Canvas

[Donald Tyson]

Great advice. He is planning on using a lot of #6 screws and as well. Lastly he said he'd have two straps two alleviate the stress to the cabin top.
I plan to remove the top for anything other than Local trips and for Local trips it will be in a boot.

[C-Wolfe]

Not meaning to highjack this post but it’s somewhat relevant.
What is the best way to store the side curtain with clear window when not in use. I’m sure flat is ideal but hard to do in a small boat, leaving folded or roll. I try both way, not sure what is best.
Thanks

[Donald Tyson]

That's not a hi-jack. A hi-jack might be water-skiing or discussing cooking aboard.
I've heard people say that they store the flat under the v-birth cussions, separated by paper or towels. I plan to find a tube of say 10" diameter and store them in there when underway.
What have you heard?

[C-Wolfe]

I know it wasn’t much of a highjack...
Folding flat sound very good, but not the most convenient, especially in the 22 since the middle removable section will interfere with that. In the Tomcat it will be most likely sitting on top of the access hatch which I use frequently. Mine came with a couple big bags to store them in, they were folded in there but I’m wondering if rolling them will be better. It is easy to store under the berth either way, should fit nicely under the 22 v-berth also. Your canvas maker could make you a couple bags with the scrap fabric.

[Donald Tyson]

I'm not, shall we say, the most delicate operator. I tend be tough on stuff if I don't protect it from me. To that end I'm planing to store them in a rigid tube. Not a tight tube, but probably 8". When they are on the Bimini they hang true. When I move them home in fall they will hang flat in the basement. While I may be swayed by the advice of others that is what I'm planning for now.

[thataway]

As above: I noted to make terry cloth or soft muslim sheet material, to make "sheaths" for each one of the camper back pieces. Stow under the v berth when not used.

You will cause vinyl distortion if. you roll them up. A lot depends on the quality of the vinyl, as well as the thickness. This is a whole different subject, which has not been broached in this conversation.

I don't believe I have ever seen a Bimini which had straps as well as the awning rail. If properly attached, the awning rail is well secured and does not require straps. This is why I use awning rail with the flange attached--the flange takes the load. #6 screws are very small....are they being put into cored structure?

[Donald Tyson]

In the current design the screws are not going into a cored area...just the back of the cabin.

I rucharound too much. They would be highly compromised if I stored them under my bed. I'll be using the best, very thick, non-shrinking windows (forget the name) though doubt I'll need it. Rolling will be fine as they're not windshields but merely see through walls.

[thataway]

If. you are rolling the clear vinyl, it is best to put old sheet material between the layers of vinyl, and roll that up. The very best in 60 mil costs about $1500 for a 54"x 110" sheet of material, plus the cost of sewing and other fittings.

Many of us put memory foam and / or other foams, on top of the bunk material which comes with the C Dory. That makes for a more comfortable nights sleep.

[Tom Hruby]

So here is the question: Who actually uses the clear side panels during the summer? I really don't use them in the summer because they quickly overheat the cockpit when the sun comes out. I store them at home for the summer and put them on only when the boat is in winter storage on its trailer. I sewed new panels to the same shape out of a thinner water resistant poly fabric (like a light Sunbrella) that zips into the same track. The big difference is that these panels are white and help reflect the sun. They are lighter in weight and can be more easily folded out of the way to let the air through. The vinyl panels provided by King Marine are a really good quality, but very difficult to put on and fold back on a daily basis when cruising. The white panels also provide privacy in the evening when we use the cockpit as additional living space.

[Tom Hruby]

So here is the question: Who actually uses the clear side panels during the summer? I really don't use them in the summer because they quickly overheat the cockpit when the sun comes out. I store them at home for the summer and put them on only when the boat is in winter storage on its trailer. I sewed new panels to the same shape out of a thinner water resistant poly fabric (like a light Sunbrella) that zips into the same track. The big difference is that these panels are white and help reflect the sun. They are lighter in weight and can be more easily folded out of the way to let the air through. The vinyl panels provided by King Marine are a really good quality, but very difficult to put on and fold back on a daily basis when cruising. The white panels also provide privacy in the evening when we use the cockpit as additional living space.

[Tom Hruby]

OOPS. Sorry my previous post got double posted. I must have double clicked.

[Donald Tyson]

I guess I never thought of summer heat. Soft sides would be nice and could easily be waterproofed. Sailright has $20/yd Bimini cloth that would be perfect for summer use. Come mid September the vinyl goes back on.
For now I'm only interested in completing the basic Bimini but with extra hems sewn in for next year when I add sides.

[Tom Hruby]

Mid-September is when we stop cruising here in Puget Sound. The boating season sort of shuts down for us after the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. The wind and rain move into their winter pattern so we travel on land in our RV trailer. We plan a few day trips in May but our cruising season really starts the last weekend in May with the Small Boat Festival in Port Ludlow. So, the clear panels stay home for the summer.

[Tom Hruby]

I have added a photo to my album page showing the white sides on the camper top.

[thataway]