Canvas

[thataway]

It is best to have a local canvas worker who can fit the canvas to your boat. I have owned good and not so good camper backs from King Canvas. I cannot comment on their current quality. It may also depend on who is doing the sewing.

Snaps are very easy to install--anyone with a pencil, drill and screw driver can put them in. Also putting them thru canvas is a very easy process, and a kit is available for about $10 if you only have a few to put in. I carry the cheap kits on my cruising boats to replace a snap if necessary. The more expensive tools are for "production".

I feel the best for the forward end of the Bimini is the awing rail, which is available in both plastic and aluminum. Look at SailRite for illustrations of all of these different tools, fittings and fabrics / Vinyls.

Check the headroom in the cockpit with your Bimini. Often the Bimini needs to be higher than the back of the cabin top.
A zip out front panel is often a nice addition--which allows more ventilation under the Bimini.

[Donald Tyson]

I have twin 40's. I believe it was both Thataway and Waypoint who mentioned that I should always try to dock on the port side??? is that correct?
We are putting the potty outside against the cabin. Should I block the port or starboard side with this potty?

[ssobol]

As for docking, you don't always get to decide. You can have a preference, but wind and current conditions, dock layout, available crew and dock hands, and approach avenues will determine the side you dock on every time you dock. Personally I prefer to dock on the starboard side because it is easier to see the dock from the helm position.

One thing on the camper back, you might want to consider if you want the camper back to enclose the lazerette covers or not. Depends on what you keep in them.

[Donald Tyson]

Understand,

[thataway]

I prefer to dock with the Stb side to the dock. The helm is on Starboard, I can more easily place the fenders correctly and I can often get hold of a cleat, lock line etc better than on the Pt. Side. I often have a boat hook handy in the cabin--one of two adjustable boat's aboard.

[colbysmith]

Donald, go to my Midnight Flyer album, and look for the nested album on my enclosure. I had it custom done by a local guy that does good work. The same guy did the bimini on C-Traveler. I don't remember if the bimini folded forward as well on my 22, but it does on my 25. So I can fold it back, or forward. I trailer the boat with it in the forward position, and normally on the water either have it back, or fully open over the cockpit. However, when trolling, I will also fold it forward. I think I have photos of it in C-Traveler's album as well. As for the full camper back, let me say this. After having it on my 22, I elected not to have it on my 25. The bimini alone suffices. The problem I found on the 22, is I really didn't use it enough to make it worth while. There was probably only once where it really came in handy, and that was when I did the Inside Passage of Alaska. There were a couple other times I used it, but mostly because I had it and felt I needed to get my money's worth by using it. I also had to figure out where to carry the extra enclosure when it wasn't in use. That was probably the biggest disadvantage on the 22. I have not really missed having a full camper back on my 25. But I do use the bimini a lot. Colby

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album2715&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album3180&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[thataway]

On our Tennessee River Cruise we were the only boat to have a full camper back.---and it made a huge difference--We had a place to dry off when coming in out of hard rain. It also doubles your usable living space. Also a full camper back with insect screens is a delightful place to sit and relax, when others a bug zzaping or getting eaten up! I have had this type of enclosure on a number of boats, not just C Dorys--and we consider it to be an essential.....different folks--different strokes!

[C-Wolfe]

different folks--different strokes! Very well said, you need to decide what will work best for you, and we all have different priorities and different cruising ground. Here, it rains a lot, and unless you are doing day trip, you will be spending most night at anchor. I only had a top cover on my 22, and I really wanted a full enclosure. Being able to leave thing in the cockpit and knowing they will stay dry in a real bonus, especially after a few day out and wanted to reorganize or do some clean up, usually best done on a rainy day anyway. The 22 is a great boat, but it can get crowded fast when you try to get stuff done in the cabin.

[-Waypoint-]

I would say put it on the Stbd. side. Mainly because the cabin door secures to the port side bulkhead.

I recommend docking your boat to port because the boat backs to port, making it easier docking on the port side. Using propeller walk in your favor (pro-tip) for boat handling.

[Donald Tyson]

You folks are so helpful. Thanks for all the comments. We feel like when we get advice here is comes with some seasoning from seasoned owners.

We're going to get more familiar with this and to that end we have begun watching Sailrite and other video's. I now think I can work this out and design our own frame. Then a local canvas guy can cover it for us.

How does the vertical seem, up the cabin side, not leak while under way. And, the valence that connects the Bimini to the back of the cabin...Is there a track and bolt rope attached there?

The photo I attached above shows that the Bimini stays very high (tall) well forward of many I see. In fact Larry said somewhere it was 6'4"-6'8" and that is what I would need to be comfy...I'm a fat 6'2 1/2". The little Connector piece, I call it a Vallence, should indeed be removable for ventilation on hot days and while underway to help push any exhaust fumes from the cockpit.

As many of you have mentioned that you don't always use your sides, and since the latest estimates put a full tent 50% higher than we budgeted, we are now thinking to only make the Bimini this year. Built in such a way that we can add panels in the future finesh it out.

Thanks for all the free advice.

[thataway]

[Donald Tyson]

It's Ironic, I've been practicing Starboard docking as I figured port would be easy. I figure that in reality I need to not differentiate so much as there will be many times ahead that I'll need to take the opposite of my preference. You and Mark/Yuka are welcome at my dock anytime...just let me know which boat you're bringing, I mean my dock is only so long, lol.

I grew up with those spinner knobs on all of our Massey Fergusson's on the farm. while I plan to get one for this boat I'm not positive there will be enough room btwn my knees and belly.

Sailrite has come a long way since yrs ago when I first visited their site. Now you design your frame plan while using their Best Practices. Then they bow bow the roof and bend the corners. They offer drilling jigs that make it possible to drill at will without the the hassle of scraping and rolling off the pole. Plus I have some experience in layout and would find it fun. Both My wife and I both sew, or did at one time sew, but we're not sure we want to make our own top. There is simply certain entry sizing and roof heights that we want and so if we make the frame that sets the parameters.

Another member mentioned aluminum, that is another light option, That is a great option but it is not clear if there are metal fittings that would be appropriate.

I'm on edge considering these things. Then I realized we don't have to be in a hurry.

Learning...

[Donald Tyson]

How is the roof and sides waterproofed.

Sailrite mentions the potential need for a diagonal brace at the back to keep the Bimini from wracking or wobbling. Is this ever needed on our short cockpits or is it ever needed if the front of the Bimini is attached to the cabin?

[Foggy]

Learning how to dock takes time.

With weather, current and perhaps visibility limitations with all that canvas astern
you have Donn, I'd advise pracitcing with someone else's boat if you can...

Potential problems I foresee with your canvas set up: 1) access to your stern cleat
for securing a line to a dock cleat in a blow and 2) boarding/disembarking from/to
a dock without taking it down. I had zippers - port and starboard put in my
canvas - for easier access at thee dock.

Your twins should assist you in docking, not detract once they become familiar.

Aye.
Grandpa used to say, "Live and learn."

[Donald Tyson]

I was thinking how nice it would be if I could learn to dock with someone else's boat but I haven't heard anyone volunteer