Best Bimini for a 26X?

[DLT]

I want a good solid dodger too!

But, I must be able to go forward with it up. So, for me, the dodger has to be a rather narrow one...

Definately post when he gets back to you with a price!!!

[Frank C]

I want a good solid dodger too!

But, it must be able to go forward with it up. So, for me, the dodger has to be a rather narrow one...

Narrow dodger means less spray protection. That's a big deal when sailing on our average summer afternoon. Read on Duane Dunn's webpage about the differences in dodger widths
(right from the horse's mouth).

[DLT]

Yeah, I know... I would really only use it as a way to keep the cabin top slid back...

[dlandersson]

I thought I'd revisit this thread.

My Bimini came with my X (factory or dealer or PO - I don't know) and is pretty old - a bit of wear and tear but still works. Looking at replacing it and open to suggestions. The point about SS makes sense, you know teenagers will abuse it/misuse it.

I did my research... checked the old forum postings... but I'm still not finding what I need... a real comparison of features between the different bimini options for the Mac 26X.

My darling Admiral gave me a "buy a bimini" certificate for my birthday the other day, and now the big problem is that I have to actually pick one out. Decisions, decisions - there are so many possibilities. Ideally I'd like to get one I can at least have the possibility of adding onto (side screens, dodger, etc.) and I'd like to be able to stand up under it - I'm 5'11" - and I'd like to be able to pick the color - I'm thinking white.

Now at Dowsar, land of ridiculous prices (even after conversion), they have two - a 'sunshade' (only in gray) and a 'bimini'. The latter seems to be the only one compatible with their other products.

Over at BWY they have far more reasonable prices, but I'm not sure if you can stand under theirs.

Other options are one from We$t Marine, Cabellas, etc., but obviously there's no chance of upgrade there... still, the prices are much better.

So.. help me out gals and guys... what are the goods/bads amongst the options? Those of you who have seen several brands, which did you like best and why?

Thanks folks!

[kmclemore]

Given my original post was from 2006, 19 years ago, a lot has changed since then. I ended up getting a bimini from Softopper and I’ve been very pleased with it. (They no longer make them, though). See here for old info:

viewtopic.php?t=8619

We never did get an enclosure or dodger - never needed one - so it all worked out well in the end.

I thought I'd revisit this thread.

My Bimini came with my X (factory or dealer or PO - I don't know) and is pretty old - a bit of wear and tear but still works. Looking at replacing it and open to suggestions. The point about SS makes sense, you know teenagers will abuse it/misuse it.

I did my research... checked the old forum postings... but I'm still not finding what I need... a real comparison of features between the different bimini options for the Mac 26X.

My darling Admiral gave me a "buy a bimini" certificate for my birthday the other day, and now the big problem is that I have to actually pick one out. Decisions, decisions - there are so many possibilities. Ideally I'd like to get one I can at least have the possibility of adding onto (side screens, dodger, etc.) and I'd like to be able to stand up under it - I'm 5'11" - and I'd like to be able to pick the color - I'm thinking white.

Now at Dowsar, land of ridiculous prices (even after conversion), they have two - a 'sunshade' (only in gray) and a 'bimini'. The latter seems to be the only one compatible with their other products.

Over at BWY they have far more reasonable prices, but I'm not sure if you can stand under theirs.

Other options are one from We$t Marine, Cabellas, etc., but obviously there's no chance of upgrade there... still, the prices are much better.

So.. help me out gals and guys... what are the goods/bads amongst the options? Those of you who have seen several brands, which did you like best and why?

Thanks folks!

[OverEasy]

Hi All

A good idea or need is timeless!
Folks are still needing Bimini and dodgers that are good quality at an affordable price.

A PO bought the Bimini on our boat and there’s no identifier as to who made it.
We modified it to give us 6’2” of clearance by splicing in an extension.
I can stand up at the helm and still have shade from the South Carolina sun.

I’d like to add an extension to stretch out forward to cover the sliding hatch to further increase the shaded area while cruising.
Not anything complicated but just a flat extension to our existing Bimini at the same height.
Once we get some other To-Do-List items out of the way I’ll have to see if either of our currently unused sewing machines are capable of adding HD zippers or Velcro to the Bimini and add-on fabric. If not I’ll have to try and work it out with a local crafts person.

Thanks for the original post and for refreshing it!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[dlandersson]

Same here. A tad irritating.

A PO bought the Bimini on our boat and there’s no identifier as to who made it.
Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Russ]

I’d like to add an extension to stretch out forward to cover the sliding hatch to further increase the shaded area while cruising.
Not anything complicated but just a flat extension to our existing Bimini at the same height.

We have the BWY bimini and dodger and bought this connector to join the two to make one large cover. We've used it a couple of time in the rain and it was enough to keep most things dry.

https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/2601-1m0.htm

[OverEasy]

That looks great! Beautiful!
What a nice looking boat too!

Yeah!
Something like that (and/or a bit longer.)

While we would like a Dodger we also like the wide open unobstructed view we have now without it… Classic cake and eat it too!

Best Regards,
Over Easy