Sailing with a bimini

[Bill Jones]

Last year I installed the Ameriseam bimini on my H23.5 and we really enjoy it when at the dock, anchored, or under power. However, in order to sail with the bimini up, we would have to raise the boom using the topping lift, causing the mainsail to be not be used efficiently and the boom would be supported by the topping lift.

I know several owners have this same bimini. Is this what you do when sailing or do you not use the bimini when under sail?

 

[Alan]

Of course you can do it but it isn't the right way to sail. As you already know the mainsail shape will be compromised and going to weather under this condition will be impossible. Raising the boom twists off the main increasing power and weather helm. In light to moderate conditions there will only be performance that suffers but as the wind strength grows the de-powering becomes a serious issue.
You may want to consider lowering the bimini to allow full use of the main or possibly making its height adjustable.

 

[soling42]

The 23.5s I've seen all had a low bimini that you had to duck under. Sounds like you'll need a hacksaw.

 

[peptobysmol]

Make sure your main is in good shape. Having an older main allows the boom to sag. The dacron can get stretched and the bolt rope can shrink. Both will permit the boom to sag. Either way there is still a narrow window of tolerance with a bimini and boom with a new main.

 

[Dave D]

Make sure your main is in good shape. Having an older main allows the boom to sag.

 

[Rick Webb]

Not an Issue With Mine

Do you have stern rail seats as do I?

Perhaps my bimini is mounted lower than yours?