MacGregorSailors.com

Kai where you from If your around MDR I would be glad to show it to you. It fits what you described. I wasnt looking for anything special when I got the Bimini Mike just asked if I wanted the large one or the small one I picked the large one I added adjustable hardware and replaced the straps so It was easier to adjust.

Any new info from you guys who were looking for a bimini top? Did you find a good one?

I got a sunburn the other day out sailing in Sarasota Bay. I think it's about time to add that upgrade for my 2005 26M.

My wishlist (in random order):
1. easy installation
2. adjustable forward/aft positioning on the genoa track - shared with genoa car
3. Works well with my 6'2" height
4. Adjustable height - it would be nice to be able to occasionally use the helm seat or stand at the helm while under the bimini
5. durable - probably stainless steel frame
6. sunbrella or another durable long lasting fabric
7. shades the companionway when positioned forward
8. folds back against the mast support arch
9. MUST be usable while sailing - ie. boom friendly and 130% genoa tolerant
10. available in pacific blue
11. inexpensive

At this point, I'm thinking about the Dowsar bimini. It feels a little pricey and doesn't meet all of my wishes... I expect that none of them will.

Any new suggestions / info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
ROB

This is a corrolary to my previous post. I have some questions about the Dowsar bimini for the 26M.

1. Does anyone know the high and low heights for the Dowsar bimini? Is it infinitely adjustable between those heights?

2. Where does it rest when it is in its boot? Is it in the way?

3. Do they honor requests for other colors (pacific blue)?

4. Will it work well with a 6' 2" adult? Can I sit under it when lower and stand under it when raised? Can I sit in the cockpit seat when raised?

5. How long does it take to get one?

6. It doesn't look like it can be made to shade the companionway, correct? How about turning it around backwards? Shading the companionway could come in handy while working inside or when it is raining.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
ROB

I PURCHASED A 2004M LAST AUGUST FROM DOWSAR. I GOT THE FULL COCKPIT ENCLOSURE (INCLUDES BIMINI AND DODGER, WE ALSO GOT THE STERN PULPIT SEATS). I REALLY LIKE IT. WE ARE HOPING TO GET HER IN THE WATER THIS WEEKEND (WEATHER NOT LOOKING THAT GREAT, WE'RE ON LAKE ERIE), BUT IF I DO I'LL TRY TO ANSWER SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS. OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH 6'2" OF HEADROOM. YES YOU CAN KEEP IT UP WHILE SAILING. NO IT DOESN'T EXTEND OVER THE COMPANIONWAY, THIS WOULD INTERFERE WITH THE TRAVELLER, REASON FOR THE DODGER, I'M SURE THEY CAN DO ANY COLOUR OF SUNBRELLA (I'VE SEEN AN X DODGER IN PURPLE!?).

MARK M.

I think getting a custom one is the way to go-- I got mine from
www.harborcustomcanvas.com
Check it out to see some examples. You get something made exactly how you want, stainless steel etc. I have 6 feet two inches headroom, a clear connector, and high quality dodger just like on the website.

I use a pelican hook on backstay to lower bimini when raising and lowering mast, and sailing with mainsail and boom of course.

Crouching around under the old grey standard bimini just doesn't cut it when motoring. I have one in great condition barely used in my garage (out of sun). $100 takes it if you can pick it up.
Rolf

I chose a standard bimini for my 2003m. I believe it was a "Taylor made" from West Marine. Less than a boat buck as I recall. We wanted standing headroom while under sail as well as power so I removed the main sail and had North Sails in Oxnard recut the foot from -0 at the mast to -12" at the aft end. I did the same thing on the 97X I used to have. According to North any change in utility would be minimal. I've noticed no change in speed. We did have a custom dodger made. We had it made to cover the entire width of the cabin top not just the hatchway. It is foldable for deck access or trailering by pulling two ball lock pins. With the bimini and doger we can go from no cover to almost full cover in less than a minute.

Bruce - enjoyed your coinage...

Less than a boat buck as I recall

I spoke with Lloyd at Dowsar Marine in Canada.

There are 2 bimini products currently available for the 26M.

The freestanding one which has been on the market for some time is now a painful $1389 Canadian which is over $1100 USD!!! That's just for the sunshade with no other options.

The newer model has a few negatives:
1. It is no longer freestanding and is not as solid as the older one.
2. There is no history or experience with this complete redesign.
3. It's still expensive at $689 CAD which is about $550 USD. That does not factor in the surcharge charged by the credit card company, shipping costs, and any potential miscellaneous charges for exporting/importing.

The newer one is more like that of other retailers. It has front and rear straps for support. It is not freestanding and doesn't have the braces to hold the top material open. The pluses are that:
1. I can expect it to be the right size for the 26M
2. It mounts on the genoa tracks and uses existing fastening points. In other words, it looks like there is no installation work required.
3. It has a raised position for standing and a lowered position for sitting and can slide forward and back on the genoa track. That provides a lot of flexibility.
4. It's stainless steel construction like the other more substantial model.
5. It's resting location when stowed can vary by sliding it on the genoa track.

I have requested a quotation by email, as instructed by Lloyd, for the delivered price of the newer, lower priced sunshade/bimini top.

I could probably save some money by getting one custom made. However, I'm leaning toward going with the "I know it'll fit" option. I especially like the flexible positioning and height.

Regards,
ROB