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 250 Specific Forum

Bimini

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Albanker
1st Mate

Member Avatar

USA
40 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/02/2014 : 12:18:55

I currently have a bimini I don't care for. It is lower than the boom and forward of the end of the boom. It is aluminum and so low one cannot stand behind the wheel and the rear seats are unusable. Another Catalina 250 near me has a bimini I would like. While it does not cover as much of the cockpit, it has no straps, the rear seats are usable, it is stainless, it has a window that can be used to view the masthead. I have read someplace that some bimini makers could also place 2 zippers for the backstay.
I have posted 4 pics--- 1 of my boat and 3 of the better bimini
would appreciate any assistance to find a reasonable source. Owner said he thought he paid 1600 which seems pricey for the size. He couldn't remember who made it.

Edited to make pictures show: C250 Editor

Edited by - C250 Editor on 01/03/2014 11:25:24

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2014 : 14:25:19

Al, that first bimini appears to be like my original but slightly longer.

When I had a new Bimini made this past year, we moved the attachment to the top rail of the cat bird seats like in the last 3 pics.

(you might want to upload the images to your account so that they are archived and visible.)

Moving the bimini to the cat bird sets made a huge difference. Ours cost $1800 but that included a boom tent that reached almost to the mast, a new cabin entrance cover and a back wall panel that zips into the top rear of the bimini (sunset shade). And all new stainless tubing and fittings. Very pleased with it but the company only does local work here in Fort Lauderdale (ok, he does canvas all over, but only when he flies out to the customer's boat! Twice! With Assistant!)

Paul

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2014 : 17:34:38

Here are some shots of my off the self bimini. Cost for this was around $300.00 plus the cost of the grouments and reinforcement which was around $60.00. As you can see there is plenty of room under it. You could have a plexi view for looking at the mast installed at the same time you have the grouments installed.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4303 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2014 : 20:11:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by frog0911
 Here are some shots of my off the self bimini. Cost for this was around $300.00 plus the cost of the grouments and reinforcement which was around $60.00. As you can see there is plenty of room under it. You could have a plexi view for looking at the mast installed at the same time you have the grouments installed.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Where did you get your off the shelf bimini? It looks just like mine and mine is beginning to show some wear after 6-1/2 years.

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2014 : 07:36:35

I ordered it from Overtons' in 2004. Mine is showing its age also. It starting to get tiny holes in it. I will probably replace it this spring. FYI I do not remove it except for hurricanes, so it has preformed well sitting out in the Florida sun.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4303 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2014 : 18:25:40

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by frog0911
 I ordered it from Overtons' in 2004. Mine is showing its age also. It starting to get tiny holes in it. I will probably replace it this spring. FYI I do not remove it except for hurricanes, so it has preformed well sitting out in the Florida sun.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I'm sure this is exactly the same model bimini I have minus the grommets for the back-stays.

Mine has the tiny holes also and it's been out in the weather for all but maybe 10 days since I bought the boat. I brought it home when Ike came through.

Edited by - GaryB on 01/03/2014 18:28:16

Albanker
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2014 : 15:33:06

Frog
Your bimini must be higher than mine. I just measured. It is only 63 inches from the cockpit to the bimini underneath the boom. The bottom of the boom is 70 inches from the cockpit. Where I would like to stand behind the wheel is only 67 inches tall. And from the stern seat (with no cushion!) to the bimini it is only 32 inches. I am sure yours is much higher. Perhaps my boom is lower?? However, you can understand my discontent!

Edited by - on

bsmalley47
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
17 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2014 : 05:44:30

I purchased a Bimini from Ameriseam a couple years ago......pictures posted on the forum at that time and also in the current gallery. Was a bit pricey, but attaches to the catbird seat rails and fit perfectly. Still completely satisfied!

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2014 : 08:22:02

Not the first time I have seen a cat-bird seat mounted Bimini with Struts aft and between the diagonal beams. But this pic shows them very well.

Bob, is there any method of quick release of those struts to facilitate speedy breakdown for trailing?

Paul

Edited by - on

bsmalley47
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
17 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2014 : 19:46:44

Paul,

The horizontal and vertical struts are held together by screws that have a large head for fingertip tightening....not a hard job to fold and place in the boot. The attachments at the catbird seats are clamps that are screwed in with a Phillips screwdriver.

Bob

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2014 : 12:22:51

Well the wind died off and the cold went away enough to take the lights off the boat and finally measure the bimini.

bimini:
6ft. long which covers the aft catbird to 4 inches past the boom with it swung all the way to port.
height form cockpit floor behind the wheel 76 inches.
height above the catbird seat 41 inches
width across is 89 inches.
note that it is mounted just above the rub rail.
Hope this helps you.

Edited by - frog0911 on 01/10/2014 12:25:16

Albanker
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2014 : 09:30:54

Took recommendation from association member and worked with Ameriseam in Tampa. They construct canvas for individuals but also are suppliers to manufacturers. James excellent to work with and gave me a very detailed measurement sheet. I think I must have remeasured 10 times to be sure I gave them good info--I was especially concerned about the backstays openings. I just installed my new bimini and mainsail cover yesterday and I am very pleased. The bimini has the height I wanted and stops just short of the boom. The rear pole attachments were made to the vertical post of the catbird seats. the poles slope both to provide great cover to those in the catbird seats as well as enable the catbird occupant to lean back and not have a pole in their back. The bimini is all zippered so I can stow the Bimini around the rear support if I want and I was provided a cover for that purpose. The frame is constructed as to allow for fairly quick removal if desired. Pics are attached and in the Photo Gallery under "Charmed". The price was $980 for the Bimini and $236 for the mainsail cover(included 2 Dutchman cutouts w zippers)which I thought was reasonable for a stainless product.
Al

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

Members Avatar

USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2014 : 13:27:24

Al, I had a custom one made. You can see it below. I can sit in the catbird seats and have an extension for the tiller. I moved the boom attachment 1' forward to give me more coverage in the cockpit. Oh it has 2 zippers for the backstays.
I paid a little over a grand, installed.
If I were 6', it might be a problem. However I could have had it raised to accommodate. I can't seeing sailing w/o it, at least in SoCal.
Steve

Edited by - on

CJRoxs
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2014 : 06:44:32

Frog, how tall is your Bimini? 36" or 42"?

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2014 : 10:23:28

From the mounting point on the gunnel to the center support is 54 inches. I just checked Overton's and the spec. would be the 6' long, 85-90" wide and 54" tall. The price has almost doubled since I purchased mine 10 years ago. YIKES

Edited by - frog0911 on 04/08/2014 10:37:38

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2014 : 17:45:18

[url="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Gunwhale"]Guhwhale[/url]

Paul

Edited by - on

CJRoxs
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2014 : 06:41:31

7/8" or 1"? Ameriseam sells 7/8" tubing where National sells 1"? It seems 1" would be stronger. However, Ameriseam will make it to my dimensions while National is a set dimensions and I would need to modify. I need a 5' bimini.

Edited by - on

Albanker
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2014 : 07:00:12

I didn't measure my tube size but it sure seems rigid. And you are right. All boats seem to measure a little differently, but Ameriseam measurements made sure it fit perfectly !!

Edited by - on

CJRoxs
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2014 : 07:16:14

Has anyone purchased from Marine and RV Direct? I like their prices.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELUXE-NEW-4-Season-Brand-Bimini-Top-Boat-Cover-46-H-x-79-84-W-6-LONG-BLUE-/310684856207?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear& hash=item485642af8f& vxp=mtr

Edited by - on

CJRoxs
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2014 : 11:44:46

I guess I was a little concerned about the 7/8" tubing. I thought 1" was the standard. However, seeing a bimini for less then $200 using 1" and a more expensive bimini using 7/8" left me wondering if those with bimini's that have 7/8" tubing have had any problems with the smaller tubing?

Edited by - on

Albanker
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2014 : 18:54:09

Stainless is much stronger than aluminum. You also pay extra for something that will fit your boat and need perfectly

Edited by - on

CJRoxs
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2014 : 22:56:36

I talked to James and he said he would send me a sheet for measuring. It took another call to get it. Then I sent him the sheet and now I'm waiting for a price. 1 day and counting.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4303 Posts

Response Posted - 06/19/2014 : 21:20:48

Mine is exactly like frogs above with aluminum tubes and it's been on the boat for over 7 years. Never had a problem and I use the tubes to pull the boat over to the dock even in very strong winds.

Edited by - on

CJRoxs
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/20/2014 : 06:14:53

Did you get yours at Ameriseam or OVerton's?

Edited by - CJRoxs on 06/20/2014 06:15:15

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4303 Posts

Response Posted - 06/20/2014 : 17:59:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by CJRoxs
 Did you get yours at Ameriseam or OVerton's?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
It was on the boat when I bought it. Somewhere deep in the cobweb's it seems like the PO said he got it at Overton's.

Edited by - on

CJRoxs
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2014 : 09:44:57

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by CJRoxs
 I talked to James and he said he would send me a sheet for measuring. It took another call to get it. Then I sent him the sheet and now I'm waiting for a price. 1 day and counting.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

1 week and counting. Called them yesterday and was told the he was working on it and would have me something by noon yesterday. Still waiting.

Edited by - on

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.