Association Forum

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

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.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Biminis

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Page: of 2

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2008 : 07:40:35

Don,
Sorry, must have missed your comment in May. What the heck, I'll reply 2 months later

. It kind of looks that way doesn't it. It does barely engage the Bimini when there's no wind in the sail, should be a couple inches shorter. But the picture you see was taken from a "personal watercraft", you know, a very low point of view and so makes for an odd looking (but cool) pic.

Edited by - DaveR on 07/11/2008 07:43:59

1984Jireh
Deckhand

Members Avatar

1 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2008 : 12:37:11

A bimini is great when the sun is hot and 90+ but it's a trade off. Makes going forward more difficult. Mounting is critical...has to clear the mainsheet and boom. Genoa track toward rear doesn't seem to reduce trim flexibility much. Also adds some windage when backing into a slip...and we all know these boats don't back up well...especially with outboards.

Edited by - on

jesse camp
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
84 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2008 : 18:32:36

Hello 25 Fans

I found the best deal is with WWW.go2marine.com.
I bought a 78 inch wide by 45 inch high and 72 inch length bimini.
This is a standard 3 bow from Westland, Sunbrella, Pacific Blue
I got the SST (I dont trust Aluminum) It was about $375.00
Delivered. Works great on a 1987 SR, mounted on the deck not coamings.
PS I also bought a Tohatsu 9.8 Lngshft Electric Start from Onlineoutboards so far so good.

Sweetness!!

Jesse Camp
1987 5550 SrSK
Orlando, Fl

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

Members Avatar

USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2008 : 21:12:36

jess, christmas came early for you! Nice.
Steve A

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4316 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2008 : 08:03:50

Where can one get sliding track cars for a bimini. I'd like to mount my bimini on the genoa tracks.

Edited by - on

cat1951
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2008 : 08:21:56

Gary,
I have been checking on the genoa cars as well. So far, these are the least expensive, but you do need to remove the shackle loop and replace it with the bimini attachment brackets. At least that is the method listed in the Tech Tips here. If there is another way, I am all ears.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/46931/377%20710/0/genoa%20slides/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=genoa%20slides&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=genoa%20slides&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=2&subdeptNum=448&classNum=494

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4316 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2008 : 13:36:07

Thanks MIke. I find it hard to believe that no one makes these already setup for a bimini.

Edited by - on

josgood
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
57 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2008 : 15:15:06

Jesse,
I also have an '87 SR (WK)
do you have any photos of where you mounted it? how much coverage over the cockpit do you get?

Originally posted by jesse camp
 Hello 25 Fans

I found the best deal is with WWW.go2marine.com.
I bought a 78 inch wide by 45 inch high and 72 inch length bimini.
This is a standard 3 bow from Westland, Sunbrella, Pacific Blue
I got the SST (I dont trust Aluminum) It was about $375.00
Delivered. Works great on a 1987 SR, mounted on the deck not coamings.
PS I also bought a Tohatsu 9.8 Lngshft Electric Start from Onlineoutboards so far so good.

Sweetness!!

Jesse Camp
1987 5550 SrSK
Orlando, Fl

[/quote]

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2008 : 19:15:02

I have to get one. It was so hot in the sun Saturday that during the sail my wife jumped overboard to cool off. Although she did cool off, I dont care to have my wife jumping off the boat all the time when she gets too much sun.

I have to get one, I am merely deciding which one to get and sorting out the measurements.

Deric

Edited by - on

jesse camp
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
84 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2008 : 12:17:25

Hello 25 Fans,
I suggest making your ouwn measurements. There is a trade off
to where you mount your bimini.

If you make it lower it is harder to go forward, I can still crawl under mine fairly quickly, but a friend has his lower and he almost has to drop the bimini to move forward, mine stays up all the time.

I would suggest mounting on the combing if you have a dodger,
so you can go around the bimini.Unless you get a custom made bimini the sizes are generally 6 ft or 8 ft length. I dont believe an 8 ft would be an advantage. I will take some pictures in a next few weeks, Since I held off on goint to a Catalina 30 or34, I have
spent a lot of time painting, waxing, caulking and general over hauling so when I do sell, someone will get a pristine boat.

Jesse Camp
5550 1987 SK SR
Sea Trekker
Merritt Island, FL

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2008 : 16:26:00

Jesse Camp,

Please do post your pictures, let's see how it looks. I know I shall find it very helpful.

Deric

Edited by - on

josgood
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
57 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2008 : 09:03:07

Same here Jesse (photos

). any reason to NOT mount it on the track?

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2008 : 17:52:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by josgood
 ...any reason to NOT mount it on the track?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I was thinking about having a wrap-around windscreen made for my bimini, with a center section that could zip open to accommodate the pop-top and let air through--basically making the bimini into a dodger. Several here have done it... In that case, there's probably not much benefit to being able to slide the bimini.

Edited by - on

Patrice C25
1st Mate

Members Avatar

78 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2008 : 21:01:44

Hi,

I just got mine too from GMI, good price and nice quality.
I bought the S.S fitting kit, slide and support pole.
Very pleased.

The front strap are not tight, top is a bit wrinkle...

Slide installation, so I can move it over companionway, or back.

Holding when not used.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2008 : 18:01:51

I do not understand the point of the aft supports and they look like they will make getting in the boat with the bimini up very difficult. The forward straps are very effective and the same strap setup can be used aft. The straps simply go to the lifeline loop on the stern rail. To get on the boat you can leave the one strap unhooked and the bimini will still be very strong. I believe I would send those supports back and ask for a refund. Since they are SS they must have cost some bucks and they seem to be a powerboat option for boats with no stern rail.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2008 : 20:59:00

I got mine from GMI, too--a very good price, particularly with the SS frame and telescoping supports, and good quality--admittedly back when the US$ was higher than the CDN$.

To Frank's comment, my purpose with the supports was to be able to stow the bimini in an upright position rather than lying on the sternrail where it would affect cockpit space and access to the outboard. I found some clamp-on bases so the supports were attached to the sternrail. I liked them for the limited time I had Passage after that--Bruce Ross can chime in with his assessment.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/27/2008 21:03:21

Patrice C25
1st Mate

Members Avatar

78 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2008 : 07:56:52

Hi,
As mention by Dave, I find it very useful stored in an up position, out of the way all time.

Edited by - on

gregloew
Deckhand

Members Avatar

4 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2008 : 14:30:41

I like Cat1951's tip about modifying genoa cars to mount the base of the bimini. That gives you a sliding track for it. I could see it being rearward while sailing - to cover the cockpit, and not interfering with the genoa sheets. And it would be moved forward to cover the hatch area while anchored - you might not need a boom tent.

Has anyone out there actually done this - and can they share any insight? One problem I see is that the genoa tracks are not straight and parallel, they are curved. So as any boom is slid fore or aft, the base of the bimini would spread in and out. Maybe this is no big deal. Any comebacks on this?

Warm Regards,
Greg

Edited by - on

Patrice C25
1st Mate

Members Avatar

78 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2008 : 14:37:55

Hi Greg,

The genoa track slide for your bimini is possible, there is a guy here who showed some picture of is installation.
the thing is to find the slide and modify them.
The bimini structure can flex enough for this. I found it easier to buy the slide track from the bimini manufacturer.
The slide with S.S. fittings is less than 30$

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2008 : 14:41:30

Hi Folks,

Justin has a bimini set up that uses the genoa track.

Here is a recent email he sent to me. Take a look at the pictures at those links.

Hi Deric,

I just updated that old post with new links for the photos
(http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13176). I
regularly get emails about this project; a lot of people like my set up.
Here is my blog where I originally posted the project as well:
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/justinc25/?xjMsgID=14843

Good luck with the project. The bimini makes a tremendous difference on
these hot summer days.

Edited by - on

josgood
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
57 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2008 : 21:39:23

Frank, I have to allow access for someone that is handicapped and not very mobile at all. It looks like your Bimini doesn't get in the way if stowed forward when boarding from a slip into the cockpit.
could you tell me exactly where and what you bought?
C25 std wk
thank you so much for your help
John

Edited by - on

josgood
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
57 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2008 : 12:52:45

I just spoke with Catalina Direct (sales) and they have a car for the genoa track being made now specificly for a bimini to attach to. it should be on their website "any day now"

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2008 : 18:17:16

John,

Nice information about CD, too bad I already purchased the sliding car, and removable pins brackets to mount to the car.
I have to cut the loops off the car and drill holes to bolt the removable pin bracket on the car.
Okay, another custom job for me. I would be interested to know how much CD is planning to sell the custome car.

I have been looking at bimini colors as well. I think I may go with the color Frank had on his boat. Apparently, I have
a Mediterranean Royal Blue for my sail cover, hatch cover, rail cover, etc. -- so I was told - - and my color scheme is not standard. I suppose I could pay extra to have a custom colored bimini made, or choose a complimenting color. Frank's old boat looks close to the colors I have on my boat. Before I make a move on the color, I take a look at the samples Sailrite is sending me.

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2008 : 15:19:03

update:
I learned that - - from the samples sent to me by Sailrite - - the Sunbrella color I have for my main sail is Royal Blue. Whew, glad I took the extra step to confirm the color of the fabric rather than order a bimini with Mediterranean Blue. Do not trust those samples on the websites, they color of the monitor could be off, webmaster may have mislabeled the color, or the sample is too small. I decided to buy from go2marine. I have the slide cars and hardware now: I should be receiving the bimini in 7-10 days. I'll take pictures and post the good, bad, and ugly pertaining to the project of setting up the bimini.

Deric

Edited by - on

Page: of 2

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

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.