Bimini for MkII

[seacatc34]

Do you have a bimini that's well designed and you're really happy with?  If yes, could you share dimensions, construction features, maybe photos?  I'm in the process of having one designed and I sure would like to make use of the features of a successful design.  

The ideal bimini would continue the dodger aft to the pushpit rail, to include covering the pushpit seats.  

Thanks for your inputs.

Mike Roy
Cat's Paw
#1373

[hdevera]

I too am considering a bimini.  I currently have a dodger and am debating a high bimini that goes to the end of the boom or a lower bimini that will be under the boom and cover the entire cockpit (overlaping the dodger). My other thought was just attaching a bimini to the dodger and tying it to the split backstays.

Any suggestions or insights would be appreciated.



Hal

[joel]

I use an awning that folds up when not in use and leans against the backstays. Takes one minute to open and it fits under the boom; quite inexpensive, maybe $$150. When open it fits over the dodger.

[captran]

I have a few photos of mine.  I can scan them on monday and e mail them.  I havent figured out how to post a pic yet.  I haven't even been able to post on the voyages section either.

I have Voyager, a 97 Mark 2.  It had a dodger and bimini that the previous owner put on.  Unfortunately the paperwork is on the boat and thats 3000 miles from me, and I don't recall which outfit in Florida made them.  

It is a traditional dodger.  The only thing I don't like about the dodger is that only the center window unhooks at the bottom and pulls up over the dodger top.  That helps ventilate the cockpit.  If the front windows right and left unzipped from the top we could get air into the two small hatches, which would be nice.  I also wish it were light grey.  It's a traditional blue and when the sun shines you can feel the increase in temperature in the cockpit.  There is a window that zippers in between the bimini and the doger.  We occassionally use it which keeps the cockpit more usuable when it's raining, but only a moderate improvement.  

The bimini goes back to the rail.  You get alittle protection in the rail seats, but not total.  Access to the side, around the bimini frame is slightly limited.

Let me know how I should get the pics to you.  I think I have a fairly good assortment, from most angles.

[John Gardner]

My boat came with a really simple approach - an awning.  It is rectangular, the width of the dodger.  The front edge zips to the aft edge of the dodger.  The aft edge has a pole in it and it just reaches the backstay.  A couple of ties near the center attach it to the backstay, just below the split, so it can't slip down.  Each end of the pole has a guy tied to the pushpit.  When not in use it is removed, rolled round the pole, and stowed.

It is stretched below the boom, so in light airs, which is when it becomes really needed, you could sail with it in place (though I haven't had the opportunity to do so as yet).  I doubt if I would want it up in a stiff breeze

[skip]

I agree with Ron's thoughts

I have just replaced my old bimini frame which was 7/8" aluminum and attached to the coming.  The old frame was not sturdy and the coming placement definitely restricted access to the stern and stern seats.   I fabricated a replacement frame from 1" stainless and attached it to the forward edge of the stern pushpit about 4" from the bottom.  The forward straps were run outbound to the railing to keep from getting in the way.

My bimini is also high and has a zip in front panel that connects to the dodger with clear plastic underneath a sunbrella roll up flap.

[Rick Niles]

Mike,

I have a bimini that I'm quite pleased with. I sent the measurements into Sailnet. Mine will be a little different from yours as I have a Mark I.  A few key issues when you measure: 1. Be able to turn a winch handle. 2. Be able to stand up. 3. The rear support can run smack into someones face in the stern perch seat, so it should be raised from the bottom a little. 4. Get a window so you can look to see your mainsail, mine is about 9x21 just aft of the backstays.  You can add a filler bewteen the bimini and dodger, in most conditins it's better to that area open.

Overall length- 68"
Height from top of coaming 57"
Width  78" ( Mark II should be a little wider)

If you like I can send you a rough drawing.

Rick Niles
Gentle Storm #1294