Biminis -- a must have

[Dr. D]

Recently I was considering selling my boat and switching to a smaller one. Looking around, I noticed the boats that looked promising and were sufficiently smaller to make the switch worthwhile did not have biminis, nor could one easily be added.


I must have a bimini on a boat. No way I could be in the sun for hours on end. Add to that, I am 6' tall and I prefer to stand while sailing rather than sit, so the bimini needs to be high.


Any good boats under 30' with a decent bimini?

[barnakiel]

Get one custom made ?

[Bill O]

If you have the arch with the track on your current boat, it is almost perfect for a bimini for a tall person.

Not certain why you want to switch to a smaller boat, but would keep the current boat for the height comfort factor.
Depending where you will use the boat in the future (tropics?) may want to consider a full or partial hard bimini, especially if it is up all the time. Also a great place to put hard solar panels.

[Dr. D]

Yes, my boat has the arch. As I wrote, I was considering a smaller boat, not certain. The height comfort is a factor especially as I am 65 with a bad back.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Dr. D

Yes, my boat has the arch. As I wrote, I was considering a smaller boat, not certain. The height comfort is a factor especially as I am 65 with a bad back.

I'm a little taller than you so I assumed you probably purchased the boat for that reason. Looked on YW and saw many 35.1s w/a bimini coming off the arch. Do you already have one?


We also like/need a bimini to keep us out of the sun. As mentioned previously, if you will have the bimini up most of the time consider a hard one. It will outlast sunbrella, better insulation from heat and easy to mount solar panels on them.

[Tsuru]

Our last boat, a Catalina 28 had a Bimini. I’m over 6’ and had head room below and under the bimini. The set up looked good on the boat too.

Good luck,
Ray

[dennismenace111]

SAILING in South Florida or the Caribbean absolutely requires a Bimini top or other type of sunshade. I've grown up sailing in Miami. You might do it occasionally, but not on a regular basis...

[nortonscove]

Depends on where you sail. We removed ours due to vintage. Here in Newfoundland it's not the sun so much but the constant high wind. I also want to see my sails from all around the cockpit.

Of course this all changes in many hot and sunny destinations.

[kenarscott]

Originally Posted by Dr. D

Recently I was considering selling my boat and switching to a smaller one. Looking around, I noticed the boats that looked promising and were sufficiently smaller to make the switch worthwhile did not have biminis, nor could one easily be added.


I must have a bimini on a boat. No way I could be in the sun for hours on end. Add to that, I am 6' tall and I prefer to stand while sailing rather than sit, so the bimini needs to be high.


Any good boats under 30' with a decent bimini?

I made two for my Tanzer 22. One small one under the boom for shade and companionway cover and a second one I’m the aft portion of the cockpit tall and small so I can stand and sail without issues. Works like a charm. PM me fir details. Ken

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by nortonscove

Of course this all changes in many hot and sunny destinations.

Also depends on your tolerance of sun exposure. I've had heat exhaustion a few times (not heat stroke, luckily) and I believe that has contributed to my lack of tolerance to sun exposure.

[neflier]

Our prior boat was a Catalina 250 that the prior owner installed a custom bimini on. It worked fine.

[Sam Woodbridge]

Hello Dr. D,

I’m surprised your even considering letting go of your 35.1, but I’m sure you have your reasons.

I did a sea trial a few weeks ago on a 38.1 and I’m in the process of closing on the loan. The 38.1 and I’m sure the 35.1 are both spectacular boats in my opinion.

[tweitz]

We have a 323 with a bimini, and I am sure one could be made for many smaller boats. Ours was made by the Canvas Store in Huntington, Long Island, NY, and they used to post a list of boats for which they already have the specs. They don't seem to post it anymore, but they had literally hundreds of boats. I am sure many were under 30 feet. You could probably call them and get some answers.

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by Sam Woodbridge

Hello Dr. D,

I’m surprised your even considering letting go of your 35.1, but I’m sure you have your reasons.

I did a sea trial a few weeks ago on a 38.1 and I’m in the process of closing on the loan. The 38.1 and I’m sure the 35.1 are both spectacular boats in my opinion.

Actually, I agree with you about the boats. That is why I am on the fence. A couple a few slips down from ours bought a 38.1 early this year and they are having a blast. Enjoy yours!

[Bill O]

D,
I looked back thru the thread again and didn't see you that you answered the question if you currently had a bimini on the 35.1.

If you don't have one, making one/having one made would be the simple solution.