If any of you guys have photos of your cockpit covers(aka bimini) I'd really appreciate you sending them. morris.jensen@hct.ac.ae I have to have one made and would like some ideas and suggestions. I'm looking to mount my solar panal on top too. Morris Dubai RAK
Photos and sizes of Biminis H26
- Thread starter Take 5
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Go to Hunter photo/project forum
I suggest you click on the Hunter photo/project forum above and do a search. There are a bunch of posting.
I suggest you click on the Hunter photo/project forum above and do a search. There are a bunch of posting.
New photos in the forum
Morris, I've added a few photos of my bimini setup. I bought it through the Hunter chandlery (it's an Ameriseam product.) While they made a mistake and sent the wrong stern support struts, they sent me new ones within a couple of days. It's easy to assemble and manage. (Haven't tried to sail with it... yet.) I wouldn't think a solar panel would work very easily on the top, as it's not a hard-shell nor is it a true arch. I would recommend that you use the stern pulpit to mount the solar panel. (thanks to Chris in Colorado for that idea!) If you have any other questions about the Bimini, drop me an email, I'm in the owner's directory. Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
Morris, I've added a few photos of my bimini setup. I bought it through the Hunter chandlery (it's an Ameriseam product.) While they made a mistake and sent the wrong stern support struts, they sent me new ones within a couple of days. It's easy to assemble and manage. (Haven't tried to sail with it... yet.) I wouldn't think a solar panel would work very easily on the top, as it's not a hard-shell nor is it a true arch. I would recommend that you use the stern pulpit to mount the solar panel. (thanks to Chris in Colorado for that idea!) If you have any other questions about the Bimini, drop me an email, I'm in the owner's directory. Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
Solar Panel
I had my solar panel temporarily mounted on top of my bimini for 10 months without issue. I basically laid it on top and then tied from each corner down to the rails. My plan had been to add something more permanent by way of cutting and stiching a hole around the tubing for attaching a mounting bracket. You don't really want the panel laying directly on the bimini as it is less efficient.
I had my solar panel temporarily mounted on top of my bimini for 10 months without issue. I basically laid it on top and then tied from each corner down to the rails. My plan had been to add something more permanent by way of cutting and stiching a hole around the tubing for attaching a mounting bracket. You don't really want the panel laying directly on the bimini as it is less efficient.
Dave, a few questions...
...what size bimini, did you need to move the main sails sheet bail on the boom, and can you use the stern rail seats with it up/down? Thanx. alan '94 h26 Isomast spars
...what size bimini, did you need to move the main sails sheet bail on the boom, and can you use the stern rail seats with it up/down? Thanx. alan '94 h26 Isomast spars
Alan...
Alan, I bought the 6' rail mount from the chandlery. I can easily use the stern rail seats with it up, but as I mentioned, I haven't tried to sail with it up yet. I moved the main sheet to the moveable slide on the mast so I could adjust it as needed. When folded down it hangs out over the stern and doesn't interfere with the seats at all. I did have to play with both the rail mounting hardware and the length of the stern support poles (I chopped about an inch and a half off to get the angle and coverage I was looking for.) All in all it's been a wonderful thing to have, even in northern Michigan where the sun doesn't beat too hard. Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
Alan, I bought the 6' rail mount from the chandlery. I can easily use the stern rail seats with it up, but as I mentioned, I haven't tried to sail with it up yet. I moved the main sheet to the moveable slide on the mast so I could adjust it as needed. When folded down it hangs out over the stern and doesn't interfere with the seats at all. I did have to play with both the rail mounting hardware and the length of the stern support poles (I chopped about an inch and a half off to get the angle and coverage I was looking for.) All in all it's been a wonderful thing to have, even in northern Michigan where the sun doesn't beat too hard. Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
Thanx Dave.
Let us know how it is to sail with up. Did you get a window in the top and did you fix the other bail (slide) in place? I assume it was the reefing bail. alan
Let us know how it is to sail with up. Did you get a window in the top and did you fix the other bail (slide) in place? I assume it was the reefing bail. alan
Glad to be of help
Alan, The bimini didn't come with a window and I am loathe to cut into it. I'll probably rely mostly on my anenometer for wind readings and lean forward (near the hatch) and look up to read the sail. Truth be told, I'm still not good enough for sail trim to make all that much difference. Guys that are looking for that extra half knot of speed should probably not ride with me.
I didn't secure the bail - I suspect it was for reefing, but I've used the fixed bail when I reefed and it worked fine. I'll let you know how it goes this summer (we're at least two months before feet wet...) Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
Alan, The bimini didn't come with a window and I am loathe to cut into it. I'll probably rely mostly on my anenometer for wind readings and lean forward (near the hatch) and look up to read the sail. Truth be told, I'm still not good enough for sail trim to make all that much difference. Guys that are looking for that extra half knot of speed should probably not ride with me.
I didn't secure the bail - I suspect it was for reefing, but I've used the fixed bail when I reefed and it worked fine. I'll let you know how it goes this summer (we're at least two months before feet wet...) Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer- Status