Bimini tops

[Darin Bartram]

I recall a discussion a while back about installing a bimini on a CD25, including the cautionary note that you lose a lot of headroom fitting the top under the boom. This fact notwithstanding, this summer convinced me that the sun on the Chesapeake warrants a bimini. For people out there who have put one on a 25 or 26, I'm curious what size bimini they used, and whether it was custom-made or bought through a mail-order company.

Did you mount it on a sliding track to get it out of the way when not in use?

Also, do you tend to stow it above the engine well cover or forward above (or in front of) the dodger? The main sheet block is attached to the boom with a snap-shackle, so it might be easy to swing the bimini top aft and secure it to the back stay.



dbartram@hunton.com

[Don Sargeant]

Darin,

A blue bimini top came along with my CD25D. I found it to troublesome to mount, in the way when up, gave very little shade -- particularly when the sun is low, and it is always in the way when stored below. I'd opt for a big straw hat while underway and an awning at the mooring. At any rate, mine is in excellent almost unused condition (that tells you something), heavy chrome pipes and fittings. It could be yours for a song, but -- I have a 25D and don't know if it will fit a 25. I'll try to remember to measure the space between the attachment points on the coaming so you'll know that at least in case you're interested.

Don Sargeant
CD25D #189

I recall a discussion a while back about installing a bimini on a CD25, including the cautionary note that you lose a lot of headroom fitting the top under the boom. This fact notwithstanding, this summer convinced me that the sun on the Chesapeake warrants a bimini. For people out there who have put one on a 25 or 26, I'm curious what size bimini they used, and whether it was custom-made or bought through a mail-order company.

Did you mount it on a sliding track to get it out of the way when not in use?

Also, do you tend to stow it above the engine well cover or forward above (or in front of) the dodger? The main sheet block is attached to the boom with a snap-shackle, so it might be easy to swing the bimini top aft and secure it to the back stay.

don@cliggott.com

[frank crumb]

Darin,

A blue bimini top came along with my CD25D. I found it to troublesome to mount, in the way when up, gave very little shade -- particularly when the sun is low, and it is always in the way when stored below. I'd opt for a big straw hat while underway and an awning at the mooring. At any rate, mine is in excellent almost unused condition (that tells you something), heavy chrome pipes and fittings. It could be yours for a song, but -- I have a 25D and don't know if it will fit a 25. I'll try to remember to measure the space between the attachment points on the coaming so you'll know that at least in case you're interested.

Don Sargeant
CD25D #189

I recall a discussion a while back about installing a bimini on a CD25, including the cautionary note that you lose a lot of headroom fitting the top under the boom. This fact notwithstanding, this summer convinced me that the sun on the Chesapeake warrants a bimini. For people out there who have put one on a 25 or 26, I'm curious what size bimini they used, and whether it was custom-made or bought through a mail-order company.

Did you mount it on a sliding track to get it out of the way when not in use?

Also, do you tend to stow it above the engine well cover or forward above (or in front of) the dodger? The main sheet block is attached to the boom with a snap-shackle, so it might be easy to swing the bimini top aft and secure it to the back stay.

fcrumb@aol.com

[frank crumb]

i am interested in the praciticality of installing a bimini on a cd25d as the summer in texas has been unsually difficult. does the headroom issue control the decision? the classic appearance should not be compromises by this addition and this is why i have hesitated to install one but around here in summer cool controls! what are the options i already have the straw hat!



fcrumb1@aol.com

[Don Sargeant]

My bimini is attached at the forward end of the cockpit, inside the coaming. The fastenings are fixed, the bimini folds fwd onto the cabintop. Because it sits below the boom it can be up when under sail. It has four adjustable straps to hold it in position, two to the cabintop and two to the stern rail. It doesn't do the helmsman much good unless you hunker way forward and reach back to the tiller. The other limitation I find is that before 10:30 and after 2:30 the sun shines under it. A dodger with an awning extension would give more shade, longer. It's a bit of a pain to stow below on a 25D as it won't fit in the quarterberth. It's less of a problem on the 26 and up. I suppose there are other ways to design a bimini, but this what came with our boat CD25D#189.

i am interested in the praciticality of installing a bimini on a cd25d as the summer in texas has been unsually difficult. does the headroom issue control the decision? the classic appearance should not be compromises by this addition and this is why i have hesitated to install one but around here in summer cool controls! what are the options i already have the straw hat!

Don@cliggott.com