And advice on building/buying a bimini frame? My boat is an MK1. I see the SailRite kit, which is around $900 for a 3-bow kit. I plan on having the fabric custom made to fit the backstay unless there's an off-the-shelf option.
I'm in the market also. Did you see the full custom Bimini on Catalina Direct? I think $1250.
I was quoted by a local canvas shop here a sunbrella canvas custom for ~$1700, no frame.
Catalina Direct's photo of the top installed is terrible. It says it fits a 34 or 36. Shown on a 22. It's 54" high at the mounting point. I'll have to do some measuring. It looks like the cover would have to be modified for the backstay.
SailRite is about 2 grand, all in.
Pete,
I'm sure there's a one size fits all option available but that's probably what it will look like. Boats are expensive and so are their accessories most boat covers makers do custom work about the only thing they have off the shelf are winch covers. when you order a Bimini or Dodger or whatever they come out take measurements then build it from scratch when it's done they come out again and fit it to make sure it's right. When they are done your boat looks better not just because the covers are new but because they also fit properly. It's unlikely you be able to say that about something off the self but it will be a lot cheaper.
A quick search of Marketplace showed me several frames that are affordable (IMHO).
If you need measurements of an existing frame, I'll be at the boat tomorrow.
If you're handy, building your own Bimini is a great winter project. I've built two and used Sailrites tutorials and materials for both. I didn't use a fancy machine for the first one I built on the boat prior to my C34 and I happen to know it's still in service many moons later.
Here's a picture of the one on our boat including the "top hat" for the back stay.
If you really want an exercise in futility, build a dodger....I sewed every bit of green canvas on this boat with the exception of the wheel cover and I now completely understand the cost of professionally built canvas.
Guys : One of the installation items you want to think about is - what do you want the Bimini frame to attach to on the boat?? Deck coming? or the stainless push pit rail?
I elected to have it attach to the push pit rail. That way it left the area in front of the Bimini frame more open for easier docking!!
I also agree that it is better to get a canvas shop to make it all. It will be a few more "Boat Bucks", but everything will match and line up!!
A thought
Quoteadvice on building/buying a bimini frame? My boat is an MK1. I see the SailRite kit, which is around $900 for a 3-bow kit. I plan on having the fabric custom made to fit the backstay unless there's an off-the-shelf option.
Is there a dodger now or in the future? If so the bimini needs to be designed with that in mind. Otherwise a bimini is a generally straight forward project. Shamrock's starts a few inches from the end of the boom about boom height when level and ends over the stern seats. You do need to accommodate the backstays with slits and zippers, if you have a backstay adjuster that further complicates things. Especially if no dodger you may want to add a zipper to the forward end for a boom tent attachment. I had one made that zips to the bimini and goes over the boom to the mast. Works great at a hot anchorage or even a rainy day.
Look at this. https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,11907.msg97001.html#msg97001
Jim
It's got a dodger and a zip-on sunshade that isn't much use, even when docked.
QuoteIt's got a dodger and a zip-on sunshade that isn't much use, even when docked
I suggest you plan on fitting the dodger and new bimini with a filler/connector piece. It completes the shade and helps keep the rain off.
Jim
Peter,
I looked into a Bimini addition early on with my boat and decided against one. Aside from the expense I found them overly complex with a lot of parts and they're rather bulky and unless the sun is overhead they don't seem to provide much shade unless you add side and back curtains which of course adds to the expense and complexity and it looks like someone erected a tent on the back of their boat, I'm sure a lot of people love their Biminis I'm just talking about what went into my decision not to get one.
What I did instead was have a cover made that attaches the full width to the back of the dodger and stretches to the backstay with a shackle then I ran a length of PVC through the back edge loop and using ties attach the ends to the aft railing. I provides good shade as well as keeping rain and the morning dew out of the cockpit. Just an alternative to consider before you commit to a Bimini, it's a lot cheaper too.
I have the same set-up as Kevin. Can't use it sailing, but it works great for when anchored. Sailing I wear a hat!
An example of bimini being mounted to the pushpit rail and gate stanchion. I added SST tube as a top rail from the pushpit to the gate stanchion port and stbd as well.
Like others said, think about how you want to use the boat. A cover for shade and rain protection at anchor only, a bimini may not be worth the expense. A cover for shade, rain protection underway, and lots more it would be.
I mount my boat hook, gaff hook, 2 x 175W solar panels, AIS and GPS antennaes, double block to hoist my 3 hp outboard on/off the dinghy to the mount on the pushpit, 12V cockpit power box, tablet for chart plotter repeater, help store spare anchor, and cockpit led lights to the bimini. I have other photos if interested.
We made a copy of our filler panel using Phifertex. It's a vinyl covered fiberglass screen. We get the breeze through it, can see where we are sailing and it cuts out 70% of the sun. "Sailrite" carries Phifertex 70% and 90%. 90% is darker, only letting10% sun through.
Just my solution
Phil
Very interesting idea. Do you have a photo of it installed?
Noah,
I can use mine when motoring or when I've just got the jib up on a long tack. I've never tried it with both sails when sailing I like to keep the cockpit open. Don't forget the sunscreen with the hat!
Also I have a drop cover on the back of the cover that attaches to the aft railing it's made from the same screen material Phil is talking about. It's one version of what's know as the "Avalon Cover" it's specifically designed to protect the cockpit from the late afternoon sun in Avalon, if you've been to Avalon you know what I'm talking about.
Kevin— the vertical drop down "Avalon cover" for while moored/anchored seems like a good idea. Too late to rig for this trip as I am heading North Thursday AM for two weeks. Might experiment with a couple of towels and clothesline spring clips when there.
Noah,
It's the best time of year to be in Avalon, the weather is hot, water warm, crowds are gone. I've seen people trying make due with towels and clothes pins that 3pm to 5pm sun coming straight into the cockpit can be brutal. I didn't coin the phrase "Avalon Cover" while talking to Harbor Custom Canvass I was telling them what I had in mind and he said "Oh, you want a Catalina Cover, no problem we make a lot of them for power as well as sailboats." Avalon gets a lot of traffic from San Diego so your cover guy may be familiar with them. When in Avalon they're worth their weight in gold!
For a quick and low cost prototype try this from Harborfreight. I made up one, use it in the fall when the sun hangs low. I just clip and or tie it. Doesn't look good but does work.
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-ft-x-10-ft-mesh-all-purposeweather-resistant-tarp-60577.html
Jim
Thx Jim! I might try that!
Jon, no pictures of the Phifertex in place. Will try to take pictures in the next few days. Also made a piece to zip across the back and a piece to zip on the side. With zippers the full length of both sides, the side piece can zip to which ever side needs shade.
Sounds great Phil, thanks.