tophatyachts.com

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has a bimini on their boat. I would consider getting one, but I think the backstay might get in the road. Maybe they are more trouble than they are worth too, but the shade would be nice while sailing.

Grateful for any thoughts...

Scott.

Evening Scott,

I fitted one which I attached to the stern pulpit.
I had to get the canvass cut and fitted with a velcro closure to allow the backstay to do its thing.

Phillip
SEAKA

I'm also looking at fitting a bimini, any chance of seeing a picture of your bimini Phillip

Regards

Mark

Evening All,

Am going out to the boat tomorow (sunday) and will get a selection of photos.

Those who want them should send a private email to me, via this site, with an email to which I can post them.
I will keep the sizes down to around 100kb each for those on a dial-up.

Phillip.
SEAKA

Have just successfully installed an off the shelf bimini for the summer - (if it ever comes!). Bought the 1.3 -1.5m 2 bow version and measured up for a zipper from the side for the backstay. The zipper cost half as much as the bimini itself - done professionally. It is mounted on the top pushpit rails and is just above boom height to get sufficient headroom. The transom-mounted VHF and 27Meg aerials needed to be angled slightly aft. The benefit will be not getting scorched in mid-summer, but I doubt it will keep the rain off unless it comes down vertically (at anchor or mooring). It is no trouble up when sailing and has survived the 30-35 knot westerly breezes over the last few weeks.

Cheers

Hi Rob

I had one of these. It eventually got shredded in a strong breeze. The stitching failed in multiple places except where the zipper was sewn in. It seems the origonal sewing thread is not UV proof. It was great while it lasted (more than 2 years) so at the price I have no complaints

Next time I will buy a cover and furl it up when not in use.

Cheers
Keith

hi Scott
fitted a OCEANSOUTH WtiteWater series 1.5-1.7m bimini
makes boating more enjoiable.
see photo at TOP HAT group at facebook
ps.you need to cut the fabic & fit a openended zipper or valcro
Sylph
salt pan creek

Hi All,

I have the smallest square of blue tarp you can buy [about 6'x6'] which I rig between the bimini and my traveller rail, this, when at anchor, keeps the rain out

The cover while not in use is a must, as mine has faded greatly indicating that the material is not really up to UV abuse .

Now Rob, all you have to do is make a seat to fit across the stern, buy a whitworths Comfy boat cushion and cut it to size so you can sit in the shade while sailing .

See, do one thing, and that means you have to do something else .

Phillip
SEAKA

Hi Phil

I have had the seat across the stern for a few years now - the soft comfy cushion is the next thing! I take my father who is nearly 80 out for a sail - he loves "his" seat, and can steer easily from there while I do the real work on the winches etc. I should have a look at making up a cover for the bimini - the sewn in zipper is of an obviously better quality than the bimini itself.

Cheers
Rob

Finally got that Bimini, does a great job at keeping the sun off. best $600 I've spent so far