurements? I'd appreciate any info on the 272 bimini you worked on because I sail a 272 also. Tom
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NEIL WALTERS
O'Day Bimini
I have a 26' O'Day With a custom made bimini I had made at shop here in Dunedin Fl. It is great for the hot sun here in Fl. I have a slit for the back stay, there is a leather reenforced hole at the end of the zipper that fits around the back stay. mine fits just under the boom and stops just before the traveler. I am 5'6" tall and I just about can stand up under it. I don't think you could sail with it over the boom. The main sail would be in the way. The design of the boat keeps from folding it up out of the way like some boats. It is always up. I can take off the canvas but the frame is there. I also have to go up to the cabin hatch to look up at the main sail. I use teles on the shrouds for guidence when sitting in the cockpit. no problem.
I have a 26' O'Day With a custom made bimini I had made at shop here in Dunedin Fl. It is great for the hot sun here in Fl. I have a slit for the back stay, there is a leather reenforced hole at the end of the zipper that fits around the back stay. mine fits just under the boom and stops just before the traveler. I am 5'6" tall and I just about can stand up under it. I don't think you could sail with it over the boom. The main sail would be in the way. The design of the boat keeps from folding it up out of the way like some boats. It is always up. I can take off the canvas but the frame is there. I also have to go up to the cabin hatch to look up at the main sail. I use teles on the shrouds for guidence when sitting in the cockpit. no problem.
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R.W.Landau
Tom
Yes, I know that you sail a 272. Tom if you e-mail me @ rwlandau@aol.com I will give you contact info with the 272 owner here. r.w.landau
Yes, I know that you sail a 272. Tom if you e-mail me @ rwlandau@aol.com I will give you contact info with the 272 owner here. r.w.landau
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Steve Growcock
bimini top specs
Jared: I looked up the information on the bimini I used for my 25 Oday. West Marine 2001 Catalog Page 737 4' length/36" height 73-78" width Model 1893255S (Blue) $249.99 The measurements of the bimini fit the cockpit of my ODay 25 quite well. I hope this helps. Steve Growcock
Jared: I looked up the information on the bimini I used for my 25 Oday. West Marine 2001 Catalog Page 737 4' length/36" height 73-78" width Model 1893255S (Blue) $249.99 The measurements of the bimini fit the cockpit of my ODay 25 quite well. I hope this helps. Steve Growcock
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