IMG_6629

Comment by boatsmith on April 14, 2011 at 9:17am

Great looking boat. Really like your bimini/enclosure. could you share some more photos of this and maybe some thoughts on it as to what about it is great and what you might change if redoing it?

Comment by Bill of Whitsunday on April 18, 2011 at 7:15am

Some thoughs on the hard top bimini:

 

Overall it is essential in the Queensland sun. It provides shelter that is supplemented by canvass sides and an aft canvass thet are removable. I provides places to fix electronics, radio radar speakers etc. It provides a high point from which to raise and lower the outbaords from- when the outboards are hoisted and tilted up they are well clear of the water. It provides another surface for solar panels. It strong enough to walk on making it easy to reef a main or raise the sail in a non ideal situation. It has a perimeter lip and four drainage points that are plumbed to collect rainwater. I'm sure it ads to windage and detracts from upwind performance but I wouldn't be without it. I can't take credit for building it but if I had I wouldn't chage much. I'd try for a little less windage - little less volume forward and a more aerodynamic shape. 

Comment by boatsmith on April 18, 2011 at 7:31am

Thanks Bill for posting the additional pics and your comments. Every thing is a trade off. In my part of the world I also don't consider shade an option.

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