here I am ready to launch. The canvas is not installed yet but if you look closely you can see teh frames folded on the coach roof and standing above the stern rail. The frames are high because I wanted to be able to stand under it comfortably at the helm.

ready 2 launch

without the fly installed you can see how critical it is that the bimini not extend forward into teh booms territory. I lowered the topping lift here so you can see exactly what kind of positioning is required to accomplish this.

boom clearance

here is the rig with the fly installed. you can see that the dodger is quite lower than the bimini. Another boat docked by me made them the same height - it looks like a power boat bridge. I wanted a lot less windage. With this setup, you should really have a window in the fly for visibility - I will install one this year.

port view

the fly is a complicated piece of fabric to construct ( this angle distorts its appearancew quite a bit). My canvas amker said it was like creating a fitted bodice in an evening gown. this was especially tricky because the radii of my dodger frames and bimini frames do not match for reasons previously stated.

the connection

this shows the four point support framework for the bimini. While the usual rail mount is probably strong enough, I wanted a really rigid structure and intend to enclose the whole cockpit.

All that extra stainless tubing is very comforting on a blustery night when you want something to hang on to.

bimini framework

viewed from the other side, you can see the different elevations and why the window in the fly is important. Note also the slot where the mainsheet passes though the fly..Its fine for motoring but cant sail this way.

On a long reach, I can attach my mainsheet to either rail and have them outside the enclosure dimensions. This is a great idea but limited use in practice!

starboard view