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 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Aluminum bimini frame		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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danc
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts
Initially Posted - 03/08/2007 :  23:53:07  Show Profile
We're looking at getting a bimini from Catalina Direct. The aluminum frame is about $220 less than the stainless steel. Most of our sailing is winds well under 20 kts, and if the wind did kick up we would fold it down. Has anyone bought the aluminum model and have comments on the durability? Also, would appreciate any input on the fittings - stainless steel v. nylon are the choices. We plan to keep the boat for 2-3 years so are wanting to be economical but not to buy something we will regret.

Dan
Dan Clawson
"Keta" C-25 SR SK
Hull #1901
Seattle
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Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts
Response Posted - 03/09/2007 :  07:34:49  Show Profile  Visit Justin's Homepage
I bought an off the shelf bimini from Overtons last year. Mine is aluminum and I figured for half the cost of stainless steel and for my needs, aluminum would be fine. I asked a similar question when I was shopping around and many member here have aluminum. I think one of the main concerns is make sure no one uses the aluminum frame as a hand hold. It could bend and they might go right over board. If you planned to keep the boat longer term and were really into cruising, then maybe the stainless steel would be better, but for most uses, aluminum is probably fine.
What type of rig do you have, standard or tall? Have you looked at the methods different members have used? I made some custom mounts that slide on the genoa track. If you need more details, just search for bimini install.
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cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts
Response Posted - 03/09/2007 :  08:13:07  Show Profile
I agree with Justin on not using it for a handhold. We have an aluminum frame and it is just not as sturdy as stainless. On the other question, the nylon fittings have a habit of cracking and need replacement. That is on the list for this year on ours.
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danc
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts
Response Posted - 03/09/2007 :  08:19:32  Show Profile
Justin,

We exchanged emails with you a few months back and are just now getting around to the bimini after more urgent maintenance and upgrades. We do have a standard rig.

Plan is to get the kit and take it to the boat to see where it would fit best. Then I can make better sense of the comments on the listserve.

I am leaning towards aluminum and your message confirms that it is a reasonable choice for the way we would use it. Thanks for the input!

Dan
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 03/09/2007 :  09:23:16  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by danc</i>
<br />Most of our sailing is winds well under 20 kts, and if the wind did kick up we would fold it down. Has anyone bought the aluminum model and have comments on the durability?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Dan,

I bought my TaylorMade clearanced aluminum framed bimini with nylon fittings in 2002 and I have not had any problems with it.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about having a bimini up in winds of 20 kts since biminis are designed primarily for powerboats with much higher apparent wind speeds. On two occasions, my bimini went through 50mph winds without batting an eye.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 03/09/2007 :  12:33:06  Show Profile
Funny looking Catalina you have there, Don...

I went with a stainless frame, mountings, and telescoping struts--sturdy as a bridge... then I sold the boat. The buyers came out ahead on that one.
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danc
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts
Response Posted - 03/09/2007 :  19:39:24  Show Profile
Just ordered the aluminum frame and nylon fittings from Catalina after confirmation from Mike and Don that the aluminum is not too flimsy for normal use. If aluminum holds survives Oklahoma winds it will thrive in the mild breezes we (usually) get on Puget Sound!
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 03/09/2007 :  21:13:41  Show Profile
I'm a new C-25 owner and a 30 year C-22 owner. Two years ago we finally bought a bimini for the C-22 and went with aluminum frame and stainless fittings. wish we had done it years earlier. We bought ours online from Boatcoversdirect and have been very pleased. It was less than Catalina Direct and they included a sunbrella cover for it free. I'm hoping to use it on our C-25 also, but with a tall rig, I'm told we may encounter problems with the boom height.
Good luck!
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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts
Response Posted - 03/10/2007 :  14:47:16  Show Profile
Somebody mentioned a quick release device. Found this while browsing at Overton's today.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?r=view&merchID=1006&i=33714

I also found Sunbrella biminis w/aluminium for less than $300. Anybody know the height from the coaming to the boom on a 250 SR/WK? How wide is the right width?

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?r=view&i=29793&aID=
Edited by - John Russell on 03/10/2007 14:59:15
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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.