Hi everyone, We have a Catalina 36 MKi 1984. I'm looking to get a Bimini Top for her, we have a dodger already. I was curious if anyone has put one of the Catlinia Direct Bimini's on thier C 36 and if so:
What Size
Do you Like It
What do you wish you would have done differently
If not, what are some of the other suggestions to get a bimini that doesn't break the bank so to speak.
Photos of suggestions when considering a bimini would be greatly appreciated too. Mounting locations, how to deal with not interfering with winches, bbq etc.
Also, if anyone has replaced thier bimini and has a used frame or full bimini available, I'e be verty interested.
Thank you all, and I hope we are all out sailing soon.
Bimini Top From Catlaina Direct
Mon, 04/20/2020 - 10:43
#1
Bimini Top From Catlaina Direct
I'm unfamiliar with CD's bimini, but from looking at the photos on CD's website, it looks like a very poor setup for a C36 -- seems to be more of a bimini/dodger without the front windows. I would inquire further with them as to whether the picture is an accurate representation.
Most C36 owners seem to have set their boats up with a seperate dodger and bimini, which gives both better protection and more flexibility. The dodge protects from water coming back from the bow (and protects the companionway) and the bimini gives shade and rain shelter back at the helm. On our boat we have a third piece that zips on to connect the dodger to the bimini, when needed (such as in the rain) so that the cockpit has full coverage (I don't have a photo handy, however).
Ours does not interfere with the winches at all -- the bimini is mounted on the stern rails. I can't give you an estimate of the costs -- the bimini and dodger came with our boat, although I modified the bimini framework myself to make it more ridgid to accommodate solar panels. My local canvas guy has given me an estimate of around $1,000 to replace my dodger (the sunbrella is approaching the end of its life); I don't know how much he would charge to fabricate a frame from scratch.
While I like Catalina Direct a lot and have given them a fair amount of business over the years, I think this is something that having a local fabricator do for you (or fabricate yourself if you have the skill set and tools) would lead to a much more satisfactory outcome ... Just my $.02
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
Matthew, how did you wire in the solar panels? Was thinking of adding a couple of flex solar panels to provide a little added juice so as to not need to run the Honda quite as much.
Phil L
Southern Cross
Channel Islands, CA
C36MKI #400
Not sure about your question.
If you are asking conceptually, the two smaller panels (64 watts each) are wired to each other in series (so that they are a bank of 128 watts), that bank and the larger panel (145 W) are wired in parallel to seperate Genusun controllers (which are located under the Nav table), then to the house battery bank. Totalling 273 watts
If you are asking about the cable routing itself, they run down the backstay and then through a clamshell fitting into the lazerette. I covered the backstay with a piece of 1" OD flexible pipe insulation and then had a tube of Sunbrella that covers it (fastens to itself with Velco). Makes a nice grip. Closeup picture below.
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY