tophatyachts.com

Hi gang, me again with the questions. thanks to all who have taken time to help with my previous enquiries. no doubt there will be more as the time for me to buy my top hat approaches. Next year is not that far away now and can't wait. Anyway I digress. My latest question concerns shade whilst sailing. I am not a big fan of being cooked by ol sol. Most shots I have seen do not show a bimini attached to the pushpit but I am guessing There is probably a commercial one available. If anybody has fitted one can they please enlighten me as to what type, where it can be got and ball park price. A photo or two of setup would also be appreciated. Thanks in anticipation. Soon to be mk2/mk3 owner. GYPSEA. Cheers.

Gday Gypsea,
You probably dont see it that often because, I dont think its really required....adds a bit of windage, costs $$, gets in way & cant really see what the sail is doing. Usual precautions....long sleeve high SPF shirt, wide brimmed hat & sunscreen does a good job, you can usually find some shade from the sail too.
Better to concentrate on a really good sun shelter, while at anchor, that works & is quick and easy to put up & down.
All just my opinion.
cheers

Hi Gypsea

I had one of these, bought the smallest available at Whitworths. Just looked up the cost and they are now $169. I cut it across and put in 2 zippers so that the backstays could go through the middle. While I was at it I cut some canvas out to make it shorter so it would clear the boom. With the standard mountings its high enough to stand up under or (at least for my medium height). Also for a better appearance I replaced the webbing straps provided in the kit with stainless wire.

I found it really good under sail, much cooler, and even better when anchoring for short stays, no need to rig the cover. But a few years of UV and a Southerly wind put an end to the stitching. I still have the pieces in a bag to stitch back together. Will do this in the next few weeks.

Cheers

Many thanks for the replies. I am continually amazed at the great feedback provided by the members of this great site. Thanks again. I am more in tune with swift and the bimini ( sorry shaun ) but appreciate both replies because it shows the diversity within the T/H clan but also the sensible personal views of you all. Once again many thanks and on my way south from Mackay after xmas I hope I might be able to ck out some of the members boats as I travel sth towards sydney. Cheers.

I'd sail with the bimini open.
that was the 1st item I added to "sylph"
being cooked by UV was no fun

Gypsea,

I prefer, after a lot of using and experience, to set up my bimini as shown in the photo. Under it, I can stand while helming and still get shade when sitting at anchor or sailing. By slanting the bimini forwards I get max shelter when sailing/motoring into rain [the forward support bow is at my eye level]. When at anchor and its raining I fit a small 2mx2m blue plastic canvass to cover the gap between the bimini and the aft end of the cabin roof [You will always point into the wind], but I have been known to fit the 2mx2m canvass across the back of the bimini to get extra shade from the sun. The only pieces that are not standard in the kits [see Whitworths cat] are the two small horizontal braces which were made up with bits from Whitworths. The height of the middle bow is adjusted when you have the mainsail up so that the boom clears it.
I always sail with the bimini up unless we have 25 knots or more of wind predicted and I always fold the bimini up and put the cover on when I leave SEAKA on my mooring.

Phillip