Your input requested for Canvas ideas.

[bronze]

Now that I am retired, I have been thinking about building my own combination Dodger, Bimini and Rear Radar Tower. I would like to incorporate my radar, GPS, Communications, wind generator and solar panels into one general area. Redoing the complete bottom and topside are already started. I am rebuilding my Hunter 25 after sitting idle and out of water for almost 20 years. Setting it up for single handed sailing is my first priority. Any advice, Ideas and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ron20324]

When I bought my B323 I could look at their recent sales and see how the locally made bimini/dodger/filler (for $5200) were fitted. I was not happy with the dealer's source, so made my own. In particular, make it as wide as you can secure the bows, and no higher than you need it to be in order to walk under the bows withour hitting your head. This will give you maximum rain and sun protection.

 

[capta]

I would be very cautious about adding a lot of weight at the stern of a 25' boat. It could seriously alter your boat's sailing and motoring performance. It could also add a great deal of windage to the stern, making her very difficult to control in a bit of breeze.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

SailRite has CD's available on "how to" do things like Biminis and dodgers. They also sell all the materials needed for do it yourself.

WWW.sailrite.com

The SBO Store here on this site also sells Bimini tops, etc. Might be worth a look.

And I am in full agreement with Capta- seriously consider what that much additional windage will do to sailing performance-you don't want to become one of the "Kroosers" with all the "Crap on the Back" so the boat won't sail for beans.

 

[Tejas]

For ideas, both overall design and minor details, I walk the docks.