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Storyteller1950
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts
Initially Posted - 04/09/2016 :  08:31:34  Show Profile
I am thinking about buying a bimini from Catalina Direct. The stainless steel version runs about $700.

1. If you have experience with the Catalina Direct bimini, I would like your thoughts / review.
2. If you have a different / better source for a bimini, I would like to know about it.
3. From the picture on the Catalina Direct web site, the bimini sits pretty far forward -- seemingly to clear the mainsail sheet and backstays. I wonder if the bimini offers much protection for the helmsman/woman.
4. I'm thinking that another strategy would be to install an arched traveler over the companionway (forward of the cockpit) and run the mainsheet off of the middle of the boom so that the bimini can sit farther aft to offer better protection for the helmsman/woman. Any thoughts?
5. If an arched traveler makes some sense (see number 4 above), Catalina Direct sells one for the Catalina 27. I can use measurements to see if it will fit, but I wonder if anyone on the forum has tried this (using an arched traveler attached mid-boom) and would share the results.
6. I'm also thinking about a dodger. It seems possible to make a dodger so that the top of the dodger attaches to the forward arch of bimini frame and the bottom of the dodger snaps to the deck (over the companion way). Any thoughts or sources / plans for a dodger?

I received such great help with my first questions (about using an outboard on Lake Michigan) that I decided to join the association.
Edited by - Storyteller1950 on 04/09/2016 08:34:59

DavidBuoy
Admiral

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USA
707 Posts
Response Posted - 04/09/2016 :  09:54:45  Show Profile
Here's a cabin top traveler setup in tech tips..

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/tech/tech25/bonbon.asp

Captain Rob & Admiral Alyson
"David Buoy"-1985 C25 SK/SR #5053
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts
Response Posted - 04/09/2016 :  13:52:35  Show Profile
With a bimini forward of the end-boom mainsheet, you can add a windscreen and side screens that turn it into a dodger, as shown here. The center panel of the windscreen can be sized so that, when unzipped from the two sides, the pop-top can be raised. I was thinking about having a canvas shop do this to my bimini.

I found that by sitting a little forward but within easy reach of the tiller, I could generally be shaded except with the sun coming from astern. I did like that with the bimini a little forward I could stand comfortably at the helm, looking over the top toward the leeward side and under it to windward.

If you have a pop-top and want to switch to mid-boom sheeting to move the bimini aft, you might want to consider putting the traveler across the cockpit seats up against the cabin bulkhead. Somebody here (maybe several folks) have done it. Here's a cabin-top version.
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts
Response Posted - 04/09/2016 :  13:58:45  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by Stinkpotter


I found that by sitting a little forward but within easy reach of the tiller, I could generally be shaded except with the sun coming from astern. I did like that with the bimini a little forward I could stand comfortably at the helm, looking over the top toward the leeward side and under it to windward.Here's a cabin-top version.

If you have a dodger, that's a really big advantage. It gets really annoying to have to constantly steer while looking through a dodger's foggy or wrinkled isinglass, especially while sailing or motoring through an anchorage. It's nice to be able to stand up and see over the bimini.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore
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Storyteller1950
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts
Response Posted - 04/09/2016 :  17:40:58  Show Profile
Stinkpotter, I really like the dodger that you linked to. I can see that the installing a dodger is much easier and simpler without a traveler over the coach roof. What you and Steve are saying about being able to stand while at the tiller makes a lot of sense as well. Maybe I can use the money I would have spent for a traveler and get a dodger made.

My boat is scheduled to be out of the marina's shed and in the yard on Friday. If all goes well (and it quits snowing), I may be sailing on Saturday or Sunday. It's been a long winter.
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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts
Response Posted - 04/10/2016 :  04:55:41  Show Profile
Here is a photo of the mid boom sheeting on my boat.


The Bimini is aft and with the boom tent in place makes the cockpit a nice place to be when overnight if raining or want to be in the shade with pop-top up.

Bartlett sail in Austin did the bimini.
1988 WK/SR w/inboard diesel Joe Pool Lake
Hobie 18 Lake Worth



Life is not a dress rehearsal. You will not get another chance.
Edited by - hewebb on 04/10/2016 05:02:19
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jduck00
Captain

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USA
313 Posts
Response Posted - 04/10/2016 :  06:14:03  Show Profile
I like that setup. Might have to do that.
Jeremy Duck
The Lucky Duck
1980 SKSR Hull # 1850
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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts
Response Posted - 04/10/2016 :  08:14:33  Show Profile
I like it too! I've been tossing around an approach for an all line , mid boom traveller that doesn't interfere with the poptop for awhile.

Dave B. aboard Pearl
1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399
Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle
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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts
Response Posted - 04/11/2016 :  15:28:10  Show Profile
Order it wider than you need so there is enough material to hang down on the sides. The cockpit is narrow and shade is difficult for every seat, deep sides helps a lot. Making a frame smaller is easy since trimming tubes is often a part of installation anyway.
Frank Hopper
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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.