Which bimini fabric and sourcing

[pcatterall]

In case our planned trip gets us anywhere warm we are planning and measuring for a bimini.
This is just for solar shading rather than keeping rain out.
We are looking at an overboom solution with stiffening via fibre 'tent poles' and secring to stays and poles via shock cord.
We want something that will fold away to a reasonable size.
Can anyone recommend a good but not too expensive material that will suit this purpose and suppliers if known.
many thanks

 

[rafiki_]

We are having a new canopy made for Rafiki, which will also give us a Bimini in front of the radar arch. I can't break out the cost of the Bimini section, as we have a price for the complete front and rear canopy. Clearly the material will be the std vinyl canopy.

However, our trimmer, Chris at Harris Hoods www.harrishoods.co.uk will give you a steer. He is very helpful.

 

[GrahamM376]

We are looking at an overboom solution with stiffening via fibre 'tent poles' and secring to stays and poles via shock cord.
We want something that will fold away to a reasonable size.

Sounds like you're looking for an awning rather than a bimini so a tent flysheet would do the job and cheaper than having something made.

 

[saxonpirate]

Materials are certainly not my forte, but every cover or hood I've ever had made for a boat has been made of polyurethane coated acrylic. Any good sail-maker will put you on the right track.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Sunbrella is, reputedly, the best.

http://www.toomerandhayter.co.uk/products/?cat=79

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks guys.
Appologies I thought a bimini was an awning!! The tent flysheet is a good idea even if we have to do some modifications!

 

[Richard10002]

Thanks guys.
Appologies I thought a bimini was an awning!! The tent flysheet is a good idea even if we have to do some modifications!

An over the boom awning can only be used when not sailing or, more specifically, when not using the main. The chances are that it will also restrict view and movement.

Once you get there you will want a proper bimini so you can have it up whilst sailing -much better to put your budget towards getting one spec'd and fitted before you go.

 

[pcatterall]

Well, of course we all have different requirements. The awning I am planning is a fairly extensive one aimed to keep the sun off the decks as well as the cockpit area.
A smaller 'sailworthy' bimini is a good idea but wuld be additional.
Thanks all

 

[Tranona]

Well, of course we all have different requirements. The awning I am planning is a fairly extensive one aimed to keep the sun off the decks as well as the cockpit area.
A smaller 'sailworthy' bimini is a good idea but wuld be additional.
Thanks all

Am I right in thinking you have a wheelhouse shelter? If so then a conventional bimini will be of little value. They are necessary if you have a large open cockpit as you can make them substantial enough to be used while sailing. When at anchor an over the boom awning is useful, but does not need to be made of the same heavy sunbrella type material. You will find a choice of materials fom specialists such as Hawke House.

 

[srp]

Might as well go straight to a supplier rather than through a sailmaker:
http://www.sailcloth.co.uk/
http://www.hawkehouse.com/

Have used the first one several times, they do all the bits and pieces like uv-resistant thread, eyelets, fasteners etc.
Agree with the tent flysheet suggestion, esp. if you don't want something close fitting. Some more info here.