Bimini top

[DougSea]

I tried the largest rod holders I found at my West marine store and they were too small so I brought them back. The store clerk said those were the largest they had and I think they were 1.5". Maybe my arch is made out of larger pipe?
PITOU, your boat looks great, it doesn't look at all like mine. Your boat looks MANLY and mine looks wimpy. I love the door to the pilot house and all the other neat stuff attached.

I've got a campaign going to get Pitou to post some more photos. I really like the radar mount - but I wonder how it would look without the outriggers to balance it. (He's got a damn nice looking boat there!)

The 1-1/2 inch rod holders should work. It's a tight fit and you need to remove the plastic sleave (which makes the holders fit 1-1/4" pipe) to get them to work. On mine the two halves of the clamp don't quite meet but the holders are very secure.

[Nancy]

Doug,

We need to rework our bimini, so I'm looking at all kinds of bimini photos for ideas. I have a couple of questions on the setup on your old boat.

It's a little hard to tell from the photo - did the bimini extend to the stern of the cockpit?

Did you always have the bimini extended or did you fold it up sometimes? It looks like it might have folded forward. Did that work OK or did you feel like the angled frame got in the way?

[carolmarie]

Nancy:
We have an arrangement on the Carol Marie that you may like. We love it. The entire cockpit gets covered.
If you send me your email address I'll send you a recent photo; also, if you care to take a trip down to Essex ( by car or bost) we'll be pleased to demonstrate its ease of setup. As a bonus, it also integrates with a full camper enclosure.
Regards,
Don Bechta
2001,28TE.

[Nancy]

Thanks Don. I'll send you an email.

[DougSea]

Doug,

We need to rework our bimini, so I'm looking at all kinds of bimini photos for ideas. I have a couple of questions on the setup on your old boat.

It's a little hard to tell from the photo - did the bimini extend to the stern of the cockpit?

Did you always have the bimini extended or did you fold it up sometimes? It looks like it might have folded forward. Did that work OK or did you feel like the angled frame got in the way?

Hi Nancy,

Didn't see this post before I responded to your other bimini one. I did a better photo series after this one. See here: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3846&p=33015&hilit= ... ini#p33015

It folded aft when not in use and laid just beyond the transom so the boxes could still be used. Did block the door however.

[paulamaxim]

Can you tell me where you purchased your binimi top and aluminum rails to hold it up? We are looking at an Albin 28 TE, but would like to put a canvas top on it.

I appreciate your help,

paulamaxim@aol.com

[Nancy]

Hi Paula -

For a sturdy bimini top that can be left deployed while under way, you'll want to talk to a canvas shop. You won't find any prefabricated frames or canvas.

If a temporary sunshade would serve your needs, one of the Taylor Made products might work.

Happy boat shopping!

[dkircher]

Hi Paula,

I agree with Nancy, a sturdy top must be fabricated by a canvas shop. Ours, pictured, was made by Canvas Supply in Seattle. It has a strong stainless frame and Sunbrella fabric. It is now about four years old and still looks new. It can be folded. However, we have kept it up year round except when substantial snow was predicted. Not a big deal in the Northwest. We have only taken it down once. The boat is in an open slip all year.

The top is great! A worthwhile addition for sun and, in our case, rain protection.