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Post by J349er on Mar 19, 2014 13:26:22 GMT
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Post by tamasin2 on Apr 14, 2014 20:48:41 GMT
That sprayhood (Old English for dodger) looks good and I agree: that looks like an opening centre panel: nice. I'm horrified, though, by all the tubes and struts required to create the bimini. I can't believe that's the best solution, but as I live in Southwest England, where sunshine is a rare and precious event, I'm not going to let it spoil my fun.
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Post by Tafika II on Apr 14, 2014 21:38:03 GMT
I agree...way too much stainless and a very long bimini. We have a folding bimini that ends in the winch area with a removable center zippered-in-place section between the dodger and the bimini. The stainless in the picture in the mid-entry to the cockpit would not be good for entering the boat or easily getting forward. This area needs to be clear of tubing. Dodger does look very good though!
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Post by J349er on Apr 15, 2014 4:19:22 GMT
I think the picture of the bimini is one of a prototypes. I am told that the rear supports and stiffeners have been modified, the rear supports are now telescopic and allow for easy and quick folding of the bimini. Bimini also comes with a storage boot.
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Post by J349er on Apr 16, 2014 0:10:54 GMT
Looking closely at the 349 bimini pictures, it makes me wonder how tall you can be and still stand up at the wheel without touching the Bimini. The boom and bimini on the 349 seem to sit unusually low for a yacht that size. I also noticed the bimini is slanted downward on the aft which does not help for head clearance. Has anyone seen a 349 with bimini installed?
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Post by MartyB on Apr 16, 2014 6:00:40 GMT
WHats a bimini? or a dodger? Once I figure out what they are, I can say how good they are NOT! Do not like the look of them, Make it hard to Hoist sails, as many of the dodgers are too close to cabin top winches, so you have to use the shortest handles, if at all........ Just my 02 on the subject. oh yeah, these things slow one down too! and protect you from rain, not that I know in my area what that is. Now liquid sunshine, I KNOW WHAT THAT IS!    Marty |
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Post by rene460 on Apr 16, 2014 9:28:11 GMT
Hi Telecam,
I would not be without my Bimini. When you have real sunshine, and it's 43 C in the shade you definitively want shade, and it's pretty nice when you get the wet drippy stuff too. Also my dermatologist insists on inflicting more frost bite each visit, so shade is always good. Ours stays up all year in all conditions, and gives me good standing height.
There are significant differences in proportions of different designs. The bimini in the picture appears very long, ideal in sunshine but would catch a lot of wind, a folding design would be useful. Getting meaningful height dimensions is notoriously difficult.
Our dodger however is longer than the one in the picture, and provides better shelter for the crew and companionway. But it could do with an outside rail on each side to help with moving foreward. I would not be without the handrail on the aft bow, it is always in use. Our dodger is wide enough that it does not interfere with a full length handle on the winch even though we are only SO 30i. When the canvass needs replacing I will make it about 2 in lower.
As an alternative to the factory fit, consider getting them made locally. They can be made to your dimensions, with the features you want. Have a look at others in your area and find out who made them, and note the features you like.
rene460
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Post by J349er on Apr 16, 2014 13:59:40 GMT
Thanks Rene,
These are all good points. I already had a canvas made locally for a Beneteau 41 and have to say the local canvas maker did a terrific job. I opted for Jeanneau's canvas on the 349 mainly for convenience. This being a new design, I thought it may prove a bit complicated and time consuming to get canvas made locally. I just think the low boom may be an issue to get enough head clearance at the helm, it sure looks that way on the pictures I received. I definitely want a bimini as summer sun on the Chesapeake Bay can be pretty intense.
Best,
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Post by J349er on Apr 18, 2014 0:53:35 GMT
More info on the 349 factory canvas... * Bimini clearance at the helm is 1.83m (6'0.5"). This could be an issue for tall sailors but with such a low boom, It may have been difficult to accommodate for taller people without compromising the overall aesthetics. A low boom is nice to have when working the main ... * Bimnini comes with optional LED strip(s). To power the LED(s), a wire comes out the starboard side of the frame and a deck plug is provided and needs to be installed and wired to the boat 12V during commissioning. * There is about 15cm (6") overlap of the bimini over the dodger. That should prevent most rain to get between the two and into the cockpit. * As pictured below, there seem to be a good amount of space between the dodger and the bimini for easy entry in the cockpit without any strap or piece of frame in the way. * Bimini can be folded on its frame and comes with a storage boot. * Both bimini and dodger have a clear window on top that facilitates sail trimming Aside from the limited height, I think the canvas supplier did a great job in designing both, dodger and bimini and still preserve the beautiful lines of the 349.    Take care, |
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Post by J349er on Apr 23, 2014 12:28:00 GMT
One more pic of Bimini folded on its frame.  |
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garrettw
Junior Member
Posts: 12 
Jeanneau Model: 44DS
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Post by garrettw on Apr 25, 2014 14:40:48 GMT
My one complaint about the Jeanneau supplied biminis are the tensioning straps. I feel like they detract from the clean look of the boat. Many of the custom biminis made locally, where I am based, have the tubing placed such that you don't need straps. Makes for a little more complex plumbing but overall is a more professional appearance I think.
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Post by J349er on Apr 27, 2014 3:45:25 GMT
Interesting... I have yet to see a strapless Bimini, I thought they all have straps....
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Post by svsecco on Apr 27, 2014 4:33:40 GMT
Regarding straps for the Bimini (or dodger)... I sourced the canvas for my 45 DS locally. At my request the canvas shop created a dodger and Bimini without straps. My previous boat's Bimini had straps and they would vibrate in winds greater than15 knots. Drove me a bit batty to have to get out of bed in the middle of the night and tune the straps so they wouldn't vibrate. The struts also provide a really solid frame.
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