Mainsheet/Traveler Bimini setup

LASWACK · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

Hey All,

Anyone have some experience with a bimini or an enclosure when the mainsheet and traveler are located in the cockpit right in front of the helm?
Thanks!

paulk · #2 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

That's the problem we have. Our dodger is set up with attachment points at the aft end to tie in to a bimini... when we figure it out. Right now I'm thinking that a pair of hoops over the helmsman could strecth a bimini over him, and that a separate piece of canvas could go between the dodger and the bimini with a big two-carriage zipper, curved on an arc to allow the mainsheet tackle to pass through wherever it needed to go. Our backstay is also right there, so it's an interesting design problem. For now, we wear hats.

Faster · #3 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

There are plenty of dodger/bimini combinations here in the PNW that have something similar to what paulk describes - and, of course, plenty of boats that have that traveller arrangement.

What most here seem to do is have a bimini aft of the mainsheet to protect the helm position, and a removable section that fills the gap between it and the dodger. I've not seen, as I recall, one designed to actually keep in place while sailing, but I suppose it could be done. The tricky part would be matching the arc of the mainsheet, which will not be a straight line, and the curved slot would need to be supported somehow.

Around here the connecting section has a zippered or velcroed cutout for the mainsheet (as the bimini would need for the backstay in most cases) but just for one position, usually amidships or wherever your favourite traveller position is at rest. They are left in place when motoring in the rain (or harsh sunshine), and often have window panels in them for visibility. These sections are usually removed for sailing, although for a long run on one particular tack the sheet would probably clear the canvas. (Jibing would be more work, of course!

LASWACK · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

Paulk - What boat do you have ? and Faster thank you for the input. I am looking at a Bene 42s7, but married to a fair redhead! I obviously want all the benefits of traveler/mainsheet that is managable by the helmsman, but need the protection of a bimini for the other helmsmen. I am very surprised that this is not a more talked about topic.

Thanks Again!

Faster · #5 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

This one:

View Boat Photos - YachtWorld.com

has what you're looking to do.. but unfortunately there's no good angle.. and I'm betting the bridging canvas between the dodger and bimini is not meant to be used while sailing...

paulk · #6 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faster

The tricky part would be matching the arc of the mainsheet, which will not be a straight line, and the curved slot would need to be supported somehow.

That's why I call for a two-carriaged zipper. The curve would follow (approximately) the position of the sheet at various points of sail. The two zippers would enable you to slide the opening to wherever it needed to be and have the rest of the zipper supporting the shade. Sort of like luggage, where you can padlock the two zippers together anywhere along the opening. The other problem I've seen with this "full coverage" type of shade, even on boats that have cabintop-mounted travelers, is being able to look forward while standing at the wheel. To see through the dodger, you need to be sitting. Full coverage also makes looking up- to see if the main or jib is luffing, for example - quite difficult. Putting windows or "skylinghts" in the bimini... sort of defeats the purpose. We sail a J/36

Faster · #7 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

hey.. a whole new routine...
"Bearing off.... ease main, traveller down - oh oh - get the zipper - trim ..".

As far as the 'skylights' go, everyone here has snap-on covers so you can have the shade when you need it, and the visibility and light when you'd rather have that (underway and in the rain)...

PaulinVictoria · #8 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011

You want one of these:
Mobile bimini

LASWACK · #9 (**permalink**) 02-21-2011

That is the solution!
No stainless, stows nice, just need it in matchin sunbrella!!!!

Seriously, I want to go full enclosure for when on the hook or at a slip, but need protection for the helmsperson - a fair redhead who goes from

to

I appreciate all the input.