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New Bimini. Can't wait to splash her. Answs

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Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/25/2006 : 16:22:47

Just picked her up. Took a while.

Notice the aft edge of the bimini. We had her make 2 flaps that zip in (one on each aft side) and have velcro loops at the ends to attach to the stern rail when the sun is coming in aft like it is on the installers husband shown here. They go outside of the aft stay but when it's hot every bit helps.

Notice also there are windows on the front to make a poor man's dodger.

Also notice there is a piece of material over the companion way. We had her also make a tight cover that uses the existing pop-top snaps. We didn't want to use our pop-top cover to keep out the weather. The pop-top also left puddles when it rained. Didn't want to stain it.

After last year in the heat when the wind died we broke down and ordered it. We measured everything so that it "should" be sailable with it up. (minus the aft flaps of course.) We shall see.

Scooter
C25 '89 SR/WK #5878 "Square Knot"
Vandemere NC.

Edited by - Scooter on 03/01/2006 15:56:21

ct95949
Captain

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Aruba
300 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2006 : 17:58:25

Very nice!
Please give details:where did you buy it,what did it cost,who made it,how long did take to arrive,what is the coler and type of fabric? I'm getting ready to order one.
Thanks,Craig
P.S-does your hatch board cover go over the cabin top?

Edited by - ct95949 on 02/25/2006 18:01:42

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2006 : 21:32:09

That's a sharp looking top Scooter.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2006 : 22:37:44

I'll have to show Peggy this one, really nice looking and a great cruising addition!

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RBArrowood
Deckhand

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17 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2006 : 10:15:48

Scooter
That is really nice. When you give us more information about size please include the measurement from the cabin top to bottom of boom. I can't tell from the picture if the boom is raised or not. I really like the design.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2006 : 10:50:57

Nice Bimini Scooter!...I especially like the dodger windows!

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2006 : 15:41:03

Nice job. I wonder if you would have easier access to the cockpit from the dock if that back pole was put in the front down to the deck? Seems that way you could get in and out of the boat without hiking your leg over the pole. Cheers.

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Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2006 : 17:06:18

Try this again. I wasn't logged in the first time. What a drag re-doing this.

I got it in Swansboro NC at Shirley's Canvas 910-326-5200. I delivered the boat about Thanksgiving (I tink??)and got her back 2 weeks ago. It was a combination her schedule and ours. They are very much a Mom and Pop operation. He bends the frames and mounts hardware while she sews.

OK I'll give it up. It cost $1,750. That includes the 2 aft "flaps". You can't see in the pic but there's 2 zippers for flaps on the aft edge of the bimini. There are 2 flaps you zip on (one on port and one Starboard). They are outside the back stay and simply velcro loop onto the aft rail. They are for when the sun is aft like they are for her husband shown here. This price also includes the cabin cover and the "windshields".

About the cabin cover: It covers the exact same area the Pop-top does. It uses all the same snaps. Even around the Mast. There is also a sacrificial layer on the underside where the cabin top slide handle is to avoid rubbing through.

All covers are Pacific Blue Sunbrella. My wife thinks now we should have gone darker blue since it's slightly brighter than the blue stripe at the water line. I tend to agree but, too late now. It's not that noticable. On those hot days I doubt I will notice that at all.

The aft pole has a quick disconnect at the aft end (on the aft rail)and a hinge joint at the front upper end. That let's us move it out of the way at the dock. The whole thing is mounted to the deck with a low profile quick release. Seen here.

The center "windshield" zips all around. There is a "track" mounted on the leading edge of the cabin slide with one side of the zipper. This lets you unzip the center piece from inside. No snaps from the front outside. There's enough room for lines led to the cockpit.

Measuring: Sorry measurements will have to wait. She's on the trailer in our back yard. Hope to splash around Easter-ish. We raised the mast in Shirley's back yard. She had room for several boats. We mounted the boom and ran the main sheet (shown here) to the end of the boom. We also tied a line to the traveller. This let us swing the boom full range and adjust the boom. We let the boom down where the sail normally takes it and left some room for safety. Tugged on it to simulate load. I plan to install a topping lift just in case. I may use my old Standing rigging. I had to replace when I got her (kinked). Only time will tell if we measured right.

Notice the side "wings" are up on the cabin side. We left room to move forward. We had the luxury of testing this out with just the frame before she started sewing. I've seen many version where you can't get forward. The hope is we can sail with it up and no problems.

If we had to do it over:
1. Might put window in center to "see" wind vane on mast top. It may not be an issue so we left it out. We can always add it later by taking it off the frame and take it to her.

2. Darker color (Maybe)

3. Install loop in center rib to hang light under bimini. We can do that ourselves so maybe not major issue.

4. If we feel like it we might have side flaps made to help when the sun is low or if the wind is from the side on those cold dock nights???

After last year's heat and sun (and make-shift cotton sheet bimini) We can't wait to try it out.

Let you all know if anything major comes up with the design.

Thanks,
Scott

Edited by - on

Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2006 : 17:11:07

Also forgot:

One other thing we "may" have done different. The front frame could be slightly smaller than the aft frame. If that's possible. This would give it a more tapered look from the front. It looks a little "boxy" but not that noticable. Just a minor change we thought of after. It would give it a sleeker look. Less shade but sleeker look.

Not sure but we will have to see in the spring.

Scott

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