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Red Red Whine's New Bimini

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RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/09/2008 : 18:34:57

Here are some new pictures taken today at Lake Mead.

You can see the expression on my friends face. She thinks the boat is going to tip over. I showed her, healed at 20 degrees, that we will be fine. In this next picture you can see the Bimini set up when I am not sailing. On the cat bird seats you can see the new cushions that I had made. I am 6'3 and I can stand under the bimini with out having to duck. My goal was to set up a Bimini that can stand under when sailing or not. I have a few tweaks to work out.

Here is the complete list of all photos. Take a look and let me know what you think. I will post more soon.

[url="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o242/bolter303/Bimini/"]Bimini[/url]

Don and Kim Young
Las Vegas Nv
http://web.me.com/bolter303/Our_World/Welcome.html

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 23:49:54

Don very nice job especically with back stay. You said you had someone do that for you.Tell me more about that. Was it a canvas company? Did you order bimini or is it home made.
Also any reason you did not bring bimini to the traveler attachment point on the boom? And do you feel you have protection in cat seats and can still sail from that position.
I am hesitating even doing a bimini as I want full cockpit and cat seat coverage w/o spending a fortune.
Finally, nice job on cushions. Were they ordered?
Steve A

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2008 : 10:31:16

If she's scared of tilting over now, wait until you put the jib up!

Boat looks terrific. Nice work.

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RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2008 : 13:41:12

Steve,

The Bimini was from [url="http://www.boatersoutlet.com/"]Boaters World[/url] and it is made by Carver. The Bimini did not come with the grommet holes. I had that done here in Vegas. I went all over the place but could only find grommets that were 1/2" in diameter. I wanted three things from the top. First I wanted to be able to stand under the top, I am 6'3". Second I wanted to be able to have a cover that protected the cat bird seats. And third I wanted to be able to use it while under sail. Most boats I saw have the Bimini under the boom, so that while under sail the boom can swing over the top. This did not work for me. That means the top needs to have grommet holes. I lowered the mast and set the top up than worked around how to make it all fit. I raised the mast and tried to find how and where the backstay will pass through. I had the frame set up and only the back section (top) was attached to the frame. I than unrolled the top to the backstay and marked the area where I felt they will pass through. I than tried to find the grommets. I called a lot of upholstery shops and no one had any. It is not just the grommets but the press as well. I went to a upholstery supply store and found the grommet's. They had a bag of 30 1 1/2" grommets for $45. However the press was $180. I asked if they new anyone who bought that size grommets and they suggested I call drapery companies. They gave me the number of one who makes custom drapes. I called them and talked to a guy that said he had the press and a couple of the grommets. I met him and he did the holes for $10. Not bad.

The reason I did not go to the traveler point was because of height. I have the companion way frame and cover. My plan is to set up the Bimini and the companion way cover and than attach a new cover between the two. I have not done this yet. I want to spend the rest of the summer sailing and will work on that part in the winter.

The cushions were done by a friend of mine who does a lot of sewing. I took off the seat and gave it to her. She made a template from that. I than ordered some sunbrella material for her to make it. She made the cushions and there is a fabric strap that velcro under the seat so they don't blow off. I than bought some rubber insulating pad (1" in diameter) from Home Depot. I gave her the pad and she cut the fabric to completely wrap around the pad. It than fits around the bar on the catbird seats. I took the fabric and had it embroidered before she sewed it together. I will get them this week and will attached a picture.

The cover that came with the Bimini will not fit now because it zips up on the bottom, and the backstay goes through the top. I had the girl that mad the cushions take out the sipper and use velcro. I also had her cut a hole in the top with a velcro slit to the bottom. That way I can use the cover with the backstay passing through.

Here is a picture of the top over the catbird seats.

When I sail I make the two front straps longer, which loosens the top and makes it flap in the wind. I added the grommets,(gold ones) in the front and back of the cover myself. I use three bungee cords and after I make the straps long, which moves the frame away from the sail, I use the bungee cords to pull the top tight. I hope this explains this. If anyone needs more pictures or and better explanations let me know.

Next I need to work on the headsail. My jib is torn due to sun damage and I need to buy a new one. I hope to do that soon.

I added a few more pics at the site if you care to look. [url="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o242/bolter303/Bimini/"]Bimini[/url]

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2008 : 14:55:12

Nice job Don. What size of Bimini is this?

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RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 21:19:01

Steve the Bimini is 6' long, and the width is 79"-84" and I think it was 46" tall. I will have to check on that.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 22:54:47

If the height is 46", did you lower boom?
Steve A

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RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 08:23:32

Steve A,

I did not touch the boom. I will check the measurement today but I am sure it is 46".

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 13:45:36

I am assuming you are measuring height from [url="http://www.defender.com/images/101161_2.jpg"]here[/url].
The height of the boom, as measured from the floor of the cockpit to the bottom of the spar, is between 68-70"'s, plus or minus.
I wanted the same 3 things you wanted, first to be able to stand under the top. Second I wanted to be able to have a cover the the cat bird seats. And third I wanted to be able to use it while under sail. The 4th thing I want is to also cover the entire or at least the majority, the cockpit.
Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 08/12/2008 13:52:43

RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 20:25:12

Steve,

The measurement you are referring to is correct. I will call the company tomorrow and make sure on my measurements. I will be back on the boat Saturday and will take a bunch more pictures and measurements if anyone wants them. When I was out this past weekend it was nice to be in the shade when it was 110 degrees.

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