Awnings/Biminis and cockpit mainsheets

[samwise]

Having just returned from a spell in the Med I can fully support the view that a bimini is essential wear. However, we tried in vain to find solution to fitting a bimini to our Westerly Storm which has a transom mounted mainsheet. This arrangement is dynamically very good but there is no way to fit a bimini that covers the helm position while sailing.
Certainly we had a full monty canopy while at anchor or in port, but when sailing it had to be a big hat!

 

[somerset]

I have found a thread about biminis etc here:

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php?C...rue#Post1808335

 

[Tranona]

Just a further thought. I have seen boats with a short shelter over the helm, usually on a fixed frame. Size, however is often constrained by the short distance between the wheel and mainsheet and the stern. The backstay(s) also get in the way, although it is common to have them running through the bimini.

You really have to look at each boat individually to see what can be done, but recognise that a short bimini will only provide limited shelter.

Ultimately you have to consider the trade off between comfort under sail and the perceived benefits of a cockpit mainsheet control.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Thanks zummerzet.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Hadn't thought of extending the bimini aft beyond the backstay. Good idea.

 

[bob234]

Hi again,

I like the look of the one shown at the recent SIBS but it doesn't look as well supported as one mounted with 4 or more fixing points. You will experience considerable winds at times wich shake the bimini somewhat.

Since you are looking at boats with a mainsheet point in the cockpit and currently have a Twister you obviously enjoy your sailing so will want a stable set up under windy conditions.

Like you, I don't favour coachroof mounted mainsheet tracks, and whilst those which take the mainsheet back to the helmsman are an improvement the mainsheet mounting point is too far forward on the boom for my liking - not a good purchase and it's at the weakest point of the boom.

Ours track is aft of the centre cockpit which gives me the control I want but we chose to fit the bimini where it would provide the max shade for the cockpit - which meant it can only be opened when the mainsheet is disconnected! Great at anchor but the sun has proved too much under sail (we thought the wind would either be strong enough to cool us and wouldn't need the bimini or if light winds we would be under engine and the mainsheet can be disconnected and the bimini could be opened - mistake!).

We have been surprised though at the number of times the sprayhood has provided sufficient shelter at the front of the cockpit, even with the sun overhead and the problem has been when the sun is behind the helm. A bimini behind your mainsheet anchor point would resolve most cases in addition to a 'long' sprayhood (which needs a zip opening centre section for airflow).

In short, I don't think the mainsheet set up you are considering need preclude a bimini, but it might need some creativity and possibly 2 biminis (as described in my earlier post to you).

I hope this makes sense and doesn't put you off the sailing set up you want.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Twister_Ken]

Thanks Bob, I'm beginning to see how it can be done. I also fancy side and back flaps, bit like one of those foreign legion hats, which can be reefed when not needed.

 

[Robin]

We have perforated white zip on side extensions for low sun use, a bit like old style aertex but in a sunblock material which lets light through but not UV. Ours was supplied by Quay Sails when they made the covers so available in the UK. They zip in where the full doors for wet weather would go, but are about half height and tie out to the guardrails at the bottom.

We also have a fixed stern gantry which carries a large solar panel (and also wind genny and radar scanner). This has a canvas cover under the panel which the bimini proper zips to but the gantry cover alone gives some shade to the helmsman.

 

[LadyInBed]

'foreign legion hats' - now you are getting the idea /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Twister_Ken]

He can pull my trigger anytime.

 

[jaybee63]

This may be of interest

http://www.tecsew.co.uk/index.php?contentId=189&moduleId=4

 

[Bajansailor]

Here is a bimini I built for our Challenger 35 (aft cockpit version of the Warrior 35).

Her mainsheet is on a track on the bridgedeck, and the end of the boom is supported on a goalpost gallows, which also supports the forward end of the bimini.
I made this Mk II version out of laid up fibreglass panels after the first one (made from ordinary ply as an experiment) disintegrated.....
It is very light, has side flanges all around to catch rainwater, and supports a solar panel very nicely.
I thought it would really stand out (as in being an eyesore), but in actual fact it is hardly noticeable when viewed from the side.
The aft end is supported by a S/S bar attached to the twin backstays, and it extends aft of this bar a little ways - I couldnt extend it any further, as it would then foul the Hydrovane.
We also have canvas aft and side panels that bolt on and roll down for when the sun is coming in at an angle.
(And one day we might even have a dodger over the companionway..... but in the meantime the bimini is more important!