If I had designed and built this beautiful Bimini from scratch, I doubt that I could improve on how perfect this off-the-shelf solution proved to be!
In the dead of the winter, I came across this 3-bow complete with all hardware in the local Craigslist. The owner of a new 4-Winns was putting on a wake tower and took this off. Yes, it was brand new!
He hesitated a bit at my low-ball offer but eventually accepted it. When I took it to the boat this spring and made a quick, eyeball fit up, it looked like it would work well.
I installed it the other day and its location and function is nearly perfect. It came with mostly everything I needed including the high-dollar “ball mount” fittings which make for lots of installation flexibility and ease of folding up into the boot when needed.
Entry into the cockpit is easy as you step over the forward sheet winch. It is OK to use the Bimini as a handhold since it is firmly attached in three places on each side.
The next step will be to make a connector with zip-out window for mainsheet which will tie the Dodger to the Bimini. At the time I make this, I’ll also pattern for the rest of a complete cockpit enclosure.
If the windows in the Dodger look particularly clean and clear, it is only because they are new. I sewed in new StrataGlass this winter to replace the old cracked and yellowed windows. While the old Dodger has lots of miles on it, restitching, repairing and re-waterproofing will get me many more years of use.
Note the beautiful Rocna on the bow.