Securing the boom with Bimini open

[twalker H260]

If you search Bimini, main sheet, and h26/h260 you should hit several posts from years past that dealt with this problem. You are correct that the large Bimini from ameriseam extends to far forward to allow the main sheet to remain in its original position, I believe this was documented on site when we ordered ours. The solution for most has been to move the bail on the underside of the boom forward far enough that it allows the Bimini to be extended while sailing. We and many others took it a step further by adding an additional bail to the boom allowing the original bail to remain and shifting the main sheet to the forward bail when using the Bimini. If memory serves the new bail position is about 8" forward of original. Once you get it tuned in properly you will love the Bimini!

On the issue of the pop top canvas being too small to fit the snaps it usually is the installers fault in placing the snaps without allowing enough slack to deal with the shrinkage of the canvas over time (don't ask how I know this!)

 

[CHSN WND]

Thanks, twalker,
Yep, I think that's the deal - as with most things "Hunter", they ship you the raw canvas, a bag of snaps and tell you to field-fit it yourself. They do that with pretty much everything, since no two boats are ever the same. Can you imagine building a car, or a table, or pretty much anything that will be "mass-produced" - i.e. more than 1 piece - that way???? Crazy.

I've attached a picture of the bimini. I was able to get it to fit, but it is not remotely close to how the instructions suggest it should fit. Ameriseam says "Holding the canvas level, attach the long stanchions to the bimini and let them fall to the rail. Attach the second pair of stainless split-rail mounts there on the rear section of the stern rail. These are for the long stanchions. You may need to adjust these mounting positions slightly to get the bimini straight and level." Umm, yeah, right; the rear stanchions are at least 8 inches, maybe even as much as a foot too short to touch the stern rail. As you see, I eventually mounted them to the stern seat rails, which makes sitting in those seats less than comfortable. I hate to say it, but design engineering is NOT Ameriseam's gift; they may be capable of cutting and sewing canvas, but that's where their skills end. Plain and simple.

 

[jwilcoxon78]

I moved our bimini aft to all enough clearance from the leading edge of the bimini to the mainsheet. Works great. You do have to make sure that your toplift is adjusted enough though.

 

[CHSN WND]

UPDATE: Steven at Ameriseam looked at my picture and has reached the conclusion that my rear support stanchions are too short. He suggests replacing them with longer stanchions. I wholeheartedly agree.
The question is, how did this happen? Did Hunter use a shorter than normal center stern rail on my boat, or did Ameriseam supply the wrong rear stanchions?
We may never know, but something went awry. Anyways, new, properly sized rear stanchions and another U bolt connection for my mainsheet that is approximately 8 inches closer to the bow should solve my issues with the bimini. Then I can start fighting with the pop top cover..!

 

[Ron20324]

It is possible to splice in another section of SS tube. Easy w/ a piece of 7/8 tube if yours are .049 thin-wall. If the thicker (.064?), it can be done with some work.

 

[CHSN WND]

I agree that splicing in a length of pipe is possible, but I'm not sure it's very practical. Ameriseam is acknowledging that the rear stanchions are too short, and the Bimini is brand new. I'd rather get the correct stanchions than start a patchwork of mods to fit a product specifically sold to fit my boat.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Chase wind;

Take a photo of your bimini and send it to me via forum email and let me look. I installed rgranger's bimini. I t should be able to deploy under the boom when in use unless it is another make than ameriseam. I was involved with the original measuring of the bimini but oh my mind is getting forgetful these days/

 

[twalker H260]

Chase wind I assume you are talking of adding a new bail (u shape) to the boom and not a new u bolt to the cockpit?

 

[CHSN WND]

Chase wind;

Take a photo of your bimini and send it to me via forum email and let me look. I installed rgranger's bimini. I t should be able to deploy under the boom when in use unless it is another make than ameriseam. I was involved with the original measuring of the bimini but oh my mind is getting forgetful these days/

Hi Dave,

Will do - I have another commitment so won't be at the boat this weekend, but will get down there next week sometime. The bimini is Ameriseam - the tag is still on the underside of the sunbrella material.

 

[CHSN WND]

Chase wind I assume you are talking of adding a new bail (u shape) to the boom and not a new u bolt to the cockpit?

Yes, to the boom. Sounds like 8 inches or so forward from the one that's in place no will give me the flexibility I need, either in the slip or sailing with the bimini up.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Rgranger;

Can you take a photo of the bimini deployed under the boom and post the photo here for me as I would appreciate it. Thanks.

crazy dave