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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

bimini

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Dan Lamb
1st Mate

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USA
26 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/07/2010 : 11:00:47

My wife and I spend a lot of time on our boat in the summer both sailing and relaxing in our slip. The sun can get very intense at the 9,000 foot elevation on Lake Dillon. It can become very uncomfortable sitting in the cockpit. I've looked at the prices of the ones on various web sites and really liked the one Rick has on his boat, but money is tight right now and we've decided to just buy the fabric and make a very simple one that attaches to the safety line and simply draps over the boom. Does anyone have any ideas or comments that might help our efforts to succeed. I have seen one that had 1/2" pvc supporting the canvas and the pvc created a nice curve to the fabric. The fabric had little pockets added on the bottom side to accept the pvc and keep it tight. Does anyone possible have any pictures of one they've made?

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2010 : 11:48:10

Dan, it sounds like you're describing a boom tent rather than a bimini. I think it's a great idea but, unfortunately, you can't sail with a boom tent in place.

I have an idea for a boom tent that involvesdraping over the boom as you described then, when I get to the topping lift, having a split with "tails" that extend over the split backstay and snap(or zip or velcro) together forming an awning at the stern. This way, I'll use the booma and backstay for the "structure". Now, the cool part will be if I can actually implement the idea.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2010 : 13:10:32

Dan, I can suggest an umbrella/sun shade, as an alternative to the high costs of a bimini, that [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=69993&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10118&subdeptNum=10836&classNum=10838"]West Marine[/url] sells, if you are looking for slip use only. I did get one of these Sun Shades first as I too did not want to spend the money for a bimini. But I decided about a year later I <u>needed</u> a bimimi instead. My bimini was custom made as I wanted as much coverage as possible including the catbird seats. It set me back but they are worth every sent! I still use the sunshade when at the slip or anchored for additional coverage. As you can see below, my dog Buddy approves!

Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 05/07/2010 14:38:18

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2010 : 20:07:48

Here are some pic,s of how mine is mounted. I don't like to put holes in my boat unless absolutely necessary. So only four small holes were it mounts just above the rub-rail.
You will note it covers the catbird seats and extends about 10 inches up under the boom.

All the little bugs you see are called no-seeums. They are like little gnats, but don't bite. Just don't open your mouth if they are swarming.

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coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2010 : 05:44:13

hi dan, we made something that sounds like what you are looking for. we only use it at the dock or when we are anchored out. it has three pvc pipes. i bought navy blue duck cloth to match our canvas the width of the boat. sewed a pocket wide enough for the pvc pipe to fit through. one pipe is across the boom at the companionway hatch. the second one is just before the end of the boom and the third one is behind the back stays.(the first one we made stopped at the end of the boom, using just 2 pvc pipes)if you decide to go to the back stays, you have to cut out to go around the stays. the pipe fits through the pocket, skips the cut out for the back stay and then re-enters the pocket beyond the back stays. we have 4 straps with clips on the ends. they clip to the boat both at the rail stantions and the catbird seats where the life line attaches. the pvc makes a nice curve over the boom. when we are not using it, we just slip the pvc out and fold up the fabric. the pvc pipes store right along the back of the sofa back cushions. it is a pretty nice looking and inexpensive project. we have a dutchman flaking system, so we also had to compensate for that. if you dont have that, it should be easier to make. hope this was helpful.

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