[C320-list] Bimini versus sun awning

[badams3491 at aol.com]

I have a dodger and a bimini.  They work fine together, being  about three 
to four inches apart where they meet.  As you stated, I to  question the 
ability of the awning to stand up to the stresses the wind would  impose on it 
once it got really to blowing.  I leave them both up all  summer and take 
the bimini down in the winter.
 
Bert
At Ease
#442
 
 
In a message dated 1/13/2010 9:35:10 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
goodmanalanlee at hotmail.com writes:



I am looking for input as to whether I need to upgrade to a  traditional 
bimini, or whether the sun awning from the PO is sufficient.   My criteria are 
sun and rain protection, so at this time lets ignore the issue  of 
enclosing the cockpit.  It appears the sun awning is sufficient for  use at the dock 
or anchor, but I also need sun and rain protection while under  sail.  The 
awning zips to the top / back of the dodger and has a sleeve  across the 
rear which accepts an aluminum pole.  The two backstays are  captured between 
the pole and the canvas, each at a cutout in the  sleeve.  The diverging back 
stays in conjunction with the fixed pocket at  the canvas cutout prevent 
the back of the awning from falling below its design  position or shifting 
laterally.  This seems to be a common set up as I  have seen it on other boats 
and I assume the benefit is much lower cost given  the elimination of a 
significant of SS tubing.  But I am concerned that  with the limited attachment 
points, the awning itself may act like a sail and  wreak havoc when exposed 
to 20 knot winds.  Any thoughts would be  welcome.  Alan

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