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Bimini Option

datswite

datswite

Ken Ferrari
I've been scouring the net trying to find examples of a good bimini/dodger combination for cruising. I already have the dodger with a bimini extension. However, I need something more substantial for living aboard in the tropics. I'll also likely mount solar panels on top of the bimini. Anyway, I found this example from s/v Puerto Seguro (1979 382). Their previous owner's circumnavigated on her. I really like the design, and, if I can find the money, I'd love to paint my boat this color. Totally classy, IMHO.

I'm keeping the photo at it's original size for clarity.

What are the strengths/weaknesses of this particular design?


19385.jpg
 
My solar panel on Wind Rose is attached to the vimimi bars it self. There are these SS fittiongs that clamp on the the frame and have a shaft with threads on them to attach. Now you have to make a hole with a soldering pen than seal the hole with silicone. But 4 of these to flat bars 2 Alu than the panel attaches to that . Simple and fast to install.
 
I've admired s/v Puerto Seguro's dark hull for quite a while. Very nice looking, and I'm considering that if I need to paint the hull in the near future.

We live in the cool Pacific NW, but I was curious if the owners of s/v Puerto Seguro would still opt for the dark hull, in the tropics, because of the added heat absorption.
 
I agree the navy hull looks good, but in tropical climates I think the dark colored hull & canvas would cause the interior of the vessel to become much warmer.

On a completely different tack... I do not see any running backs in the image. Does anyone have additional images or information on this vessel. I'd like to know more about how they rigged the inner stay and if they used running back stays.
 
Yes, I've thought about the color being too hot in the tropics. And, while I'd love to paint my boat that color, it has nothing to do with the safety of the vessel or living aboard comfortably. My budget is for other things. But, it sure is classy.

I have a phone call scheduled with the previous owners for next week. The staysail setup is one of the things I plan to talk to them about.
 
Please use a different thread. There is much information already in the Archives on the topic of Stay-sails.
 
The bimini on Puerto Seguro looks a lot like the Sailrite 3-bow kit.

http://www.sailrite.com/Bimini-Kit-...s-Steel-Frame-Fittings-Sunbrella#.Uz7IX61dWjA

My plan is to use that kit and DIY. The price ($975) is a lot less than I've been quoted by canvas shops. Those Sailrite videos are great - I would never have thought of doing it myself before watching the Sailrite videos. Same thing with interior cushions, sail cover, etc.

Have I really reached the point in life where I'm excited about a sewing machine?
 
Yes, I've wondered if it was a Sailrite kit as well. I have a few more detailed pictures of the bimini setup, and there are a few modifications to it that aren't part of the Sailrite package. However, they aren't so different that it makes me think they couldn't be Sailrite.

One thing I didn't like about the Sailrite kit is that the bows do not come as one piece. The bows are too large to ship, so they cut them in half. You have to use a sleeve to join them together. I wonder how that impacts the strength of the bimini once solar panels are mounted to them.

I also wonder about the tube size and mounting hardware. If going with Sailrite, I'd definitely select the 1" tube over the 7/8" tube. However, is the design of an offshore bimini structure different for coastal cruising vs. offshore cruising. I intend to go offshore. That's one of my questions for the Puerto Seguro folks - how did theirs perform offshore and with solar.
 
If you plan on going offshore, any bimini should be designed to either fold up or strong enough to withstand winds in the 30+ range. If you plan on attaching rigid solar panels, I would advise an arch. It isn't just the size of the SS tubes, it is the attachments to the deck or the stern pulpit. When offshore, you just never know what Mother Nature will throw at you.
 
Here's another option. I copied the style/looks of my old bimini using 1 1/4 tubing. This allows mounting of solar panels and easier access to and from the cotpitt. Very strong with traditional appearance. I even used my old sunbrella bimini top which I plan to replace with removable hard top later.
19401.jpg

Zingara's bimini
 
Hi Steven:
I see your hailing port is Savannah. Where do you keep your boat? What yard do you use?
We will be moving Paragon, our 1981 M382, from Lake. Lanier, north of Atlanta to her new home on the GA coast later this year.
 
Ken -
It is very sturdy - something stable you can grab climbing in and out of the cockpit. I basically built a model of the coamings (two 2x6 resting on two 2x4) and took my old bimini to the welder. I was careful to try and get the angles as close as possible to the real boat. The old bimini had the shorter cross piece that blocked entrance to the cockpit. I attached my bimini to the 2x6s just as if mounted on the boat and had him model the same size bimini with a few extra cross top pieces and he only "tacked" the the four feet on so I could adjust them a little to match the angle of the coaming. Took it back and had them welded and also added the brace piece you see toward the stern. The front straps are cosmetic only - simply because I like the looks of the old biminis but needed something stronger. The solar panels are 2' by 4' and totally aft of the boom. They generate @ 15 amps combined at high noon.

I'm sure there's a few dozen ways to do it, but I have been very pleased with mine. In hindsight, I would go ahead and pay for stainless instead of using aluminum. I'll try to get you some photos.

Is your mainsheet on the cabin top like mine ?
 
Alan & Cheryl -

I keep her at my house, but there are two marinas close to the ocean here in Savannah. Sail Harbor Marina, which is also part of the Yachtworks boatyard, berths most of the sailboats in our area. Bull River Marina is located about halfway between Savannah and Tybee. There are several other marinas further inland, but I would investigate one of these as my first choice.
 
Hi, Steve. Thanks for the information. Yes, my mainsheet is on the cabintop (moved there by the dealer when the boat was new). However, the 382 boom is longer and lower than the 384. I'd love to see more pictures if you can conjure some up.

Frankly, cost is the primary consideration with this project. It looks like I can make my own for less than $1500. I've heard that some designs cost several thousand dollars. We're hoping to set sail next summer, and every penny is important!!
 
Hi guys,

Just adding to this thread from a question posted in a different thread:

""Tangent question: I had seen photos of Calypso previously (attached) and was considering the design of the bimini, radar & wind gen posts.

19551.jpg

It looks like you took all of those contraptions off - is that just for the work you are/were doing & are you replacing them? Or gone for good? Any thoughts on the design(s)?

Cheers
-Mark (384 'Zia')""

Yes, I took all contraptions off the deck for the repainting of the deck, and also to reinforce the underneath of the deck with appropriate backing plates.

Calypso bimini design is definitely very nice. It is made of aluminum, allows the solar panel and radar to be inclined for better efficiency, keep the wind generator off everything, and allows to raise and lower the dinghy.

That being said, it's a LOT of weight at the back of the boat. Oscar, the previous owner, was planning to remove the feature of raising and lowering the dinghy.

My other issue with the design is that it creates a lot of metal framework at the back of the boat, which impair movement and enjoyment of the view.

I have recently seen a design in my boatyard that is similar to Calypso, except that it used the stern pulpit as a base instead of adding a new contraption. I thought it was quite well done.


19560.jpg


You can find other pictures I took at this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n1kpk2umrhrpqxk/AACsC4_Q8PVXqpxDg4nHefnAa/Sailing/Arch

Cheers
Philippe
 
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