To fellow H240 owners:

I spent some time researching the best bimini options for a 240 and did not find anything too appealing. My goal was to have a bimini that rested back on support poles, sits just below the boom under sail, and reaches right up to where the main sheet attaches to the boom. I decided to do it myself using a stock bimini top from GMI and making some minor modifications. I am extremely pleased with the result and thought I would share it. I spent significant time doing all the measurements/angles/positioning but the photos should show you exactly where to put the fittings, etc. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

Step 1:
I measured my boat and found a supplier (GMI) in Canada that was very close to the measurements I needed. They also ship to the USA (pricing is also good...). Here are the details of the specific bimini I ordered.

Bimini Top Description:
Length: 5 feet
Height: 40 @ 46
Width: 91 @ 96
Color: sunbrella Navy (#6026)
Accessories:
Matching Boot is free!
1 pair adjustable support poles

GMI TOP DESIGN (www.gmitopdesign.com)
Phone: (819) 364-2273
email: service@gmitopdesign.com

Step 2:
I ordered the bimini uni-mounts to accommodate the hull angle. Not sure exactly where I got them, but here is a link to the same part: http://www.marinepartdepot.com/new316ststbi.html

I also ordered the following rail mounts for the support poles:
http://www.marinepartdepot.com/new316ststra2.html

Step 3:
Based on my measurements, I needed to shorten the main (rear) bimini tube by approx 7.5” on each side. I used a standard plumbing copper pipe cutter – works great. I also needed to shorten the inner and outer tubes for the support poles. Approx 3.25” for the outer support pole and 4” for the inner pole. You will need to remove and replace the bimini fittings to get this done. The following picture shows the sections that were “cut off” (See photo Cut poles):

Step 4:
I mounted the uni-mounts in the location show as “A” below. I can’t remember the exact screws but they were fairly large in diameter, maybe 1.5” in length. I drilled a pilot hole and would recommend some 5200 adhesive as well.

Step 5: Added on the rail mounts “B”.

Step 6: Attached the bimini to the boat as shown.

Step 7:
I loosened the set-screw and lowered the front bimini fitting down the main pole to the position shown in “C”. I also put in a thumb screw into the middle pole fitting “D” so I could lower and adjust it. This is important to maximize the height of the bimini. Most biminis are set higher in the middle pole. You don’t want this, as it will hit the boom under sail. You need to lower it so it is at the same height as the rear and front poles. Here is the install from different perspectives (see photos main 1, main 2, main 3, main 4, main 5):

(Please note, the rear strap are just “sitting there” with no function. You could probably cut them off or do something more creative.)

Step 8:
Added stainless D links to the first set of life-line poles as shown (see photo D link). The front straps attach to these links when open.

That’s it.

It is the end of the season and have the mast down so I could not easily take a picture of the bimini open. I did find a picture from last year with it open (please note, the topping lift is in use so the boom is higher than it normally would be). (See photo on the water - open)

In summary, I think this is the ideal bimini install for the 240:

1. The high is maximized (sometimes the boom actually touches the bimini when coming about with the main sheet hauled in!).
2. The length is maximized right up to where the main sheet attaches to the boom.
3. It does not infringe on the stern rail seats - you can sit on the stern rail seats and look over the bimini when opened.
4. Stores neatly back with the support poles.

Good luck, contact me with any questions if you are interested in replicating. I encourage everyone to add to the H240 knowledgebase. I would suggest we port some of the good H240 forum topics into the knowledge base. I will be adding a few other mods I have made.

Jehr