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Wayward Wind · 04-05-2009, 22:05

dtm

Saw 2gether last weekend. Saw your raised bimini with clears. However, I am puzzled by something rolled in UV fabric and lashed to your stbd lifelines. What is it?

Cheers

JohnC

Jef & Marin, Netherlands · 09-09-2009, 12:59

Hi all,
In some cases the main sheet touches the bimini, which will lead to wear of the bimini in the long run. I solved this with clear plastic tube as bimini protector: see atached pictures.
length 107 cm, inner diameter 29 mm, outer diameter 37 mm.
With a sharp knife I cut it open in the length. I cut it on the inside (the tube was curved due to storage or production). To keep the tube in position I used three tie-wraps around the bimini pipes (at both end and at the middle, in positions where the blue bimini cloth does not block access to the bimini pipe). The tie-wraps go through holes of around 5 mm (depending on your tie-wrap size). These holes are drilled with a standard sharp drill on low RPM.
I mounted it more than a month ago, we did over 1000 miles since then, and it is holding well.
Probably I will dismount both the tube and the bimini cloth in winter to prevent rot by humidity. The bimini cloth will of course be wetter inside the tube than elsewhere.

Rgds,
Jef, still in Stockholm

**Cotemar** · 09-09-2009, 17:31

Jef.

Great idea with the Main Sheet bimini chaff tubing.
I did the same exact thing, but with 1"-1/4 clear tubing and just spread it open and pushed it on.
The small diameter of the tubing just holds it on by itself, so I never added the zip ties.

Mark

Jef & Marin, Netherlands · 13-09-2009, 13:08

Hi all,
These pictures belong to message number 901. I have better Wifi now here in Visby.
Rgds,
Jef

MKB53 · 13-10-2009, 01:49

It's good to scroll through all the old discussion and catch up on the useful info.

We too have installed curtains in the cupboards, secured by hooks. They have done an excellent job of keeping the contents in is some of the "beautiful one day, perfect the next" Qld weather (seas).

I need to stop the bimini chafing as well. I was going to get the trimmer to sew plastic on but your ideas with tubing sound better.

Has anyone found a cure for the mainsheet catching on the round backrest cushion on the bimini frame?

jean1146 · 17-03-2010, 07:34

Edmund if you go back to thread # 13 you will see our Bimini.It is a good compromise,I can unzip over the Helm or be seated and have a cover to be protected from Sun and rain. It covers the whole cockpit area.
JC.

Edmund · 17-03-2010, 11:26

Very nice JC!
I guess you had this made locally? Or did you make it yourself? And does it still work OK? We are thinking of a similar version, but with sidewalls also, and some kind of front window and/or closing possibility.
We do need a well curved roof to ensure the water coming well off, without "ponding".
Is there any chance of getting a copy of any sketch, drawing or description of your Bimini, if anything like that was made?

Another issue, regarding this thread "FP Mahe 36": As newcomer here I find it a bit hard to find and navigate through all the 1200+ pieces of excellent information given here. I've tried changing the Display Modes, but it didn't help me much. Is there any good ways of getting a better overview, or is the tread just getting a bit big?
I'm afraid I'm not so familiar with this "all-in-one-thread" way of communicating, but more one tread=one topic.

jean1146 · 17-03-2010, 12:51

Edmund.
This was made by a local shop,I don't have any drawings of it. You could easily have sides and some kind of protection in the front.I have no problems with water standing on top because it is very tight. It would be ideal spot for solar panels. This is a very expensive bimini,but it does the job.Regarding the thread I know you have to go through the whole thing to find stuff that will interest you,I don't think there is another way.
JC.

vayacondios · 17-03-2010, 17:04

Here is a few photos of our binimi.
The main boom goes right over the top.
My husband who is 6 ft 2 can sit comfortable. It is permanent but can be removed.
So far we are really happy with it. Have seen rounder ones and square ones, this one is curved. I have more detail photos if anyone needs.

Edmund · 18-03-2010, 03:58

Very good! It looks to be not to complicated, and thereby perhaps also not so expensive. This may be my solution also.
A few detail photos would be very useful, especially on how the new top is connected to the original Bimini. Could you send me by email?
Any information you have would be appreciated.

**Cotemar** · 18-03-2010, 09:53

Vaya Con Dios,

I love you Helm Bimini. It really does look like its made for the Mahe by the factory. Any pictures of just the frame?
Thanks for sending me all the other pictures. I really think this is the way I would like to go since I already have the cockpit Bimini and that is working perfectly. This Helm Bimini would be a great addition.

Mark

vayacondios · 18-03-2010, 17:04

I couldn't take the very top off. While it has zippers, the ends are tucked in with no zipper gadget.
I took the vertical piece out. It's attached by a zipper all the way around on the top, and half on the bottom then the other bottom is attached through a slide. Hope this helps.

longislandsail · 02-12-2010, 16:59

Got the idea from seeing JCs boat which is where I saw the mahe 36 for the first time. JC has the same bimini. Saw a picture of the factory bimini and said not for me. As you can see from the pictures it covers the entire cockpit and helm station yet can be rolled back at the helm on nice days. It has rod holders and I put a light over the table. The grab bar is strong enough to do pull ups on. On the top is 1/2 inch composit board screwed in so you can walk on top to put sails away. It is about 8 inches higher than the coach roof so there is plenty of head room. I am 6ft 3in and only have to bend when I walk on the seats. Sitting at the helm I do not bend over when the bimini is closed. There is plenty of vision between the coach roof and the top of the bimini. Total cost was $6500.00. Frame is all alum. and cover is stamoid much stronger than sunbrella, white to reflect the sun.
Al

vayacondios · 02-12-2010, 18:33

Nice! Looks good. unfortunately, we were limited with funds so had to go with a smaller fix to the factory one in order to cover the helm position. We also had shade flaps made that attach all around, so we get sun and rain protection After a year of cruising in the tropics, were happy with our coverage. Right now we are working on a shade that goes over the trampoline comes back and shades the front windows too, allowing for the ports to stay open when it rains, and we can spend alot more time on the trampoline reading!