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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Bimini Installation

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LeighMarie
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USA
188 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/07/2002 : 22:59:40

I have purchased a bimini from Catalina Direct which looks very nice. I have a 1985 C25, SW, and we tried to see how it would install but then I realized the main sheet coming off the back of the boom gets in the way. Has anyone else installed the Catalina Direct bimini, and how have you done it? Have you had to move it forward quite a ways to not have it interfere with the main sheet? Heightwise, does it also interfere with the boom, or have you had to cut the bimini legs shorter? Goodness knows we haven't had to worry about a hot sun yet in Muskegon, MI, where our boat is, but I would imagine (hope?) that the sun warms up and that the bimini would be a good thing. Thanks for any suggestions!

Dave & Sharon on "Leigh-Marie"
Hull #5128

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mroettersr
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USA
148 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2002 : 00:16:23

Hi,
My bimini is installed fairly far forward to the point that it covers a small portion of the cabin hatch cover. It appears PO's had tried the bimini further back but moved it up. I like it where it's at since I can see the main from the rear of the cockpit and still move forward to get in the shade when I need to. On my SR, raising and lowering the bimini does rub the boom but it is clear of it when raised not interferring with the main sheet or the boom. Hope this helps.

Mike Roetter
'83 C25 # 3568 SK SR

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Mike Vaccaro
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2002 : 15:43:36

Dave,

We recently installed a tall bimini on our '84 tall rig. It was actually a hell of a project to build the bimini, then get it properly rigged on the boat--now I know why it costs so much to buy a quality bimini and have it installed on the boat! We learned a bunch, and some if it may or may not be applicable to your installation.

The first was overall height, since the height of your bimini is fixed, not much to worry about here. The overall goal is to have at least two inches between the top of the bimini and the lowest point on the boom. We mounted ours to the deck, this allows us to collapse the bimini aft (against permanent supports) or forward (lies upon the coach roof). If your's is wide enough (74-76" required), recommend you do the same. It is possible to adjust the overall height of the bimini by cutting a portion of the lower mounting. Depending on design/manufacture, you can probably remove up to six inches of tubing or so. If you do, you'll be able to lower the overall height by a proportional amount. Keep in mind the high point of the bimini is the middle bow (this allows water to run-off properly), so it's best to simply hoist your main and open the bimini on the boat. This is a two-person job! By hoisting the main, you'll be able to see the bimini's relation to the boom and the main sheet.

Once you've got the height properly adjusted, you can then determine fore/aft placement. Standard bimini lengths are generally four, six or eight feet. You can measure half the bimini length forward from the end of the boom and mark the mast. This will be the location of the center bow of the bimini. With the bimini in position, simply mark the deck where you wish the main mounts to be attached. Before you drill any holes, however, check to see what you're drilling into! If it's practical, recommend that you use machine screws and bolts for mounting vs. wood screws. But this is only practical if you have access to the back of what ever you're drilling into. If you are mounting to the deck, the configuration of the aft coachroof bulkhead is not symetrical port/starboard, so you may want the bimini slightly forward to accomodate mounting. Due to the aft mainsheet, you'll only be able to cover half of the cockpit at best; but on the plus side, a six foot bimini will then also cover the companion way, keeping it cooler down below.

Incidentally, it is possible to build a bimini large enough to stand under and walk under on a Catalina 25, but it requires a shortened mainsail and boom--this entails quite a bit of work to get it right!

Best of luck,

Mike Vaccaro on the Swoose
84 TR/SK #4707

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Rick Heaverly 86 C25 5382
Navigator

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Belize
206 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2002 : 08:20:20

We purchased a bimini from catalina direct last year and installed it on our tr/fk. Installation was fairly simple. I positioned it forward enough to keep clear of the mainsheet, which also then covers a portion of the companionway hatch. It is attached to the deck.

Since we have a tall rig I barely use it when closed hauled, the boom does rub on the middle bow then. If needed I can reef the main to raise it up some to keep it clear of the bimini. I was thinking of a main for a standard rig to eliminate the need to reef on light air sunny days.

Rick Heaverly
"Invictus"

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swarchitect
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2002 : 22:18:15

I have been contemplating a bimini for my 1982 standard rig 25 as well. There are about 7 other 25's in our marina, and I went looking last week at other bimini installations. The previous owner of my boat apparently had one as the mounting hardware is already in place. My concern in looking at my boat and others is, when you mount it forward enough to clear the main sheet, doesn't it make it hard to go forward to raise or lower the sails?

In my evaluation, I have also been considering running the halyards to the cockpit, which may eliminate the problem, but that means I am facing (2) semi-expensive upgrades at once.

Scott Webb
Hull #3134

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Rick Heaverly 86 C25 5382
Navigator

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Belize
206 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2002 : 09:09:39

It does make it inconvienent to go forward. I will either unhook one of the forward straps and crawl in between the frame and companionway or collapse the bimini forward and go around it. It is determined by what point of sail I am on.

We normally use the bimini if we are on a point of sail for a long period of time.

I do not use it when racing or short tacking.

The downside for me is that I sail by watching the tell tails on the head sail and they cannot be seen when sitting underneath the bimini. So I am constantly either moving forward or aft to get a look at them.

Rick Heaverly
"Invictus"

Edited by - Rick Heaverly 86 C25 5382 TR-FK on 06/12/2002 09:14:00

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.