Automatic bimini

[jfm]

Makefast manufacture hydraulic bimini folders. I think they also use the "powerbim" brand. Simple linear hydraulic actuators that have about 200mm of stroke and create c 90degrees of rotation using a rack/pinion. Thousands of these in service usually OEM on new boats - they are very good - I have owned several. The hydraulic pump is tiny, and very easy to fit. It's a good system imho.

 

[Hurricane]

I think that they are mostly DC voltage linear actuators. Hydraulics would be a lot of work to install.

The one that I saw was hydraulic. Hydraulic hoses were router through the ceiling of the saloon to the actuators on the sides of the bimini. IMO, it was a lot of faff though.

 

[Hurricane]

What would be a labour saver....is instead of resting on the radar arch...it goes inside it...because wrestling with the Bimini cover is the hardest part. They now do a similar thing with the cockpit curtains on some boats

Actually, that would be even worse - imagine trying to "stuff" the bimini cover into its bag when it is windy. Mine has (what we call) a sock but even that would be too much of a faff if it is windy. In some cases, we have just strapped it down against the radar arch and put the sock on later. IMO, folding it against the radar arch is the way to go. Apart from (maybe) a hard top - I would do this again.

 

[Bitter-End]

I have one : asking my wife if she can put up the bimini .

Works fully automatic on voice command ;-)

I too have automated a lot of things on my boat using the wife MK1.
I'm not entirely convinced.

Purchase price was a pittance, but upkeep and maintenance is crazy.

I do like the visual design. Elegant and curvy.

It does what it has to do. Sort of.
The system is slow to understand voice commands, takes even longer to start the task,is very noisy when in operation, and generally half-asses the task so I have to do it myself in the end. Practical value is near zero.

Not recommended for boating. I prefer to let it sit where installed, be pretty, and just boast about if with friends that have none, but they don't seem impressed.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I automated the lid of my stern hatch using a hydraulic cylinder and valves as it was very heavy.

The steps between my wheelhouse and saloon was also heavy, and I made a linear actuator from a battery drill and screw threaded actuator to lift the steps to allow access to my engine.

It all about detailed design Hurricane folding Bimini is a geed design that mast it easy to stow and erect

 

[Bouba]

I think that the only thing to keep in mind is that in any mission critical place that an automated system can be over ridden manually

 

[LittleSister]

Just sayin'