Hard top bimini for older PDQ36?

[Marc Gershel]

Sorry about the picture quality. I'll never figure out how to post pictures correctly.
Computer stupid.
Marc

[maxicrom]

Marc,

That really looks sweet, very much what I have in mind. I really like the grab upper hand rails. I'm noticing on your rear steps that you don't have the lower "usually underwater" step that we have. Is this a model change or your own modification? Is the tubing tied together across the top and for and aft? Looks like you have good clearance for the winches, my bimini uprights are too close.

Very nice,

Mike

[Marc Gershel]

Thanks Mike,
I guess I shouldn't be calling this a bimini, because it's actually one unitized welded fabrication, that's bolted down to the deck. It's constructed from 1.5" dia. heavy wall aluminum. It could actually support a hardtop. I chose Stamoid strictly because of the cost, but if I had to do it again, I would do a light weight f/g.
The bottom steps, and the steps on the rear slanted deck were built by me.
Marc

[philiprmcgovern]

Marc:

Great job! Now, you've got me thinking that it may not be such a bad idea after all. Did you consider putting some sort of "windows" in the fabric that would allow you to see the sails from the helm?

Phil McGovern
s/v Sunshine

[Page 83]

You guys are toying with my emotions again! And I already blew my tax refund on more electronics.

[Marc Gershel]

Hi Phil,
I did consider cutting in a window, but the top fit so nice I was afraid of screwing it up. Also, on the old original bimini, I had a window, and found it very annoying. Either the sun was in my eyes ,or the main'sl was in the way. I actually kept it covered most of the time.
Phil, do you live at the Brunswick marina? The first time we stopped there, about 12 years ago , there were 5-6 docks, and 2 were unoccupied. The others were partially filled. We planned on stopping for 2-3 days , and stayed a month. Maybe the free washer/dryer had something to do with it.
We stopped there 2 more times over the years with the same results. Loved it.
Marc

[thinwater]

It seems, though, it must be troublesome to cover the sail in some conditions. The thing I like best about my hard-top is that I can stand on it. I really like that.

[Marc Gershel]

You're right, I agree. At the time I built this it would have cost an additional $3-4000 for the hardtop. As I said, If I should have to replace the top, I would try to build a lightweight f/g one. I would have preferred to have an original, like yours, but I'm satisfied with 2nd best.

Marc

[thinwater]

I would agree, though about the window. Add it! The hard top on my 32 has 2 window - 1 each side. I never use the port window, never remove the cover. The starboard I use constantly. Roll the dice.

I would never have trusted my ability to get that fit. I beleive I would have chickened out and used a lacing on the back.