Finally thinking about putting a Bimini on Aloki and wondering if fellow Nonsuches would share a photo of their Bimini installation , many thanks, Gary
Aloki NS 30329/ oyster bay , NY
I can think of no better Bimini/dodger assembly then the one I have. Having delivered many boats including experience with several Nonsuch 30s, this is the best. It has easy access when boarding, I can remove it in less then 5 minutes for racing and is very flexible for adding panels for protection.
Joe
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[/details]Mine is very similar to Joe’s. Dodger, centre section and bimini. Dodger has two 100 watt solar panels zipped in place. Centre section easily unzips, roll up and store below, or just unzip one half if you want to. Bimini can partially unzip, fold frame back, wrap around bimini canvas, attach cover. Bimini and centre section have overhead windows so you/crew can look up to see mast and sail.
Sorry I don’t have much in the way of bimini-dodger specific photos, and I’m stuck at home with a mild case of COVID-19. Hope that helps.
Don
Actually, Don, it’s not. Yours appears to be more traditional. Mine is a one piece bimini that extends over the companionway and aft of the driver. There is no banging of heads on the frame when going down below. I’ve easy access when boarding as no part of the frame is in the way. Here in the south, shade is of importance. I can have just the Bimini up which gives me 360 degrees view and air flow.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
I think this is a personal choice and there are many right designs but since you asked for pictures, I’ll add mine. My boat came with a very good dodger and I played around with a lot of setups for the “roll bar” bows that also came with before settling on this design for the bimini/connector.
For me it is perfect but as I said I think it is a personal choice based on aesthetics, visibility, and convenience.
Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay, B.C.
One thing to watch, Gary, is making sure the Bimini supports do not block your ability to use a winch handle on the sheet winch. Our boat came with a Bimini installation that blocks us from getting a full rotation on the handle. Not the end of the world, but annoying.
Get a window in the thing to look at your masthead.
Have a loop or two installed at the seams on the centerline so you can hang lights while you are at anchor and dining/drinking/whatever.
lloyd herman
Rendezvous, 30U
Port Washington, NY
Just had Thurston Sails replace my dodger and Bimini this season , and they did a nice job.
One thing I’d advise is to have a window overhead that allows you to see the masthead from the helm, helpful when you go under bridges. It’s also nice to have a window that connects the Bimini to the dodger, which makes the whole structure stiffer. Finally, use the heaviest tubing possible, nothing less than 1’ diameter. And make all window covers, etc. attach with zippers or hard fasteners — no velcro, which gradually loses its grip. By the way, side curtains are nice in cold weather, but add to the cost, and not really necessary unless you are going offshore.
Barry Connell
Nocturne, N36
Newburyport, MA
All good advice!
Has anybody modified their Dodger and Bimini to allow a 6’4”person to stand at the helm and see forward?
Even though our boats were designed by a very tall Mark Ellis, for one reason or another my enclosure does not allow for adequate headroom to get a clear view.
I’m about to order a new Bimini and Dodger and want to make sure I correct this condition.
Steve Romeyn
Windsong, N33 -2005
Deltaville, VA
Steve -
Checking out Paul Miller’s rig, it sure looks like the bimini part is way higher than the dodger. I have seen photos of REALLY high dodgers and biminis, built to accomodate tall skippers. However, the bimini (the aft part of the whole system) is really the only part that needs to be high as it covers the helm area, not the actual dodger. I imagine that the builder, who supplies the frame, can make a dodger tht is as high as you’d need.
Unfortunately, the higher they they are, (in my opinion) the uglier they are. and, the costlier.
Ernie A. in Toronto
When going higher with the Bimini, consider the impact on the topping lift. A mislocated topping lift position can wipe out a Bimini real quick like.
Just saying …….
Cheers,
Butch
Butch Garren
Nonsuch 30 #196 “Whiskers II”
SIYC Slip 12
Solomons, MD
Steve, my bimini pictured above allows me (6’4")to see over my dodger easily through the large window in my connector. I have a raised section of my cockpit grate behind the wheel to accommodate that.
Wishbone/sail clearance is not an issue at all and I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To my eye this looks better than a tall dodger but to each his own.
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Many thanks for comments, all being noted.I intend to keep the Bimini down for the most part and up when at anchor or a long motor. My dodger is a ‘low profile’ design by Custom Covers in Clinton, Ct. it’s the Second one in all those years. Excellent workmanship and materials. I’ve asked the owner to share her ideas. I’ll post when received. Best, Gary
Sorry, Gary, but your style wouldn’t work well down here. Not enough ventilation or shade.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
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These are photos of my frame redesign for dodger and bimini. I’ve got great access to my winch and great access into the cockpit. I’ll take more photos tomorrow and post.
Pete DePascale
Branford, CT
Irish Mist 33’ 006
Pete DePascale
Branford, CT
Irish Mist 33’ 006
Hi, following up on my much earlier post on this thread, here’s new photos of my dodger-centre-bimini canvas sections. The centre section has 4 zippers that start in the middle so while at dock you can easily unzip and open up just one side (as in 2nd photo) or completely remove the entire centre section if you want. And the bimini frame can be folded back by undoing two quick release pins, then wrap the bimini canvas around itself on the folded frame if you want the cockpit completely open. Bimini has a separate zipper cover for this configuration. The height of my canvas will accommodate a person 6 ft tall, I am not. There are also canvas pieces that zip in from below to cover overhead windows to block sun when at dock.
Cheers,
Don
When my boats original dodger finally wore out I decided to incorporate two 75 watt 12 volt solar panels into the existing frame. When I converted BIANKA to electric propulsion I added a frame to extend the Bimini and added two more 48 volt solar panels to charge the propulsion battery bank. I don’t race so removing them is not a concern. I can stand underneath them with no problem.
Mike
BIANKA
1986 30U
biankablog.blogspot.com
Hi, following up on my much earlier post on this thread, here’s new photos of my dodger-centre-bimini canvas sections. The centre section has 4 zippers that start in the middle so while at dock you can easily unzip and open up just one side (as in 2nd photo) or completely remove the entire centre section if you want. And the bimini frame can be folded back by undoing two quick release pins, then wrap the bimini canvas around itself on the folded frame if you want the cockpit completely open. Bimini has a separate zipper cover for this configuration. The height of my canvas will accommodate a person 6 ft tall, I am not. There are also canvas pieces that zip in from below to cover overhead windows to block sun when at dock.
Cheers,
Don
