It's so hot here in the summer, that I would really like to sail with my standard, factory supplied six feet bimini open. I am considering lowering the height of the bimini a few inches (by shortening the tubing supports) and adding a mainsheet traveler at the very forward end of the cockpit to allow me to do this. I am not sure whether I may also have to move the bale a little further forward on the boom. Anyone out there tried anything like this before on a 260? I know there is a smaller bimini available, but I really prefer the larger one. Any comments or suggestions? Thanks Bernie
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How about 2 biminis?
It may not work given the cabin-top design of the 260, but my H25 has 2 bimini tops on board- one over the companionway, and another over the cockpit. They're spaced about 8" apart, and the mainsheet can easily pass between them when under sail. Maybe you can adapt this idea to work for a 260? The forward bimini would need to be shorter (to be on the cabin top) and narrower (to allow transit to the foredeck)... and you could then move the aft bimini a bit further back- to provide shade for the stern rail seats, perhaps? ...Just a thought. I'll send you pics of my 2-bimini setup, if you like... --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio'
It may not work given the cabin-top design of the 260, but my H25 has 2 bimini tops on board- one over the companionway, and another over the cockpit. They're spaced about 8" apart, and the mainsheet can easily pass between them when under sail. Maybe you can adapt this idea to work for a 260? The forward bimini would need to be shorter (to be on the cabin top) and narrower (to allow transit to the foredeck)... and you could then move the aft bimini a bit further back- to provide shade for the stern rail seats, perhaps? ...Just a thought. I'll send you pics of my 2-bimini setup, if you like... --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio'
Move the bale
I moved the bale forward about 14 inches. It was simple to drill out the two existing rivots and add two new ones.
I moved the bale forward about 14 inches. It was simple to drill out the two existing rivots and add two new ones.
Move the bail.
I have the large bimini on my H26 and sail with it up often. You will need to either move the bail for the main sheet or install an additional one for the purpose of keeping the main sheet away from the edge of the bimini. I installed the additional bail so I can revert to the original position when the bimini is down. Just make sure that the end of the boom clears the top of the bimini.
I have the large bimini on my H26 and sail with it up often. You will need to either move the bail for the main sheet or install an additional one for the purpose of keeping the main sheet away from the edge of the bimini. I installed the additional bail so I can revert to the original position when the bimini is down. Just make sure that the end of the boom clears the top of the bimini.
Factory installed?
I was looking in the Owners Store for a Bimini and it said they weren't available for the 260 model? I assume I have to have one custom made?
I was looking in the Owners Store for a Bimini and it said they weren't available for the 260 model? I assume I have to have one custom made?
Factory Bimini
Michael, HUNTER supplied the bimini as a purchased option when the boat was delivered. It was installed by the dealer. Bernie
Michael, HUNTER supplied the bimini as a purchased option when the boat was delivered. It was installed by the dealer. Bernie
bimini from AmeriSeam
The bimini that comes as an option is from AmeriSeam, which can be purchased directly. Jim S/V Java
The bimini that comes as an option is from AmeriSeam, which can be purchased directly. Jim S/V Java
It works well. But next time ...
Like the others have said, moving the bale on the forward on the boom is easy. Just use pop-rivets, etc. For the other end of the main sheet, the dealer installed a U-bolt on the vertical part of the step facing the stern. I would have mounted a traveler on that surface, so I could have the main sheet pull from somewhere besides the center line. The "Hobie" sailor in me says it will help reduce heeling. It would also make moving through the companionway much easier. If you find a traveler that fits in there on that curved surface, let me know please. Reach me at loatsj@mscd.edu. Thanks, Jim Loats s/v Grizzly Bear
Like the others have said, moving the bale on the forward on the boom is easy. Just use pop-rivets, etc. For the other end of the main sheet, the dealer installed a U-bolt on the vertical part of the step facing the stern. I would have mounted a traveler on that surface, so I could have the main sheet pull from somewhere besides the center line. The "Hobie" sailor in me says it will help reduce heeling. It would also make moving through the companionway much easier. If you find a traveler that fits in there on that curved surface, let me know please. Reach me at loatsj@mscd.edu. Thanks, Jim Loats s/v Grizzly Bear
We've sailed with ours.
Bernie, We have sailed with our Ameriseam 6 foot Bimini. We moved the bail forward (easy) on the boom. It will rub just a touch on the center bow until you fill the sail, then its' no problem. Biggest problem is you can't see the windex and tell tales for sail trim. Next biggest problem is it makes using the stern seats nearly impossible. Mike Pajewski
Bernie, We have sailed with our Ameriseam 6 foot Bimini. We moved the bail forward (easy) on the boom. It will rub just a touch on the center bow until you fill the sail, then its' no problem. Biggest problem is you can't see the windex and tell tales for sail trim. Next biggest problem is it makes using the stern seats nearly impossible. Mike Pajewski
Where to Buy a Bail
So where do you buy an extra bail? Mine slide in a track at the bottom of the boom and I have wanted to add one but have necver seen them in a chandlery.
So where do you buy an extra bail? Mine slide in a track at the bottom of the boom and I have wanted to add one but have necver seen them in a chandlery.
Call Hunter or US Spars
If you call Hunter, they will probably send you to US Spars. Their site is www.usspars.com You will need two parts, 3044 and 3045 I believe. Check out the boom area on their site and match up your boom to the pictures and listing. I got two sets so I now have the extra one for the second reef point.
If you call Hunter, they will probably send you to US Spars. Their site is www.usspars.com You will need two parts, 3044 and 3045 I believe. Check out the boom area on their site and match up your boom to the pictures and listing. I got two sets so I now have the extra one for the second reef point.
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