Who's Got a Bimini?

[Steve Braverman]

I'm thinking that a Bimini Top might be a nice addition to my O'Day 25, especially after having a melanoma removed from my ear, but I have some concerns. I like to be able to see what I'm doing while I'm sailing. Can you still see your main sail and Windex with a Bimini top up? Does it make getting in and out of the cockpit difficult? Do the jib sheets get fouled on the top bows? Am I paranoid?

 

[DannyS]

check out the Oday owners forum

There's a thread up right now regarding biminis and the O'day 25. It'll probably answer all of your questions.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Get the Bimini

Down here in the south, its almost impossible to sail without a bimini. Up north ( I'm a former Broklynite) the sun can also be pretty brutal in the summer. Most bimini are made with a clear plastic window that will allow you to look up and see your sail and windwx. Does it make getting in and out of the cockpit difficult? No. When sailing, it is somewhat safer because you have something to grab on to. When at the dock, sometimes they can be a PITA when getting on and off because you have to duck, but you get used to it easily. Especially, when you can sit in the cockpit in the middle of the afternoon. Do the jib sheets get fouled on the top bows? NOPE !!!! Am I paranoid? I'll talk to your therapist and get back to you on that. Overall......you will love your biminiTony B

 

[ruedi ross]

what TonyB says

wouldn't be without one. It's nice to have when it's raining too.

 

[higgs]

No brainer

In your situation, I would say the bimini is a must and deal with any of the drawbacks. The windexz will be harder to see, but invest in a wind angle instrument and you won't need the windex.

 

[Pa T]

If you are paranoid so am I

because I had posted less than a week ago with similar concerns about a dodger and bimini. Nothing like getting good free advice. I currently have both dodger and bimini. If I could only choose one I would keep the bimini to stay our of the sun and rain. I like the option of rolling up the bimini and getting it out of the way. I can unroll mine and set it up in 10 minutes or less when the rain clouds come in. And there are times when you would rather be out in the elements too. To close it up takes a little longer because you have a boot to zipper up over the canvas. Hope this helps you with your decision. And don't forget the sun block even if you do get the bimimi.

 

[caguy]

This applies to this thread too.

Frank

 

[jk kudera]

Have a "window" installed

in the bimini so you can see the tell tales or wind instrument, I just had a new bimini made, and added the window.

 

[newly anonymous]

I absolutely hate mine...

...but I consider it a necessary evil, at least for summer sailing.It's nice to have one that's easy to take down so you have the option of stowing it for an evening sail and yet deploying it at anchor even if you've only dropped a lunch hook.

 

[tweitz]

I love my bimini

I have found the bimini to be one of the best investments I ever made. I do have a window to see the sail, and it makes rainy or hot days much more pleasant. I don't find that mine gets in the way at all. One point to consider, though. I am quite tall, and the bimini as originally installed was too short for me. It was a pretty easy adjustment to raise it up, but as a consequence, the boom rubs on it a little and is causing some wear spots. I plan to put leather reinforcement onto it in the spots that the boom has marked, but your ability to satisfactorily compromise bimini location, boom height, all the lines, helmsman location, etc., is very individual to your boat and your crew.

 

[Allan]

have both

a dodger and Biminiand love both of them. This fall I had a window installed in the Bimini so I can now see the main and the windex, if you put a window make sure you have a flap put over it on the top side so you can cover it from the sun when not in use, it also keeps the bird bombings off it.

 

[Chuck Creel]

Bimini

Wouldnt be without it. Matter of Fact, i just bought a sewing machine to make and repair my own sumbella stuff.Maybe even make a dodger to connect to bimini to cover the hatch.Happy sailing;

 

[Glenn]

I hate mine

Took the bimini down when hurricane Rita was approaching two years ago and have not put it back up. The sun is a major concern everywhere, especially in the south. A wide brim hat will help. No you cannot see the main sail or the windex. Yes is makes it difficult to get into and out of the cockpit as well as going on deck. No the jib sheets do not fouled.You can get one that covers the helm only. May not make your guests happy.

 

[Wanderer138]

Ill take the bimini for $200, Alex

My bimini can go up or down in less than a minute, so I sail without it when the weather's nice or when I'm racing. When it's very hot and sunny, or raining or when I'm lounging at anchor, the bimini goes up. It doesn't foul the jibsheets in either position and it's handy for keeping the dew off when sleeping in the cockpit overnight.I have no windex, so I don't need to see the masthead. If I need to see the mainsail, I simply lean back or out because I'm usually on one side of the cockpit or the other. However, I could see where a bimini could be a pain if the boat were larger and had a wheel. It really comes down to what works for you.PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[Steve Braverman]

Which comes first, Bimini or Dodger?

I see that many of you with biminis also have a dodger. I also see that dodgers cost many times more than a nice bimini. If I were to invest in one with the intent of eventually having both, is it a bad idea to have the bimini first? I like the piece that connects them together. I always thought that dodgers were ugly until I sailed on a boat that had one.

 

[Steve Dion]

Dodger first but.....

Steve:If you cannot afford to purchase both parts at the same time you can think about an alternative solution.Have the dodger made with the intention of adding the bimini & connector later. This usually means that you will be having a zipper added with a protective cover added (this covers the zipper so the sun does not deteriorate the zipper. Then ask the canvas guy about added a fly. This piece will connect the dodger to the backstay. You just need a piece of tubing added to the aft edge of the fly to keep it in place and taunt. Although this is not the ultimate solution it is a cheap way to get some shade. We have sailed with this solution in moderate winds and it worded well.The dodger extends your sailing season and makes rough weather beating much easier. We find that it also extends the interior of the boat when the weather may be a little moist.Whichever way you go, just plan for the other item.