Bimini - Not completly Sure

[Bigplumbs]

As we are going to Fowey and putting Add2Cart in for a week at the end of September on the River/Sea I thought we might need some weather protection so bought and fitted this. Most people would fit them a bit more further forward but not possible on my boat because of the layout and location of the screen.

We also have a big brolly (2 m) so if it rains and comes from one direction we can stick the brolly through the appropriate hole and open it. Will look a bit silly but will enable us to go out if the weather looks a bit changeable or indeed pants.

The whole thing folds back at 45 degrees and folds into a special boot for neatness. It will also completely come off by unscrewing 4 thumb turns and can either store in the shed or by removing 6 push in pop tubes I recon I can get it all in the Ski locker.

I have been looking and measuring for about 2 years and this one was only £120 so decided to go for it.

The height is a bit high but it is as it came and also so I can stand up

Not completely sure if I like it but it can be removed and all you have left is 4 small fittings and 2 small stainless D rings

Had to drill 12 holes in the boat however, Didn't like doing that

What do you think

 

[mcanderson]

Looks like it will do the job nicely.

 

[stelican]

Thought Bimini was to keep the sun off!

 

[Bigplumbs]

Thought Bimini was to keep the sun off!

They will do both, Especially in the UK

 

[Richard10002]

I have been looking and measuring for about 2 years and this one was only £120 so decided to go for it.

Have you got a link? I want something to keep the rain off, (or the sun ), and dont really feel the need to spend £1500 on a full pram hood/canopy.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Have you got a link? I want something to keep the rain off, (or the sun ), and dont really feel the need to spend £1500 on a full pram hood/canopy.

This is one size there are other sizes. The quality is quite good. Also if you needed to you could cut one down as you wanted

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIMINI-TO...903110?hash=item2a4ff24206:g:4GEAAOSwPhdVPpxT

Dennis

 

[benchmark]

Looks good to me and nothing odd about it.

 

[Andy Bav]

What max speeds are you planning on doing with it up ? We did our powerboat level 2 in a similar set up and it was chucking it down and blowing a gale, but I was pleasantly surprised how robust it was at 30 - 35 knots. I did keep looking up at it as it was like an umbrella in a gale, but it offered a modicum of protection. That said it was probably a foot or so lower than yours. It will, be trial and error, but if you wanted to, could you adjust the height at a later date, or would that involve re drilling holes etc. Hope you need it more for shade than rain cover though. Enjoy the trip. :encouragement:

 

[Bigplumbs]

What max speeds are you planning on doing with it up ? We did our powerboat level 2 in a similar set up and it was chucking it down and blowing a gale, but I was pleasantly surprised how robust it was at 30 - 35 knots. I did keep looking up at it as it was like an umbrella in a gale, but it offered a modicum of protection. That said it was probably a foot or so lower than yours. It will, be trial and error, but if you wanted to, could you adjust the height at a later date, or would that involve re drilling holes etc. Hope you need it more for shade than rain cover though. Enjoy the trip. :encouragement:

I have had them before on other boats and it is surprising how fast you can go with it up. It will fold back and all fits in a boot/sock if you want to go very fast. I am now working on some fronts and sides made out of thick clear vinyl that I can put on if it gets very bad. This is just a sort of temp DIY job so we can get the most out our holiday if it does rain. I also like DIY and seeing what you can do.

Yes it could be lowered but you would need to cut the main poles to length and refix a few things. I want to be able to stand up in it though and I am 6'2''.

If you wanted one to cut about and modify this is a good price to have a go

Dennis

 

[Bigplumbs]

Pictures added of it in its boot/sock which comes with it

Dennis

 

[Andy Bav]

A very good price. If it does the job with minimal / no modifications what more can you ask for

 

[Bigplumbs]

A very good price. If it does the job with minimal / no modifications what more can you ask for

Maybe some beautiful young woman to adorn the boat when I go out........ Not much to be included for £120

 

[Andy Bav]

What you save on the Bimini can be spent "elsewhere".

 

[Bigplumbs]

I have now made a front and 2 sides out of 0.5 mm thick clear PVC. It wont win any beauty awards but that is not its purpose. If it means I can use the boat in the week in Cornwall it will be worth it

Total cost incl Bimini £165.00.

If the Bimini is up we can put the sides and front on in about 5 mins

Dennis

 

[vas]

Looks v.good and v.cheap, which isn't a usual combo!

I'd probably lower it a bit as it looks high. don't know how much space you want over your head (you're too tall for such a craft btw ) but keep in mind that the biminis on f/b boats usually doesn't leave much over 6ft (if any...)

cheers

V.

 

[MrB]

Looks v.good and v.cheap, which isn't a usual combo!

I'd probably lower it a bit as it looks high. don't know how much space you want over your head (you're too tall for such a craft btw ) but keep in mind that the biminis on f/b boats usually doesn't leave much over 6ft (if any...)

cheers

V.

I concur but nice job anyway. :encouragement:

 

[longjohnsilver]

Looks v.good and v.cheap, which isn't a usual combo!

I'd probably lower it a bit as it looks high. don't know how much space you want over your head (you're too tall for such a craft btw ) but keep in mind that the biminis on f/b boats usually doesn't leave much over 6ft (if any...)

cheers

V.

I've got a Jeanneau Cap Camarat 4.7 in Spain with a similar sized bimini that must also be the same height as I can easily stand under it and I'm 6' 4". It came with the boat when I bought it, has been unused and cost the previous owner about £800, so by my reckoning the OP has got himself a bargain.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Yes it could be lowered but it is just the right height for me to stand under. It will only be used occasionally so I will leave it how it is for now

Dennis