Just looking for ideas or possibly companies who sell them. I really don't want to go with a bimini due to cost and it getting in the way plus a height issue. I have searched Google images and see a lot of different designs including PVC framing that bend over the boom. I know there will be times where I anchor and sit and play in my kayaks all day but would love to have a tent over the cockpit to get out of the sun at least some of the time. The picture attached is a sweet design but looking for any others and any that are able to be purchased.
Cockpit tent
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You could simply take a hardware store tarp and drape it over the boom..lightweight and stows easily.
If you want the 'arched' shape, you can carry some lengths of tubing/plastic pipe and drape the tarp over that.(and/or sew tubes into tarp for the pipes) This would stow in a long, narrow package when rolled up and may be doable if you have somewhere to put it.
A pack of bungee cords will complete the package.
As a temporary thing on a daysailer I don't think you need to overthink this.
If you want the 'arched' shape, you can carry some lengths of tubing/plastic pipe and drape the tarp over that.(and/or sew tubes into tarp for the pipes) This would stow in a long, narrow package when rolled up and may be doable if you have somewhere to put it.
A pack of bungee cords will complete the package.
As a temporary thing on a daysailer I don't think you need to overthink this.
Agree on the overthinking and I do want an over the boom style tent. The reason why I just don't want to tie it down to whatever is I do not have lifelines/stanchions so the tie down points would be low to the cleats. I would want it to stay up higher on the sides to be able to view out. You would think somebody would sell a quick and easy one but I haven't found any company doing this...yet!
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We have one of these.. it folds into a small bag (smaller than a sleeping bag) and hangs on a halyard.. you'd still need some tie down points, but you could add some padeyes on deck...
BLUE PERFORMANCE SUNSHADE FREE HANGING - MEDIUM BP160 Binnacle.com
BLUE PERFORMANCE SUNSHADE FREE HANGING - MEDIUM BP160 Binnacle.com
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I used a stretchy strong nylon with oak ribs. Wood works great as a spring when tying it down. Holds up great to high winds and can be deployed and retrieved in high winds. Eight tie downs, two to the mast, front and back and three long lines from the ends of the oak battens to the base of my stanchions. To deploy in high winds, I connect the front tie to the boom then unroll it in the boom and tie off to the boom in the back, then tie off as needed. I made a jean pants leg to make a sleeve bag with draw string on the open end to store it. Over the years the oak battens have a nice curve to them. I made this 20+ years ago, only use it a few times a year and it is holding up great!
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A fellow sailing friend gave us their Blue Performance boom tent/tarp. It's got a lot of adjustable strapping and ceiling vents, and it rolls up to a pretty small package, although I suspect a simple tarp would be almost as effective.
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Think about a storm fly from a Walmart tent. Cheap, available and it comes with poles, lines and some screen to make a companionway cover too. If you have a topping lift, you can adjust the height for more comfy accommodations. Another way to go . . . look up AnchorShade for ideas.
I like the idea of a hardware store tarp. I would likely go with a Harbor Freight white one. Not quite as unsightly as a blue one and cooler. They are cheap enough that you can experiment with it. Once you get it the way you like it you can use it as a template with sunbreala or the like.
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PVC electrical conduit works pretty well.
I used 2 - 10' lengths of 1 1/8" dia(I think) PVC electrical conduit, to support a 10' wide awning over our cockpit and part of the cabin.
Cut the full lengths in half, drill a few holes in the cut ends(not the bell fitting ends). Run some 1/4" nylon 3 braid through the the(dry, no glue) assembled pipe and then holes on the ends.
Knotted tight, you can pull the two pieces apart to store(stretch of nylon) easily in a cockpit locker.
I fit the sockets together and lay one pole at the forward edge of the awning(tarp)-over the boom, and one about 2/3rds of the way aft. The awning is lashed to the PVC(reason for extra holes the conduit), and lines run down to either lifelines or toe rail(I use both)
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We've been using the two poles for many years. They're a little flexible but keep the awning high off the deck with tie downs and light tension, even in a little wind. We added a ring in the middle for a halyard lift(you don't need that unless it's big).
The awning is simply hemmed sunbrella(last 1/3rd is tapered to fit inside mizzen rigging), grommets around the edge, with a slit with clips, to go around the backstay.
Mid day sun, it is wonderful and we rig it often here in the Northeast.
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I used 2 - 10' lengths of 1 1/8" dia(I think) PVC electrical conduit, to support a 10' wide awning over our cockpit and part of the cabin.
Cut the full lengths in half, drill a few holes in the cut ends(not the bell fitting ends). Run some 1/4" nylon 3 braid through the the(dry, no glue) assembled pipe and then holes on the ends.
Knotted tight, you can pull the two pieces apart to store(stretch of nylon) easily in a cockpit locker.
I fit the sockets together and lay one pole at the forward edge of the awning(tarp)-over the boom, and one about 2/3rds of the way aft. The awning is lashed to the PVC(reason for extra holes the conduit), and lines run down to either lifelines or toe rail(I use both)
We've been using the two poles for many years. They're a little flexible but keep the awning high off the deck with tie downs and light tension, even in a little wind. We added a ring in the middle for a halyard lift(you don't need that unless it's big).
The awning is simply hemmed sunbrella(last 1/3rd is tapered to fit inside mizzen rigging), grommets around the edge, with a slit with clips, to go around the backstay.
Mid day sun, it is wonderful and we rig it often here in the Northeast.
I am starting to consider just a bimini--just a cheapy to start and for my little boat that should be fine. Love the idea of up and down easy and I am used to having one on my last power boat. The boom is pretty darn high on my P165 so the bimini would easily go under that. My mother in law is a seamstress with commercial sewing machines at home so I think I would have her sew in windows so I could see the sails and just keep the bimini up.
I think I would mount the bimini on the cockpit coaming and not the deck. I like to be able to walk the deck if needed instead of stepping around the bimini poles.
Thoughts?
I think I would mount the bimini on the cockpit coaming and not the deck. I like to be able to walk the deck if needed instead of stepping around the bimini poles.
Thoughts?
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Overkill for a 16 foot daysailer.. sailing it with a bimini would be impractical, windage would be a bigger issue than for a bigger boat.
By all means get a sunshade for the 'lay in the cockpit with a beer' moments, but when you're sailing you want the clear sightlines for trim, you need the ability to react and move where you need to in a hurry.. I just don't see it...
JMO, as ever....
By all means get a sunshade for the 'lay in the cockpit with a beer' moments, but when you're sailing you want the clear sightlines for trim, you need the ability to react and move where you need to in a hurry.. I just don't see it...
JMO, as ever....
Honestly I don;'t think I would ever have it up while sailing so scratch the windows sewn into it but I if I get one I would mount it on a 2-3 foot slide mount (single post) so I could slide it over the companionway if chosen or all the way back to the transom. I plan on sitting for those beer moments a lot both at the slip and on the lake.
Small boat so small bimini;
3 Bow Bimini Boat Cover 6' 600D UV Waterproof Top Boat Cover w/ Storage Case New - Walmart.com
I have one of these but I see I paid more than the current price. Keeps the sun off.
I have used it for two years and expect it to last a few more, not the best quality product but it does what I need.
3 Bow Bimini Boat Cover 6' 600D UV Waterproof Top Boat Cover w/ Storage Case New - Walmart.com
I have one of these but I see I paid more than the current price. Keeps the sun off.
I have used it for two years and expect it to last a few more, not the best quality product but it does what I need.
Thanks and yup, I wouldn't spend above $200 on it...looking at this one and put it on slide mounts to move it forward and aft.
Premium 3-Bow Bimini Top
Premium 3-Bow Bimini Top
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Hey,
I plan on buying one of these:
Taylor Made Anchorshade III - 6' x 6'
Taylor Made Anchorshade III - 6' x 6'
Size: 6 Feet x 6 Feet, Maximum Height: 8 Feet, Includes Straps
It will be around $100 in the spring when Defender has their big sale. I will use the main halyard to get it above the boom. The tie down straps are adjustable so I can find somewhere to tie them too.
I tried a beach umbrella but I couldn't mount it well. I tried a tarp type thing but it didn't work well. I will probably use this 5 times a year so I will chance $100 on it.
Barry
I plan on buying one of these:
Taylor Made Anchorshade III - 6' x 6'
Taylor Made Anchorshade III - 6' x 6'
Size: 6 Feet x 6 Feet, Maximum Height: 8 Feet, Includes Straps
It will be around $100 in the spring when Defender has their big sale. I will use the main halyard to get it above the boom. The tie down straps are adjustable so I can find somewhere to tie them too.
I tried a beach umbrella but I couldn't mount it well. I tried a tarp type thing but it didn't work well. I will probably use this 5 times a year so I will chance $100 on it.
Barry
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Wonder why there is no boom on that boat? Maybe because they don't sail it?
Yea, thought that was odd, as there seems to be a jib hanked on.
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Jib only.... the Bimini won't allow a mainsail, so might as well not pack the boom around....
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This is the same top I had on my Catalina 27. It held up for four years, did a great job of keeping me cool during mid day, and was still in good shape when I sold the boat. However, the guy that bought the boat from me failed to cover it when not in use and it was quickly destroyed by the sun and snow.
Gary
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