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I like to have my weather vane in view when helmimg, but cannot see it with the bimini up.

I am considering cutting a half moon shape into the bimini and putting a clear panel in there. (Probably get a pro to do it)

My only concern is that the bimini is quite taut. I worry that a window might compromise the strength of it, and tear when I pull it over the supports.

Advice?

The clear vinyl material they se is pretty tough, should be ok.Its the same stuff I have on my wrangler windows and they take a beating. I would have them make a flap as well that can roll up and cover the window when you don't need the view. it can be held with some velcro tabs when close as well as rolled open..

I had the same situation but rather than put in a window in bimini I installed a mirror on mast support pole on . See my application in the MOD section. works beautifully and cost $5.00.

I had my bimini especially made with a window in it. The size is about 10 inch square sewed around the outside is velcro on the base.
with the existing bimini material as a flap on the underside with clear pvc on the outer. This allows on a sunny day to still get shade with the flap sealed. On the top there is material around the outside of the pvc sewed over the top to keep the rain out.
You may want to judge your line of sight to where you need your window, to make sure you can see what you need at the time you open it. Also put in a strip, once you roll it up to hold it back out the way so it does not sag in your face
And yes mine does not leek
Steve

We do it on all of our biminis. Ask the trimmer to sew a velcro cover on the window as well. http://www.bluereefyachts.com.au/Lbimini.htm

Cameron

Blue Reef wrote:We do it on all of our biminis. Ask the trimmer to sew a velcro cover on the window as well. http://www.bluereefyachts.com.au/Lbimini.htm

Cameron

We did that...



....on the window for the Endeavour bimini..



....but used a ...



...common sense fastener. It is a good idea and will make the glass last longer...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... s-4-a.html

Sum

===================================
Our MacGregor 26-S

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

You seem to have the window running fore-aft. It was my intention to run it side-to-side. i.e 6" fore-to-aft, and about 2 feet wide. That way I can see my wind vane from either side of the helm.

Another question: you have your transition panel (bimini-to-dodger) in. You don't sail with it in, do you? I can't, since that's right where the main sheet passes. Presumably, your pic was taken while at dock, set up for over-nighting.

Blue Reef wrote:We do it on all of our biminis. Ask the trimmer to sew a velcro cover on the window as well. http://www.bluereefyachts.com.au/Lbimini.htm

Cameron

Mine would need to be right at the leading ledge of the bimini. From the helm, I can see most of the way up the mast, but not the top. Where yours is positioned would be too far back for me. (And, yes I am too lazy to just leeeean forward to look up. )

Or, I should say, my crew. Being less experienced and less intuitive about wind direction, they tend to rely on the vane more than I do.

DaveC426913 wrote:You seem to have the window running fore-aft. It was my intention to run it side-to-side. i.e 6" fore-to-aft, and about 2 feet wide. That way I can see my wind vane from either side of the helm.

Another question: you have your transition panel (bimini-to-dodger) in. You don't sail with it in, do you? I can't, since that's right where the main sheet passes. Presumably, your pic was taken while at dock, set up for over-nighting.

The window is fore-aft due to....



...the solar panels above it. It is located below the slot in the middle of the 4 solar panels above. From the helm you can see the windex ok. Ruth is usually there and I'm usually forward in the cockpit working the sails and I'll be able to see it there. Here is...



...a picture of the frame for the solar panels from above right after it was mounted. The helm is visible, minus wheel, below the opening. When we left the boat we just put one of the 6 panels in to keep one battery charged and you are right that we won't be able to sail with the panel (front of the bimini) in place under sail. It rolls....



....back and under the solar panels and those blue straps unbuckle. The picture is of course not the Mac, but the Endeavour in the boat yard 10 feet up and a couple hundred feet from any water

Sum

===================================
Our MacGregor 26-S

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

Sumner,

I'm in awe of your fabricating skills and Ruth's canvas skills. That looks amazing!
You will have enough power for just about all your needs with that array. The canvas is so pretty and functional.

You've inspired us. I'm looking to create a piece to transition the bimini to the dodger. Not a full enclosure, but just to join the two for rain etc.

Very nice work.