mlthomas
Well-Known Member
Has anyone fitted a bimini? Is it easy/hard? What do you have to do. We are thinking about fitting one to our Oceanis 43 but would like to know what we are taking on before we buy one.
Fitting a bimini
- Thread starter mlthomas
- Start date
michael_w
Well-Known Member
Apart from denting your wallet, I doubt you'll see any change from £1200; the only thing that has to be carefully worked out is where the feet are going to mount.
On mine, it's a bit annoying that they are just where one wants to sit on the coaming and steer, so you end up perching either too far forward or aft.
Beware of dark colours, they work like a radiator in the hot sun, you may be in the shade, but you're under a grill!.
On mine, it's a bit annoying that they are just where one wants to sit on the coaming and steer, so you end up perching either too far forward or aft.
Beware of dark colours, they work like a radiator in the hot sun, you may be in the shade, but you're under a grill!.
CornishSailor
Well-Known Member
We're about to do the same, and have a second meeting with the two chaps (one doing the stainless steel work, one doing the canvas) who are quoting for the work (we're also having an arch made for mounting wind gen, solar panels) to discuss the fine detail. Any good canvas and/or stainless worker will be happy to meet you on the boat to ensure all possible points are covered.
Think carefully, as Michael W says (thanks for the tip about the dark colours, we'll take that into account now), about the position of the feet, ensuring they don't obstruct your aft cleats or fairleads, seating/steering positions, etc. Access needs to be as clear as possible, both with the bimini set up, and in its folded position.
Depending on your intended sailing area (we'll be heading toward the Med), also consider add-on flappy bits of canvas for the sides, forward (our bimini itself won't be able to go very far forward due to the boom position) and aft edges. A long day's sailing in Greece last year with the sun behind us gave me a bad case of sunstroke, so an extra few bits of canvas will help prevent that!
We're also considering having a netted "window" which has a flappy bit of canvas attached with Velcro to allow visibility to the mast and mainsail. As it happens, we may not need this, as the forward edge of the bimini, as previously mentioned, and might allow vision anyway.
Think carefully, as Michael W says (thanks for the tip about the dark colours, we'll take that into account now), about the position of the feet, ensuring they don't obstruct your aft cleats or fairleads, seating/steering positions, etc. Access needs to be as clear as possible, both with the bimini set up, and in its folded position.
Depending on your intended sailing area (we'll be heading toward the Med), also consider add-on flappy bits of canvas for the sides, forward (our bimini itself won't be able to go very far forward due to the boom position) and aft edges. A long day's sailing in Greece last year with the sun behind us gave me a bad case of sunstroke, so an extra few bits of canvas will help prevent that!
We're also considering having a netted "window" which has a flappy bit of canvas attached with Velcro to allow visibility to the mast and mainsail. As it happens, we may not need this, as the forward edge of the bimini, as previously mentioned, and might allow vision anyway.
mlthomas
Well-Known Member
Many thanks, we are looking more for weather protection than sun (at the moment). Like the idea of the extra bits and the netted window.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
C&J Marine in Chichester www.cjmarine.co.uk have a good guide on how to lay out a bimini. In addition to placement of the frame feet you also need to consider the backstays and fitting under the boom. Not sure about dark colour. Blue (as ours is) is almost universal and I can't say I have noticed it being hot - it is hot already in Greece - and the key thing is to get airflow through the area. The zip on back panel is excellent, particlarly if you moor west east and get low evening sun. Linking up with the spray hood, either by an overlap or with a joining panel is a good idea as well. As already suggested a discussion on options with a professional is well worth it.
