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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Max Bimini Height (Coaming Mount, SR)

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JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2012 : 14:06:05

I purchased a used bimini on Craigslist. It is taller than I need, but is the correct width and essentially the correct length. I hope to start on a new cover for it in the next few weeks. From what I can tell, it looks like it should be a fairly straightforward process.

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av8rOC
Navigator

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USA
121 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2012 : 16:09:40

Just placed my order for the same bimini as yours Scott but not fully stainless. I ordered the stainless hardware and Royal blue sunbrella fabric.. $412 with free shipping, best deal I could find.

Looking forward to getting it installed!

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Dan Greer
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2012 : 01:35:55

Islander, I got all excited looking at the way you moved your rear support strap down about halfway on the rear bimini support tube. I can see that that would make it much easier to get around the bimini from the rear.

But looking further at the pictures, doesn't the strap get in the way when you have to be cranking on the winch?

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av8rOC
Navigator

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USA
121 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2012 : 10:20:20

So I installed mine today. I decided to not use the track sliders as the ones I was sent only worked with included plastic hardware and not the stainless I have on the bimini. Also the rear attachment straps are on track car sliders to allow for easier access to cockpit. I do find that the boom needs to be let out in order to collapse forward but thats not too much of a big deal.

Edited by - av8rOC on 05/25/2012 10:23:01

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4007 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2012 : 13:01:28

Sorry Sean I seem to have lost track of this thread somehow but not having the Bimini on tracks really doesn't matter much. In the 3 yrs I don't think I moved it but 2 times. At the time I was installing the Bimini it took finding the exact location for the mount out of the equation. After the install I could slide it back as far as it could go and have the mainsheet just clear it. Sort of being able to fine tune the location. The side straps you guessed right. I dropped them so as they wouldn't be in the way when boarding. No they don't get in the way of working the winch but then I never use a winch handle on them, On a C25 you really shouldn't have to. Yes you have to lift the boom to fold it forward but I never close mine, The advantage to leaving open, You never get any rain water in the cabin through the hatch boards and the varnish lasts a long time on the teak never having the sun beating on it. Sean it looks great,Really makes these boat pop right? I sailed down your way last Sat. Got to Caumsett and was wondering if you were around. Sun. was full bore sailing all reefed up, a real woo woo day.

Edited by - islander on 05/25/2012 13:10:08

av8rOC
Navigator

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USA
121 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2012 : 13:15:26

Yeah I was out Sunday and the 15-20kt easterlies were a blast. I had the whole family and a 2 of my wires girlfriends aboard so I decided so sail on the jib only and it worked out nicely. Interesting about leaving the bimini up full time.. I was worried about strong winds beating it up but I suppose It wouldn't really be a problem.

The boat is coming along pretty well and I have been enjoying it a ton. I still have to pull the trigger on a mainsail but my wallet is taking a breather for a bit. Plenty of washing/waxing/brightwork yet to be done anyway.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4291 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2012 : 19:53:53

Sean,

I've had my boat 4-1/2 years and have probably folded the bimini up less than 10 times. The bimini has been through 50 mph winds more than once and it's held up fine. I see people towing their powerboats on the freeway with the bimini up all the time.

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av8rOC
Navigator

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USA
121 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2012 : 22:22:33

Good deal, thanks Gary. I will leave it up from now on.

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av8rOC
Navigator

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USA
121 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2012 : 05:08:27

Update:

Bimini worked fantastic yesterday. We spent the entire day on the water and I can't tell you what a life saver the bimini was. I will say though even with the narrower coming mount it is still a PITA to get topside with the bimini up. Even still the benefits outweigh the hassle by far.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2012 : 09:46:34

I keep our bimini folded up and under its cover when we are not sailing. It'd well over 10 years old now and the fabric still looks great!

Edited by - dmpilc on 05/29/2012 09:47:03

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4007 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2012 : 14:30:07

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I will say though even with the narrower coming mount it is still a PITA to get topside with the bimini up. Even still the benefits outweigh the hassle by far.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I'd say you got it on just in time Sean, Blistering hot yesterday. Yes it is a bit of a trade off but even on Sat. around 4pm the thunderstorms were over Westchester/Conn and we got clipped by the edge of them. Nice to scoot up under the Bimini when the rain started to come down for about 1/2hr. Are your lines led to the cockpit? The only time I have to go forward is to tie up the main and with the dinette interior I can step through the companion way and use the back of the dinette seat as a final step up to put my butt on the cabin top. I usually come back around the Bimini leaning in on it a bit. The reason I was suggesting the all stainless. The Bimini will become somewhat of a handhold.

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av8rOC
Navigator

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USA
121 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2012 : 16:02:52

Yeah I found the companionway the easiest way on and off deck. I have the standard interior but am tall and can jump up from the steps easily enough.

My lines are cockpit let yes but still I find myself going up more often than not.. Picking up/dropping the mooring, covering/uncovering mainsail and sail ties, raising and lowering flag haylard etc..

Again this is a minor gripe. After yesterday I think the bimini was the best money I have put into the boat thus far.

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