26M Sunshade

[djbroughton]

I have recently purchased a used 26M and am having difficulty setting up the sunshade. Does anyone have any photos of the sunshade setup or instructions for same? I also have the bimini which I can figure out a couple of screened pieces with zippers which appear to mate with the bimini somehow. Can't figure what these sceened pieces are for. Any suggestions?

Dave Broughton
Calgary, Alberta

[NiceAft]

When you said sunshade, I thought you meant the Bimini Can you post a picture of what you do have

Thanks,
Ray

[James V]

If the Boat was from canada, it could be from Doswer
http://www.dowsar.com/options.htm

[LuckyDog26]

I seem to be in the same predicament. Recently bought a 2012 26M and kept putting off the installation of this thing until I actually needed the aft berth where it took up very little space. I took the sunshade out and thought maybe the slides would be in the boot cover but sadly no. I looked through the box that several parts for the boat came in and no luck. The pictures I see online show some slides but I'm wondering now if they're not included(for the price of the thing you'd think they would). So I've been looking at it for about 30 minutes now and I can definitely rule out that "looking at it" will not install it.

[robbarnes1965]

If it's the Dowsar full enclosure(which I have), the largest piece with NO screen or window is the bimini.

I use the bimini and dodger a lot but almost never use the rest of it. Because the traveler is at the base of the companionway hatch, sailing with it all rigged is impossible. You will also find that it is almost worthless for mosquitos despite the screens because they get in at the base and all the little line passages.

As for putting it all up, start with the bimini. The rest will fall into place. A little bit of a puzzle but not a difficult one. If the canvas is new it may take two people to put up with the tension required. It gets easier.

Rob

[Kittiwake]

Hi Dave,
Like NiceAft, I initially assumed that by "sunshade" you meant "bimini". Certainly on our 2010 26M the stock bimini came with sliding 'feet' that allow one to easily adjust its fore/aft location along the cockpit lateral rails. The bolt/nut combo on the bimini struts fasten to these slides.

If your boat was through Dowser, they do have access to a local fellow for canvas work so I suppose the bimini might not be stock: could prove frustrating if you were looking at stock photos.

Good luck,
Kittiwake