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Jonathan Cuff
Navigator

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Cayman Island
173 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/23/2007 : 20:30:20

Hi Guys

I thought I'd start a separate thread for this. Do any of you know if there is a 'standard' bimini you can get for the C-250? I've searched the forum but couldn't find anything. I'm just wondering how they are mounted. Down here in Cayman it's pretty essential!

Cheers Jonathan

Pie Sees 2 C25 #5686 1987 SR/WK

Edited by - on

bill bosworth
Navigator

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USA
172 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2007 : 21:37:35

Hi Jonathan;
I wish I could find the thread that I referred to when I purchased my bimini. The thread has very specific insturctions for installing a standard, off the shelf bimini. I purchased mine off the web for about $250 it required that I had two large Grommets installed for the back stay, it has been a great and ecconomical addition to the boat. We are on the road currently but will be back home in about a week. If no one can point you in the right direction I will be able to give you the size and source that I used.
Bill
C250 wb #134 Serendipity

Edited by - on

Jonathan Cuff
Navigator

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Cayman Island
173 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 07:38:07

Many thanks Bill. I hope you have a good trip.

Cheers Jonathan

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 08:53:12

What year model is your 250 and does it have the catbird seats?

Edited by - on

Jonathan Cuff
Navigator

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Cayman Island
173 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 10:14:05

Hi Frog

It's a 1998 SR/WK #398 with the cat bird seats.

Cheers Jonathan

Edited by - on

Steve Raffel
Captain

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262 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 10:30:24

Go to the Members page and click on Bubba. Send him an email and ask him for his write-up on installing a bimini. I can't find it using the Search but it was posted in August and is very well done.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 12:11:10

Try this:

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/frayed-knot/projects/bimini.htm

Edited by - on

Jonathan Cuff
Navigator

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Cayman Island
173 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 16:28:25

Brilliant! Thanks guys.

Cheers Jonathan

Edited by - on

Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 16:57:41

Jonathan, my boat is a tall rig like yours, so we have the same challenge in fitting something under the boom. You'll note in the project page that John provided that I used a 91-97 inch wide bimini. The poles have some flex to them so they can cover a range of widths. If I had to do it over again I'd probably get the next size narrower, which is 85-91". I found that bending the bows inward stressed the mounting brackets. Guess I should add this note to my project page...

Check [url="http://www.taylormadeproducts.com/catalog/"]Taylor Made's website[/url] and click on "Bimini Tops & Accessories.
Then click "Bimini BoaTops". Then click "Other Boats". That will take you to their sizing menu.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions:
nmforester at comcast.net

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 18:36:39

Jonathan
I opted to have a Bimini built to fit.

I wanted as much headroom under the Bimini and as much cockpit coverage I could get. I had to make a few modifications in order to get what I wanted.
First I had a "Flattening Reef" installed. Its essentially a cringle located about a foot above the boom on the leach of the main. Racers use the flattening reef for better sail trim, I use it to raise the boom higher so I could get a taller Bimini. With this modification they were able to build the Bimini high enough so I can stand under it.
Second I wanted as much coverage in the cockpit as I could get. I moved the attachment point for the main sheet about a foot forward on the boom. All that involved was drilling a hole and moving the main sheet shackle to the new hole. This allowed the Bimini to extend forward about a foot more. I also wanted coverage over the catbird seats, to get this we had zippers installed so the Bimini could fit around the aft stays. You can now sit in the catbird seats and be in the shade.

I had one side of a zipper sewn to the front edge of the Bimini and we sewed the other side of the zipper to a matching sunbrella tarp. I can now zip our shade tarp to the front of the Bimini.

Over the winter I had zippers put in the sunbrella channels where the SS Bimini bows slide through so I can now unzip and remove the sunbrella material without taking the frame apart.

Edited by - Tom Potter on 02/24/2007 18:41:07

KD4AO
Navigator

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USA
202 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2007 : 14:28:22

Just wondering if anyone has seen this Bimini alternative called "Protecht Mantis"[http://www.pro-techt.com/product.cfm]. I sure looks like it has possibilities for use on the C250. It is available with Sunbrella fabric in several colors and there are several mounting options as well.

Edited by - KD4AO on 03/15/2007 14:40:36

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2007 : 23:24:09

Fred, I followed Keith's instructions and it turned out great. Here is the link. The only problem is that the pictures will not come up since shutterfly change it's format. Maybe Keith can redo the picture urls. I used the 90-96 wide by 6 feet so it would go outside the life lines and cover from the cat seats to the mainsheet. I think it was 54" high, but not sure. My boat is a SR/WK.

http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6289& SearchTerms=bimini,-,250,for,307.20

Edited by - on

zebra50
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2007 : 13:48:56

My Bimini is from a place in Florida, I can get the info if you are interested. It projects forward just under the end of the boom and to the rear just in front of the cat seats. The rear stays run through two sleeves and all is zippered up with plastic heavy duty zippers. It is made out of Sunbrella material.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2007 : 19:03:16

I was also having a hard time finding the details necessary in order to purchase a, "off the shelf" bimini so, I went to the source the folks at Catalina were VERY HELPFUL. Thanks to Kent at Customer Service and Warren at the plant in Florida (who physically went out and measured a boat in the plant) I now have these measurements.

Measurements:

Length of cockpit from edge of cabin house to aft edge of white plastic stern seat = 105"
Width of cockpit at where coaming (outboard)meets cabin house = 88"
Width of cockpit where seat hatch starts = 85"
Height from bottom of boom to cockpit floor = 66" (boom approximately level-est by hand)
" "" " " " " " " " " " " " " to coaming (mid) = 44" " " "
Bonus measurements:
Height from cockpit seat to cabin house deck = 21"
Height from deck at mast to underside of boom = 34"

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 14:18:28

I just bought a bimini last night for my 1999 C250WB. I measured the bottom of the boom to the cockpit floor to be at 65" and where I'm going to be attaching the the bimini (outside of the coamings as in Jay's picture above) to be 47". Note that my boom may be 1" too low. This should give me about 1-2" clearance under the boom. the standing height should be 64" from the floor. I measure 70" so unfortunatly I will have to bow my head down a bit when standing.

The bimini I chose is the Westland 46" H x 72" L x 85"-90" W. Part number 4687A-X. Pacific Blue Sunbrella (with boot) and Nylon fittings. $271.34 + $58.66 (shipping to Canada) = $330. I'll probably be hit with another $50 of duties and taxes. Got the best price from www.go2marine.com

Sometime in the future I plan to add that bimini raising apparatus to give me the extra 7" clearance so I can stand under it while not sailing.

Just wanted your opinions and see if I didn't miss out on anything here. Will I have to move the attachment point for the main sheet foward a bit, and what about the backstay?

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 06/01/2008 16:20:23

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 15:42:54

I'm very interested in learning your solution to the backstays.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 16:06:27

On our bimini (Catalina standard I am guessing) there are two holes for the backstay wires to go through and a zipper that closes them. I don't use the bimini so I can't take a photo but someone else must have that model as well.

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 16:13:36

Here is what I'm thinking of doing for the backstay. I stole the picture and idea off Tom's KnottyCat web site. I'm thinking of mounting the bimini over the catbird seats like Tom did. Earlier I was concerned that the bimini would go forward too much making it difficult to go from cockpit to cabin top but using's Tom's method it will be great. I'll probably have a bimini extension done someday going from the poptop to the bimini.

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 06/01/2008 16:16:24

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 16:15:46

Is there a flap or something covering the top side of the zipper

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 16:18:52

No idea, maybe Tom can answer that one. Good idea though. Flap with velcro. I think with a good quality nylon zipper that water won't go through. Even if it drips a bit it's not a big deal.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 16:36:31

Here is the view from the top. It has a velcro cover over the zippers.

Here is the close up of one of the holes.

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 17:20:44

Thanks Randy, I'll use your pics and have this done. I appreciate you taking these photos for me.

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 19:09:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Steve Blackburn
 No idea, maybe Tom can answer that one. Good idea though. Flap with velcro. I think with a good quality nylon zipper that water won't go through. Even if it drips a bit it's not a big deal.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Steve,
There's no flaps over my zippers. I don't recall any leakage either. I'm more concerned about the sun.

I have since had zippers put in the pockets that the bimini bows go through, so I can remove the sunbrella without removing any hardware or the bows. Before I would have to almost take the bimini poles apart to remove the sunbrella.

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2008 : 21:02:36

Thanks for documenting this so well Tom (and everyone else). You have a great web site. I'm also not overly concerned about rain but rather the sun. Now if I would be on the West coast that might be another matter. You wouldn't believe how many boats have full enclosures over there. In fact it rains so often over there that you don't have much choice if you want to sail at all.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

Members Avatar

USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2008 : 15:50:05

I was at a boat show in Dana Point, CA this weekend. First let me say I fell in love with the brand new 375. Wow, I want one. In my dreams: $230k fully loaded.
Back to reality, it had a very nice Bimini which covered the catbird seats. There was a SS mount on each seat and used a zipped system for the backstays. I just wonder, as I sail from those seats, if you vision would be impaired especially reading the tell tales on the jib.
I am still considering moving the main sail boom attachment point back about a foot but that would move it several inches past vertical, toward the bow. Not sure I want to do this.
I also measured another c250 in my marina and the height from the floor to the bottom boom is about 5" higher than my 250. I might be able to raise it a little higher but not 5". But since I am only 5'7' tall, its not critical as getting as much coverage in the cockpit as possible, including the catbird seats.
Steve A
PS has anyone sailed the new 375 or read any reviews. One I read was very positive. In the meantime if you want to go in as partner, drop me a note!

Edited by - piseas on 06/02/2008 15:53:05

Keith D.
Navigator

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USA
233 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2008 : 19:42:39

Jonathan Here ia an old post on this subject I put out in 2004. I wil repost it because in the arcive the pictures links have been lost. I do not get on the forum much any more but here is what I did.
Well I spent Saturday putting a bimini top on my 250. I ran my powerboat for 2 years without one and after putting one on, it was the one best thing I ever did to it. I didn’t know why I didn’t put one on from the show room floor. So having had this boat for five months it’s got one. What I haven’t figured out yet is why everyone wants to put a custom top on instead of an off the shelf model. As with the powerboat I took the measurements and went to Iboats.com and got an off the shelf bimini top. They had one which would fit for $307.20 part #4687A and for $25 more they sent it with all stainless fittings. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the custom tops but it works for me. I could probably add a window later if I feel the need. With the money I saved I got a Raymarine st60 series close haul wind gauge so I won’t have to look up at the Windex anyway. The only thing I had to add to the top was two #6 grommets to give the back stay a place to go through. Like all the other tops on the 250’s it will fold up on the backstay if you want the sun. I am a trailer sailor so it goes on and off when I put the mast up. I did also take it off with the sails up by taking one backstay off at a time. I wasn’t under sail but with the sails luffing there wasn’t any problem removing one stay bringing it to the outside of the bimini and reattaching it and then doing the other. There is no real reason you would ever need to do this but I was just looking at the possibilities. It folds forward under the lifelines for when it is on the trailer so you don’t need to take it off completely. Well here is some pictures what do you think?
This first picture is with the mast down and the back stays through the top. It is ready to bring the mast up.

The second picture the mast is up and it is hanging on the backstay the tie down straps are not attached yet.

The next picture the tie down straps are in place and the top is fully up.

Here is a side view. And the next two are details of the grommets.

The front tie down straps is hooked to hull mounted eye straps, which are put in with stainless sheet metal screws provided with the top. They are outboard enough so if I think I need to put nuts and bolts on them the hole will come through behind the rub rail. The eye straps on my powerboat are on the same way and I go blasting around at 50 mph all the time and they haven’t pulled up holding down an 8’ bimini.
I originally did mount the front tie straps to the front lifeline eye but it looked very strange, too far forward and not enough down. It would look ok if I changed the mount for the main sheet a foot further forward and brought the bimini forward.
I wanted the bimini outside the lifelines so the measurements I came up with are 88” wide 40-46” tall and 6’ long.
I brought the back stays through the top with #6 grommets. They need to be that size so the fittings on the ends of the back stay will pass through them. To find out where the grommets should go measure from the floor to the canvas on the binini. Then go to the back stays and mark the same height on the wire with a marker or a piece or tape. This is the point the stays will go through the canvas of the bimini. Then take a plumb bob holding the string at the point marked on the wire and make a mark on the floor for each of the two stays. At this point you will need to remove the two back stay wires. I tied a rope to the junction point and ran it over the mast carrier, at its highest extension, and tied it off on the rear rail. I could have used the main halyard and kept the backstay out of this totally. This got the backstays out of the way so I could mount the bimini wherever I wanted it to be. Mount the bimini and double check the height of the bimini is still what your original figure was. Now you can take the plumb bob and move the string around on the top of the bimini until it is directly over the marks you made on the floor for the stays. This will give you the exact spot the backstay wires will pass through the top so mark the top at this point and install the grommets. You can now reinstall the backstay wires through the top.
The bimini did come with a cover but will have to be modified with two zippers and a flap to get around the backstay wires when it is folded up on the backstay.
I hope this helps

Keith

Edited by - on

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