bimini top and cockpit cover for CP16 with boom gallows...suggestions

[mayrel]

I just purchased an 83' CP16 with boom gallows.  I would like a bimini top while underway.  I understand the bimini top needs to be forward enough to allow for the mainsheet and low enough to allow boom/sail adjustments.  With boom gallows I'm thinking the bimini top can be about the same height as the bottom of the boom gallows to allow for furling the sail when anchored and have room for the sail.  Since I haven't sailed a CP16 I'm not sure of where the helmsman is best positioned; I'm thinking more forward close to the cabin or maybe about half way from the cabin and stern coaming?  The length of the bimini top would likely be about 4', enough you block the sun most of the time, yet not in the way if you wanted to stand up in the aft cockpit area.  With this in mind, if I wanted to make a cockpit enclosure, seems you could zip in a forward panel attaching to the cabin top close to the mast, sides could zip along the bimini top on either side and zip to the forward section as well.  For access on and off the boat, the stern section could zip to the bimini top with a panel zipped into one side(like a tent door), at least half way across the stern.  Each of these panels would then be secured to the cockpit coaming.  Not sure how I'd want them secured, maybe just extra canvas with a baton sewn in the bottom and attached at each corner with an eyelet and line to tie them in place.  I don't like snaps on any surface which is vulnerable to walking on.  With the weight of the batons and each panel being zipped into the other, there may not be a need for securing these to the cockpit coaming(?). The idea here is to enclose the cockpit for sleeping.  No-see-um windows just big enough to let air in and see out, located high would work, with possibly the stern door with a tent-door style screen and canvas.  Obviously in a blow, wind and rain is going to get in.

My other thought is for a simple canvas cockpit cover with sleeves sewn in to insert batons like seen on other designs.  This cover would fit over the sail/boom resting on the boom gallows and be secured at 4 to 6 locations to the cockpit coaming.  The idea is to provide more coverage than the bimini top when at anchor.  I'm inclined to forget about the bimini top and just go with this kind of cockpit cover, with four sides it too could become a cockpit enclosure.

We plan on cruising spring, summer and fall as long as the weather holds.  We particularly like spring and fall in northwest FL.  Mar-May and Sept-Nov.  Jun-Aug is usually too hot and crowded.  Any suggestions and photos would be greatly appreciated...John

[NateD]

After having a bimini on my CP23, I plan to have one on all my boats going forward. It makes the cockpit much more comfortable in the sun or rain. But like anything, there are compromises. On my 16 I usually put the bimini down when I raise or lower the main sail or to put a reef in, but I can sail with it up. The bimini I got (http://www.attwoodmarine.com/store/product/2-Bow-Bimini-Tops) is 5.5' long, so it covers most of the cockpit, making it difficult to go forward while the bimini is up (but not impossible). Even at 5.5' long, the sun still sneaks under when healed, or at certain times of the day. For $200 (including the matching boot), I'm very happy with it. I've only had it 1 year, and it gets stored in the garage between outings, so it should last me a while. If yours is going to be stored in the FL sun you might want to look into something with a higher quality fabric.

[Duckie]

I have a bimini on my 16 that came with the boat.  I don't think the issue of where it sits when it is up is as big an issue as where it lies when it is down.  I monkeyed around with mine until it would lay nice and flat to the stern without interfering with the main sheet or the tiller.  That put it farther back than I would ideally like it, but I haven't needed it yet so I can't say much.  I think that up here in MN, I will probably only use it at anchor.  I tried it out in the driveway and decided that I don't like it up for sailing.  I do think that they are a wonderful idea though.  I got caught out in a quick but intense shower while at anchor last summer with only an umbrella which worked, but the bimini sure would have been better. 

Al

[mikew]

John,- I built an bimini top for my 1983 Cp-16, modeled after the one in Bob Burgess book- Trailer Sailing Handbook. It is made from marine vinyl top material, 4 aluminum tubes, and 6 bimini top fittings. It covers the cockpit leaving some room in the rear for standing, and the mainsheet. It cost about $75 ten years ago and can be used while sailing. The best part is that it can be rolled up and stowed beside a bunk in the cabin. A picture in photobucket:


It may fit your needs as a basis for your shelter. The front is made by sewing a cuff in the material.  A aluminum tube fits into this cuff and its ends are tied to the side stays. The angle of the stays keeps it in place. The rear of the top could be modified to fit your gallows. Let me know if you want more details.

Mike  

[mayrel]

Hey Mike,
  I appreciate your response; that top looks great!  We don't plan to use it while underway, only when anchored or tied up at the dock.  I was thinking of a similar design.  We have a local canvas fabricator who uses sun brella for awnings.  I was going to use an old sheet to make a template and have him sew up a piece of canvas that would go over the boom/sail with the boom resting in the boom gallows.  To secure this canvas, I was thinking a grommet in each corner would allow us to tie the front to the shrouds and the back to the boom gallows, possibly adding more grommets if needed.  I was also thinking we could add four side panels which could be attached to the top with velcro.  Each of these panels could have a window with sewn in no-see-um screening about 2'X1' to allow ventilation.  We'd probably need aluminum or 3/4" pvc running lengthwise to add support to the side panels.  Additionally each of these panels would have fishing weights sewn into the bottom.  Since these panels will hang straight down about even with the cockpit coaming and they will be attached to one another forming a cockpit enclosure, the weight in the bottom edge of the panels should hold them in place. The front panel would fit forward of the hatch and could be secured to the mast and cabin top hand rails.  Of course if we get a lot of wind this probably wouldn't work too well?  I really want to avoid attaching a lot of hardware to the boat.
  Another thought was to just use no-see-um screening for the side panels, again using velcro to attach them and fishing weights to hold them down.
  Our main objective is to have an alternate sleeping area(just the two of us)protected from bugs and/or to keep the dew off of items stored in the cockpit if we sleep in the cabin.  We don't have the boat home yet, so I probably should wait and see in person how things could be worked out.  But I do like the simple design you provided, easy to put up and break down for storage.
  Thanks again, John

[Duckie]

I've made a couple boom tents similar to what is shown in the pic.  My Weekender has a complication that  won't allow the cover to be mounted over the boom  which is the best way I think.  If you mount the tent under the boom, be sure to build in a tie that will support the center of the tarp in case it should happen to rain.  It doesn't take very much water to put a healthy strain on the whole contraption. 

My current tent covers the entire cockpit of my Weekender and the open hatch.  I found that this provides the best ventilation for the cabin even when it is pouring.  At anchor or at the dock, privacy curtains are a must on such a small boat.  If you get caught out in a squall, you will appreciate all the tie outs that you put on the tent.  I don't think you can have too many.  I got caught in a thunder storm that broke one of my poles.  I should have tied it out better.   Boom tents can be a chore to put up and take down, but it sure is nice to wake up to a dry cockpit in the morning.

Al

[mayrel]

Thanks Al, I agree.  In a small boat with a large cockpit, a complete enclosure makes a huge difference in comfort.  I thought about trying to integrate a bimini and enclosure, which can be done, but it's expensive.  Plus I really don't like a bimini when sailing; that's what they make long sleeve shirts and hats for.  I'm not able to make a cover so I'll have to get a fabricator to do the job.  We have a local canvas guy who primarily makes awnings, but he uses sun brella and will be able to do this job for us reasonably.  My job is to come up with a workable simple design.  I may use one of those cheap nylon tarps to make a template.  Obviously there are many different designs with means to incorporate side panels and secure everything properly.  And you're correct, when you get caught in a blow, you can't have enough tie downs.
I also have an old lateen sail which I might be able to use? It's about 65SF.  If nothing else it can be used for other items(storage bags, etc).  I'll take my time and work something out.
I appreciate all the responses...thanks! John

[Duckie]

That's a good idea.  I have done four boom tents for my weekender and have another in mind  for next year.  You don't have to feel bad about ruining a cheap poly tarp, so you can go nuts trying things.  My best advise is that if you think you might another guy line on the tent, you really do.  Have fun with it.  Figuring out stuff is one of the best aspects of small boat ownership.

Al