What is this canvas for?

[jonelli]

Hi! So, we were going through all of the canvas that our MkII came with, and there's one thing we just can't figure out what its for...

One of the sets of canvas is a cockpit awning cover/dodger extension, similar to the one in this picture:
http://www.charterworld.com/images/yachts/catalina30.jpg

So, this next one is a mystery!
We just can't figure out what this is supposed to do? It has a zippered hole to one side and some very specifically trimmed pieces on either end. It doesn't have any snaps or buttons, just the grommets in the corners, and there's three PVC poles that go in it. It tapers wider on one end. Any ideas?????

 

[Bob S]

I don't have one but maybe a boom tent?

 

[Sanman]

looks like a fore deck awning, maybe? The forestay would pass through the zippered hole, the PVC poles fore and aft to hold it open and tie the forward PVC to the pulpit and hold it all up with the Spinnaker halyard attached to the aft pvc pole?

 

[FourPoints]

I've seen that before on a J/109, the main halyard (while clipped of on the end of the boom) goes through the zipperd opening, the closer end of PVC gets tied to the backstay, and the farther piece gets tied to something forward with the PVC resting on top of the boom.

It's a race boat temporary bimini.

 

[jonelli]

FourPoints, I think you're right and that's exactly what it is.

The dodger extension canvas we already have is fine for shade in the cockpit, and I don't see a huge need for this piece of canvas. My wife really wants a fore-deck canopy, so maybe I'll just turn this into something else.

 

[FourPoints]

FourPoints, I think you're right and that's exactly what it is.

The dodger extension canvas we already have is fine for shade in the cockpit, and I don't see a huge need for this piece of canvas. My wife really wants a fore-deck canopy, so maybe I'll just turn this into something else.

If you decide to do any racing, particularly extended or distance racing, then you'll probably regret not having this piece. The idea is when doing a race you take off the bimini / dodger and leave them behind (to save the weight of all that metal, if nothing for the windage), but keep this onboard since it's very light. When you get to the dock at the end of the distance race, or at the end of the day of a multi-day race, you put this up and have some shade. I've also used them on days when you're out there for several hours under postponement waiting for the wind to build before a race, and put one of these up, It once prevented a crew mutiny...

 

[jonelli]

I totally see your point. Though I never plan to race.
I never plan on taking the dodger off for any such reason, in fact I want to get a real Bimini like just about all Hunters have.

I'm a lazy vacation sailor.
I want every sail to be like a BVI charter, music, drinks, islands, jimmy buffet, light breeze, etc.

In fact I have two extra jibs and a spinnaker that I'll likely never use either.
I may try the spinnaker one time for s&g's, but it's too much work for me.

 

[FourPoints]

I totally see your point. Though I never plan to race.

That's what I said 5 years ago, in 2 months I'm competing in the Beneteau 36.7 North Americans...

Racing makes you a better sailor, which allows you to be more prepared and able to cruise. So even if you never once race your boat, I would still encourage you to get involved with some local club racing, it's a lot of fun (at least if you get on a good boat) and you learn a lot.