Bimini and boom clearance

[rsvpasap]

When I bought my 26x about a decade ago, the previous owner had installed a regular bimini of the type you can buy from any boating supply store. It was totally adequate if all you need is a bimini. The tubes were the same as it used by Blue Water Yachts, one-inch aluminum.

I've now had the Blue Water Yachts bimini in "Silver" sunbrella for a little more than 7 years and have not treated it gently. It has been up on the boat continuously, all but about 20 days while trailering, in all conditions (snow, hail, 60+ mph wind gusts) and its still going strong. I have the BWY full enclosure and almost always keep the bimini, dodger and mid connector in use, taking down the mid connector while sailing. I initially thought not being able to stand under the bimini might be an issue (I'm 6'4"), but it hasn't really posed a problem. I would much rather have the full coverage of the cockpit than the ability to occasionally stand at the helm under the cover. I use my boat primarily as a sailboat and almost never go over 6.5 knots. My only complaint has been chafe from the backstay. After trying a number of different arrangements, I ultimately just enclosed the lower portion of the backstay in a PVC tube.

The BWY bimini seems to be designed to be the correct height for the boom to clear over the top while sailing.

[OverEasy]

Hi Rsvpasap!

Nice write-up on the BWY Dodger/Bimini/Enclosure.
It’s good to know that it is a durable long lasting investment.
We’re contemplating the choice between getting a similar set-up (& color) as you described or going the route of making one of our own design.

Our usage is a bit different in that we have primarily been using our Mac26X in Trawler mode.
We modified the after market Bimini our boat came with to raise the internal clearance height to allow me to stand at the helm without hitting my head at 6’1” tall. Got tired of ducking all the time.

On boom raising….
We’ve talked with several proficient sailing folks and their attitude is that raising the boom at the gooseneck a couple inches isn’t going to change things much as long as the main sail can be drawn tight on the mast. Just raising the aft end of the boom would be more likely to affect sail shape and efficiency. The gooseneck fitting is something relatively simple to work with.

One aspect that we’ve become more aware of is Genoa only sailing.
It eliminates the boom and mainsail aspects altogether.
If used with a Furler it eliminates needing to climb on the cabin deck to raise and reef the mainsail.
If more power is desired a larger Genoa can provide it.
The Furler aspect provides customizable line reefing.
No boom means no conflict with a taller Bimini.

Now I fully agree with those that are concerned about the lower performance without a mainsail but for a lot of people that’s not really all that much of a issue who really just want to get out and have some fun.

Just a different perspective is all.
Your boat, your choice.

Best Regards
Over Easy