adding a bimini

[timangiel]

My wife and I love our boat but sometimes the sun is a little much to take. We would like to add a bimini but I have no idea how to begin. I have looked around the internet but all of the biminis Ihave seen are shown on power boats. Is there a difference between the biminis used on power boats and the ones on sailboats? I am sure my back stay would have to pass through it. Where is the recommended place to buy? The boat is a '79 S2 8.0B if it makes a difference.

[craigtoo]

Hi timangiel

I can't answer your post/question exactly.... but I just wanted to share a little bit about what I learned having just bought a boat with a bimini.

It's a love hate relationship. For me.. there is nothing more frustrating than looking up and not being able to see my sails from the helm, except through a small little window... ghrrrrrr

The other problem is mine isn't easily "collapsable" (is that a word?) so when I go out racing I have to unzip and remove and un-screw... it's like a 10min process to break down and a 20 min to re-set up. (Tools, small screws and everything... holy crap!)

However, I can't imagine sitting in the sun now in the summer without one. It saves the skin on the top of my head! Very...very nice...

So.. If I were to order one custom made I'd get a big window in the top with a flap that covers it. ....and.... one that has thumb screws and is designed to fold up.

As far as "who" ....I'd start with a phone call to North Sails...but again, I'm sure there will be *way* more (and probably better) recommendations than that from our super-informative membership here on SN.

North probably doesn't make the frame and such.. but I'm sure they could recommend someone...

Hope that at least gives you a little bit of help...

[sailingdog]

Where are you located? There is probably a decent sailboat canvas person within a reasonable distance of you, unless you're in EBF.

This past weekend, I went out for the first time in several years without the bimini up... and got pretty well roasted by the summer sun. It makes a huge difference in the comfort of the cockpit.

I'd also second getting one made with a window and zippered cover for the window, since being able to see the telltales is a good thing—but sometimes shade is much more necessary.

[craigtoo]

Hay!

EBF ain't that bad! We got a Wal-Mart now!

[chef2sail]

We love our bimini...especially on a 100 degree chesapeake day where you can bake your brains out,,,and it is quite versitile as it can be folded in seconds.

Let me try and describe it. 3 bow.All when folded rest on the backstay. Two bows inside. One on the outside. Canvas is simple.Three tubes attached to the bimini camvas with zippers to close the tube around its bow . One tube for each bow which sits inside the zipped casnvas tube attached to the canvass of the bimini.

The Bimini Piece between the last bow inside the back stay and the tube outside the backstay has a 2 zippers. Both zippers start 1/2 the way down each bowand meet at the backstay with the backstay sticking through the canvas.

The bimini has 4 web straps which hang from the four corners and attach to the toe rail ( Two at the stern corners and two almost all the way when the cabin begins, giving rigidity when the bows are let out. To fold the bows all you do is release the straps, fold the bows leaning against the backstay. , and wrap the straps around the material and bows upper portions and clip. We even have a cover piece to use should we decide to keep the Bimini up for a long time. The window has 4 snaps and rolls. We also have a wind instryument so we rarely look up, plus we can read the sails tell tales for proper shaping.

[WDNSail]

Chef2 sail
Your Bimini sounds perfect. can we see a photo of your boat that shows the Bimini up close.

Thanks,

WDNSail

[sailingfool]

Biminis are generally custom made for sailboats, I guess if you own a large volume boat, say a Catalina 30, some big canvas builders may have stock biminis, which would still need to be fit on the boat.

For your boat, you should get some quotes from local canvas people, but you should be thinking $1000+.

I also attest to the value of a bimini on a hot day, it really makes a full day in the sun much more comfortable, well worth the money.

[Sabreman]

We love our bimini. I think that it's the same as Chef2's. See the attached link to see photos of the configuration. It stows against the backstay in seconds. I agree that it's a pain not being able to see the main, but it beats roasting on the Chesapeake. I built it last year and it's not that hard to do if you take your time. Only cost about $250. I used RiRi zippers that are UV resistant and have a 5 year warranty.

VICTORIA’S Bimini

[Queequeg]

I have a Ranger 33 and did not want to spend the $ for a custom bimini. I bought a standard one from Overton’s for a few hundred, it was Sunbrella and came with the cover. You can cut the poles to adjust the size a bit. I am able to have it up when sailing and the boom clears it easily. It is perfect at anchor, I also bought some bimini clips which are cheap and allow you to attach other covers to the bimini.

[negrini]

Tim, regardless where you are, take a look on web and give Jim a call there. They really understand sailboats biminis and will be able to provide you tips you'd never consider.

http://www.customcanvasofcharleston.com/

...... enjoy !!