I have been thinking about getting a bimini for my Hunter 23 from this web site. Has anyone put one of these on their 23 and were you happy with it? Can you sail with it up? Does it hinder performance when sailing? I also thought about a dodger. Do they have back curtains so that the whole cabin can be enclosed?
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Bimini on Hunter 23.5
There was no choice for me on a bimini. My wife would not go out in mid summer without some sun protection. I chose a 6x6 foot Taylor Bimini and positioned it about three inches below my boom. At times the boom touches the top of the Bimini but in air above 10 knots I don't use it anyway. This addition has provided many hours of comfort that would otherwise have been at least hot. There is also an older Hunter 23 in a slip beside me that also has a bimini mounted in approximately the same way as mine. When the Bimini is down, it rest on the aft rail above the tiller and Engine. Hope this helps. Jim Durrett, Windancer Hunter 23.5 Paris Landing TN
There was no choice for me on a bimini. My wife would not go out in mid summer without some sun protection. I chose a 6x6 foot Taylor Bimini and positioned it about three inches below my boom. At times the boom touches the top of the Bimini but in air above 10 knots I don't use it anyway. This addition has provided many hours of comfort that would otherwise have been at least hot. There is also an older Hunter 23 in a slip beside me that also has a bimini mounted in approximately the same way as mine. When the Bimini is down, it rest on the aft rail above the tiller and Engine. Hope this helps. Jim Durrett, Windancer Hunter 23.5 Paris Landing TN
Bimini
Lee, I have a bimini on my 1997 h26. Where I live, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, it is a necessity. Yes I sail with it all the time. does it affect sailing performance? I don't know, since I have never been without it. But my boat handles well until I get to about 15 knots of breeze. Then, it becomes a bit too heavy on the tiller in my opinion. Whether this is due to the bimini, I can't say. I have had sailors more experience than I on board who have said that the balance is okay. David King "Molly"
Lee, I have a bimini on my 1997 h26. Where I live, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, it is a necessity. Yes I sail with it all the time. does it affect sailing performance? I don't know, since I have never been without it. But my boat handles well until I get to about 15 knots of breeze. Then, it becomes a bit too heavy on the tiller in my opinion. Whether this is due to the bimini, I can't say. I have had sailors more experience than I on board who have said that the balance is okay. David King "Molly"
raise boom
I don't know anything about bimini's for 23s but I do know you can have the foot cut off your main to allow the boom to raise about 10" at the aft end. I did it and love the head room it provides. My main is now loose footed which is probably a trade off in performance to losing some sail area.
I don't know anything about bimini's for 23s but I do know you can have the foot cut off your main to allow the boom to raise about 10" at the aft end. I did it and love the head room it provides. My main is now loose footed which is probably a trade off in performance to losing some sail area.
Dodger for an H23
Lee, I've thought about the issue of sun shade and for me, the dodger seems to be the best alternative because the Bimini most certainly provide limited head room to stand aft of the boom thus limiting movement in the cockpit. The dodger will provide guests shade most, but not all, the time but you enclose the cabin. I do not have a dodger now but am planning on fabricating one for the H23 that would allow the sea hood to be lifted while the dodger is up. /Chuck H23 Windsongs
Lee, I've thought about the issue of sun shade and for me, the dodger seems to be the best alternative because the Bimini most certainly provide limited head room to stand aft of the boom thus limiting movement in the cockpit. The dodger will provide guests shade most, but not all, the time but you enclose the cabin. I do not have a dodger now but am planning on fabricating one for the H23 that would allow the sea hood to be lifted while the dodger is up. /Chuck H23 Windsongs
head room
I bought my 240 with a "factory" bimini. It's one of the best must have gizmos that I have. It does require sitting except when climbing onto the stern rail seats. You develope a special technuqe for moving (I should say sliding) around the cockpit. but it is worth having especially on those 90+ degree days. Joe
I bought my 240 with a "factory" bimini. It's one of the best must have gizmos that I have. It does require sitting except when climbing onto the stern rail seats. You develope a special technuqe for moving (I should say sliding) around the cockpit. but it is worth having especially on those 90+ degree days. Joe
Bimini/dodger for H23
My H23 came from the previous owner with a bimini that fits very well under the stock boom. I think it was made by AmeriSeam. It makes all the difference when sailing in the summer. When it's not in use, I hang it at a 45 degree angle from the backstay plate with a piece of light line so I still have access to the outboard. The dodger is another issue. Since the H23 traveler is at the front of the cockpit, the area between the front of the bimini and the main hatch has to be clear for the mainsheet tackle to swing. The closest thing I've seen to a dodger on an H23 was a mini-bimini (say THAT three times fast!) over the main hatch. I'm presently working on the design of a small dodger that will allow the main hatch to stay open in the rain and provide some shelter from spray and wind in the cockpit while under way. Stay tuned... Peter H23 "Raven"
My H23 came from the previous owner with a bimini that fits very well under the stock boom. I think it was made by AmeriSeam. It makes all the difference when sailing in the summer. When it's not in use, I hang it at a 45 degree angle from the backstay plate with a piece of light line so I still have access to the outboard. The dodger is another issue. Since the H23 traveler is at the front of the cockpit, the area between the front of the bimini and the main hatch has to be clear for the mainsheet tackle to swing. The closest thing I've seen to a dodger on an H23 was a mini-bimini (say THAT three times fast!) over the main hatch. I'm presently working on the design of a small dodger that will allow the main hatch to stay open in the rain and provide some shelter from spray and wind in the cockpit while under way. Stay tuned... Peter H23 "Raven"
Ameriseam
I too have an Amreiseam bimini which I really like. 2 Issues. 1) I had to sent it back to Ameriseam to have them add the holes and velcro splits on the bimini so it would fit on the split backstay. 2) After a few years, the bimini shows wear marks and almost rubs through where it rests on the backstay when stowed. Pribably from vibration while underway. GB
I too have an Amreiseam bimini which I really like. 2 Issues. 1) I had to sent it back to Ameriseam to have them add the holes and velcro splits on the bimini so it would fit on the split backstay. 2) After a few years, the bimini shows wear marks and almost rubs through where it rests on the backstay when stowed. Pribably from vibration while underway. GB
Just a note for posterity
You can find the Ameriseam bimini's in our chandlery here - << end of commercial announcement >> p.
You can find the Ameriseam bimini's in our chandlery here - << end of commercial announcement >> p.
Bimini
Being on the Gulf Coast of Florida, a bimini is a must. I too own a Hunter 23 and especially in the summer months with light winds and a powerful sun a bimini is a god-send. Just check your boom clearance and make sure the design of the bimini does not interfere with the boom as you come about. This doesn't allow for a lot of headroom underneath the bimini, but the trade off for some precious shade is well worth it!
Being on the Gulf Coast of Florida, a bimini is a must. I too own a Hunter 23 and especially in the summer months with light winds and a powerful sun a bimini is a god-send. Just check your boom clearance and make sure the design of the bimini does not interfere with the boom as you come about. This doesn't allow for a lot of headroom underneath the bimini, but the trade off for some precious shade is well worth it!
Question for Chip
Do you trailer your H23? I'm thinking about doing some gunkholing around Tarpon Springs and Clearwaer later this year and I need to know if there are any boat ramps in that area where I can leave a tow vehicle and trailer for a few days. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Peter H23 "Raven"
Do you trailer your H23? I'm thinking about doing some gunkholing around Tarpon Springs and Clearwaer later this year and I need to know if there are any boat ramps in that area where I can leave a tow vehicle and trailer for a few days. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Peter H23 "Raven"
Bimini Boom Clearance
I owned a Hunter 23.5 for four years and then moved up to a Hunter 26. Both were equipped with stock biminis from the factory. The 23.5 operated well under sail and power with the bimini, but the 26's bimini is to high and interferes with the movement of the boom under sail. Any ideas on how to raise the boom or lower the bimini to gain some clearance? Its a very nice feature otherwise.
I owned a Hunter 23.5 for four years and then moved up to a Hunter 26. Both were equipped with stock biminis from the factory. The 23.5 operated well under sail and power with the bimini, but the 26's bimini is to high and interferes with the movement of the boom under sail. Any ideas on how to raise the boom or lower the bimini to gain some clearance? Its a very nice feature otherwise.
I'm not Chip,but
I Think you can leave your vehicle and trailer at Palm Harbour Marina, but it would pay to check with them first. Also, you have to check the tides, as you can't get in or out at low tide. I think some of the best sailing is in that area. We regularly stay overnight at Three Rooker Bar. Good anchorage there. Sam
I Think you can leave your vehicle and trailer at Palm Harbour Marina, but it would pay to check with them first. Also, you have to check the tides, as you can't get in or out at low tide. I think some of the best sailing is in that area. We regularly stay overnight at Three Rooker Bar. Good anchorage there. Sam
Bimini/boom clearance - for Bill
If the bimini is too tall, remove the end fittings in the bottom of the bimini frame (they should be held in with just a single set screw), cut a couple of inches off the metal tubing (enough to clear the underside of the boom), reinsert the fitting and retighten the setscrew. Problem solved. If the fitting is pressed in or if it won't unscrew, just cut the ends off (end fittings and all) and buy new fittings at your local marine store. Take the cut-off ones in to make sure you get the right size. Peter H23 "Raven"
If the bimini is too tall, remove the end fittings in the bottom of the bimini frame (they should be held in with just a single set screw), cut a couple of inches off the metal tubing (enough to clear the underside of the boom), reinsert the fitting and retighten the setscrew. Problem solved. If the fitting is pressed in or if it won't unscrew, just cut the ends off (end fittings and all) and buy new fittings at your local marine store. Take the cut-off ones in to make sure you get the right size. Peter H23 "Raven"
Thanks Sam
I'll follow up on this lead. How shallow is the marina entrance at low tide really? My H23 draws 2.5 feet. Peter
I'll follow up on this lead. How shallow is the marina entrance at low tide really? My H23 draws 2.5 feet. Peter
Doger comment for Peter
Peter, Your comment regarding the design constraints of a dodger on an H23 is very correct. I cannot have a dodger that extends very far aft of the main hatch. I think that any shade anywhere will help though. I think i'd have to plan to move the traveller ring on the boom back about 2 inches so I'd at least have clearance and removable side curtains would be a must to accomodate sailing downwind. thanks for the comments.. /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
Peter, Your comment regarding the design constraints of a dodger on an H23 is very correct. I cannot have a dodger that extends very far aft of the main hatch. I think that any shade anywhere will help though. I think i'd have to plan to move the traveller ring on the boom back about 2 inches so I'd at least have clearance and removable side curtains would be a must to accomodate sailing downwind. thanks for the comments.. /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
Picture of H23 with Dodger
Folks, Foe those who are interested, I've attached a link into the "pictures contributed by owner's" section under the "boat information" pull down. The dodger actually looks real good: I think this is an english (made in UK) version of the 23 called a "sonata 7" which looks like a more sea-worthy version of the H23 /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
Folks, Foe those who are interested, I've attached a link into the "pictures contributed by owner's" section under the "boat information" pull down. The dodger actually looks real good: I think this is an english (made in UK) version of the 23 called a "sonata 7" which looks like a more sea-worthy version of the H23 /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
That boat looks like an H22
The waterline near the stern is narrower than an H23, the main hatch is different and the H23 doesn't have a stern pulpit. I've only been aboard one H22 and that was several years ago, but it definitely looked more sturdy than an H23. Peter H23 "Raven"
The waterline near the stern is narrower than an H23, the main hatch is different and the H23 doesn't have a stern pulpit. I've only been aboard one H22 and that was several years ago, but it definitely looked more sturdy than an H23. Peter H23 "Raven"
H23 Vs H22
Peter, Looking closer at the photo, I think you're right, interesting that it has a more contemorary "H23-like" coach roof than the traditional H22.. The english versions of the older Hunters are a mystery to me, no specific website to learn about them.. /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
Peter, Looking closer at the photo, I think you're right, interesting that it has a more contemorary "H23-like" coach roof than the traditional H22.. The english versions of the older Hunters are a mystery to me, no specific website to learn about them.. /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
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