Stainless steel or aluminum bimini?

[John Powell]

I am currently boatless. I am looking at a Hunter 26, and a Hunter 27. Price is an issue. One of the differences in the two boats is that the 26 has a bimini. The 27 is the nicer boat but our local sail maker is talking $1200-$1500 for a bimini. Obviously the cheaper version has aluminum rather than stainless steels for the metal work. What is your thinking of the relative merits of each type metal work? Also, has anyone installed one the prefab biminis available here. I am not very handy (bad news for a sailor, but we can't all be perfect), so the ease of installation required could be a factor.Your thoughts? Thanks!John

 

[Chuck]

I'm with the 27

I'd go with the 27. The bimini is nice, but it's an add on.I have a H22 and have a store bought bimini from BoatUS. $150.00 was all it cost.You might have some adjusting to do with the poles but hey, you could Fup half a dozen of them and not hit 15 hundred bucks. No cutting should be necesary though. It was just a matter of where you bolt the legs down. And remember NO SCREWS!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

aluminum

If the width of the bimini is less than 8 1/2 feet, then aluminum bows are fine but make sure to take down during the winter as snow on the bimini will weigh it down and break. This includes the stainless too.Crazy Dave

 

[Ed Ruiz]

Where you plan to sail?

If you are going to sail on fresh water, then aluminum is fine. However, aluminum will pit when exposed to salt water spray. Stainless will hold up better and will likely last longer too. You will most likely get what you pay for.BTW, I was able to find a bimini with stainless steel bows for our Hunter 34 for about $650. Yours should be even less. (We got ours from Defender.)~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~