Bimini

A well-designed bimini can make a huge difference to crew comfort. Apart from providing protection from the elements, particularly the sun, it can also create extra sleeping space on board, support solar panels and even channel rainwater for drinking.

Very few boats are supplied with a bimini as standard, so being able to design your own retrofit version can be very rewarding. Many blue water cruisers list a bimini as one of their most essential items, especially in the Mediterranean and Tropics.

A bimini is universally accepted as being a temporary fabric awning that can be pulled over the cockpit to provide shade. Add some detachable side panels, and it can form the backbone to a complete cockpit tent. On some smaller boats, this can provide the equivalent to an extra sleeping cabin, usually with full standing headroom. A bimini shouldn’t be confused with a cockpit awning, as this tends to be draped over the boom and can’t be used with the mainsail hoisted.

There are several ways to support a bimini, the most usual being on a series of stainless steel hoops or ‘bows’ set on running tracks. When not in use, the bimini is slid back and tied against the radar arch, or folded forward under the sprayhood.

Size and location

A bimini needs to be useful without getting in the way. On a yacht, it is usually designed to completely cover the helm area, affording the helmsman the most protection. A bimini can reach as far forward as the sprayhood, where it can be secured to the deck, and the sprayhood dropped to promote a through draught. To provide shade when sailing, a bimini has to be lower than the boom and yet still afford standing headroom. The supports will also have to be sturdy enough to withstand the unexpected squall or, if fitted to a motorboat, the effects of wind speed when planing.

A sturdy bimini will give welcome shade from the sun when out sailing, at anchor or in a marina. It is regarded as essential in hot climates.

Before fitting a bimini, decide how much of the cockpit (and sidedecks) you want to cover. The biggest challenge will be the location of the framework’s anchor points, ensuring that they don’t foul any winches or clash with other fixtures on the coaming. Usually, careful planning and the use of mock-ups using plastic wastewater pipe will highlight any potential problems.

A bimini can be bought off the shelf as a kit, but ordering a custom-made one will be a good investment. Although this will cost more, it will fit the boat exactly and can be made multifunctional. Many blue water sailors use detachable panels as additional sun protection, especially when the sun is low or the yacht is heeled. The side panels can also be partly rolled up to collect water for drinking. In addition, the bimini’s top can have attachment points for flexible solar panels and the frame can be modified to accept temporary interior lights.

A custom-made bimini on a Discovery 67 with full headroom. Note the closable vents on the roof, the detachable side panels and the zip on the front to attach the bimini to the sprayhood.

Which material?

Although providing shade is the prime concern, biminis also need to be weatherproof, so choosing the right material is important. A UV-resistant acrylic or polyester is usually best, as they are lightweight and flexible, as well as easy to wash. Vinyl is a heavier alternative. Owners like to match the colour of the fabric to the boat, although a white bimini will reflect more sunlight away, and also reflect sunlight from the water back down into the cockpit. Large plastic zips, tape tiebacks and corrosion-resistant poppers are used to hold a deployed bimini in place. The quality of these fittings normally indicates how trouble-free the bimini will be.

KEY ELEMENTS FOR A BIMINI

A running track each side of the cabin allows spacing of the anchor points, so the hoops can be more easily tensioned and stowed.

It is best to use the high quality, UV/corrosion-resistant fixtures and straps for trouble-free extended use.

Biminis should be able to stow securely in heavy weather, with a UV-protective cover to extend the life of the fabric.