Bimini and other deck options

DuckDogTitus · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 1:18 pm Post subject: Bimini and other deck options

After our first full season with the C-Dory, we understand the value a little better in a full camperback system. I'm not sure we "need" the full system, but I am thinking just the top portion, the bimini, would be ideal for rainy day fishing. Does anyone run just a bimini in that scenario? I hate when the aft deck area starts collecting rainwater.

thataway · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 1:35 pm Post subject:

It depends. I started with just a Bimini on several of the C Dory's--and ended up getting full canvas. Rain will come in thru the sides, if there is any wind. The full camper canvas gives you an extra dry room. You can take off the foul weather gear and put it in the cabin. You can still troll with just the side or back open. So, I have gone with full canvas in all of my boats.

Don and Brenda · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 2:08 pm Post subject:

I had the bimini made a bit oversized and had the zippers placed so later on I could easily add the full canvas.

johnr · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 2:14 pm Post subject:

With the bimini on, rainwater STILL gets into my aft deck because rain running off the top of my bimini drain into parts of the aft deck. In other words, my bimini does not cover the entire aft deck such that rainwater coming off the bimini will run into the ocean. For that, I would need a bimini that extends past the aft deck, or perhaps have gutters on the bimini that could direct the rain drainage overboard.

The bimini is still nice in the rain because you can stand and sit under it and stay dry, but it's not keeping the water out of the aft deck. To keep my deck dry I need to add the full canvas (sides and back).

DuckDogTitus · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 2:16 pm Post subject:

chriscarrera · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 2:20 pm Post subject:

Camperback was the first thing we did when we got the tomcat, I consider it essential in the northwest and makes the living space much bigger. Worth every penny.

PaulNBriannaLynn · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 5:55 pm Post subject:

That custom cantilever design where there is no rear poles appeals to me alot more.

The standard camper back looks really nice to have, but I am worried it would really effect my fishing. How do you deal with a big fish spooling your reel and going under the boat? Normally I'd just switch sides but don't those poles for the canvas really get in the way? I guess I just don't have any experience.

We were in Panama and hired some panga type boats with similar tops to the camper backs. It was really nice to be out of the blazing sun and rain(sometimes at the same time!) until we got into the fish. At that point the top bows really became a PITA.

thataway · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 7:52 pm Post subject:

A bimini can be made so that it folds down completely out of the way. Sea Pelican had this feature when I owned the boat. My Caracal center console also has the feature which allows the Bimini to be folded completely out of the way when fishing.

thataway · Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 7:55 pm Post subject:

A bimini can be made so that it folds down completely out of the way. Sea Pelican had this feature when I owned the boat. My Caracal center console also has the feature which allows the Bimini to be folded completely out of the way when fishing.

A good canvas maker should be able to make a full camper back with the cantilever system, which could be the best of both worlds.

Montana Kev · Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 12:31 pm Post subject:

Here is a picture of our camper back. It extends to the back of the motor well which is great for getting into the rear hatches. We can also store gear in the well. The camper back doubles our living space. Since this pic was taken I added zippers and a role-up door on each side panel. We also added a zipper on the top starboard side next to the cabin roof. The top zipper enables you to zip the top back 16 inches and clip it back so you do not need to duck down while going in or out of the cockpit. We leave the top up and the port panel on most all the time then at night hang the rear and starboard panel. We also have a full privacy curtain that can be hung with clips.

DuckDogTitus · Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 12:38 pm Post subject:

if your camperback systems get wet, do you remove them from the boat and set them up in the garage or something to dry later? I'm assuming they dont get rolled up and packed away wet on the boat. (or do they?)

i'm thinking of when I'm deer hunting and my camping gear gets soaked every year... I tend to come home and lay it out in the garage a few days to dry before packing it away.

Sunbeam · Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 1:57 pm Post subject:

Sunbeam · Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 1:57 pm Post subject:

Montana Kev · Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 12:24 am Post subject:

Hi Sunbeam,

The bottom of the back panel is the clear material, I did this so I could see the motor or if towing the kayak. It can be snapped at the bottom. The motor can be tilted but not let all the way up with everything zipped but the panel could be modified to let the motor up. We bought the boat 2nd hand and it came with the Bimini and side panels, I made the rear panel and installed the roll-up side doors. We store the boat with a slant back cover and only set-up the bimini when we are on board. In the photo you can see how the bimini stores with the slant back cover in place.

Sunbeam · Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 12:59 am Post subject:

Kevin: Thanks for the detail. Good looking pair of boats Thumbs Up