RubyTuesday39
Junior Member
Posts: 11
Jeanneau Model: Sun Odyssey 39i 2007
Yacht Name: Ruby Tuesday
Home Port: Peterhead
Country: Scotland
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Post by RubyTuesday39 on Oct 26, 2018 20:23:28 GMT
We are thinking of getting a cockpit enclosure for our newly acquired SO39i to withstand the rigours of Scottish weather. We already have a bimini and sprayhood, which I assume were fitted by Jeanneau originally.
1. Is there any kind of cockpit enclosure that is supplied directly from Jeanneau as an accessory?
2. We have talked to a few sailmakers to see what they can do, and it seems basically there are two options: (a) to use the existing bimini as a starting point and attach sides, a rear panel, and connecting panels to the sprayhood to this using zips. Advantage is that it uses existing structures and is a bit cheaper.
(b) to have a complete canvas tent made along with the required SS framework that is independent from the existing bimini, but would zip on to the sprayhood somehow. Suggested advantage is that it is more robust than 2a, but disadvantages are that it is quite a bit more expensive and adds extra complexity in the cockpit. 3. Are there likely to be any second-hand enclosures for sale in the near future?
I was just wondering whether anyone on the forum has had experience in this, and could advise on what the best approach might be? For 2a and 2b above, are there any particular firms in the UK that might specialise in making cockpit enclosures for Jeanneaus (i.e. may already have templates)?
Many thanks
Rob.
(P.S. Apologies if this in the wrong section.)
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Post by zaphod on Oct 26, 2018 23:12:39 GMT
Our newly purchased 39i came with a full enclosure that was custom made for the original owner when the boat was new. It was not a factory option, it was made by a local company. The way it is designed there is a retractable bikini and a permanently installed Dodger. Then there is a connector piece that zips between the Dodger and the bimini. The side and back panels then zip onto the bimini and connector piece to fully enclose the cockpit.
We have yet to put any of the side panels on, as I have a hard time getting used to even having the bimini over my head, let alone being completely closed in. We were out in heavy rain one weekend and just having the connector between the dodger and bimini kept us fairly dry.
I suspect your best bet would be to try to add on to your existing canvas. You could start with connecting the Dodger and bimini and then move on to side panels later.
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Post by zaphod on Oct 26, 2018 23:59:27 GMT
Here is a pic of our Dodger and bimini with the connector attached. Unfortunately I dont have a pic of the full enclosure.  |
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Post by MalcolmP on Oct 27, 2018 6:33:43 GMT
We had our original Bimini and spray good converted by Peter Sanders in Lymington about 4 seasons ago, really fantastic, wished we had it from new. Put a couple of extra s/s bracing bars on to stabilise, but it is very robust.
Going the full width of the Bimini is great as you can still open the lockers. Having a dry cockpit is brilliant, we seldom eat below anymore and in fact put in a smaller saloon table which makes lounging much better.
Make sure you have several fully removable panels to give best flexibility, we have 2 each side. The big panel across the stern on ours has a roll up doorway, but would be better as 3 seperate panels
I will try to find some photos later
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Post by MalcolmP on Oct 27, 2018 7:50:47 GMT
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RubyTuesday39
Junior Member
Posts: 11
Jeanneau Model: Sun Odyssey 39i 2007
Yacht Name: Ruby Tuesday
Home Port: Peterhead
Country: Scotland
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Post by RubyTuesday39 on Oct 27, 2018 19:09:41 GMT
Malcolm, Zaphod
Many thanks for the pictures and tips. Food for thought.
Malcolm, I think that yours looks like the 2a option that has been suggested to us. Presumably it zips along the sides somehow to the bimini? Is this robust enough, or does the bimini start to sag in the middle?
R.
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Post by MalcolmP on Oct 27, 2018 20:41:13 GMT
Malcolm, Zaphod
Many thanks for the pictures and tips. Food for thought.
Malcolm, I think that yours looks like the 2a option that has been suggested to us. Presumably it zips along the sides somehow to the bimini? Is this robust enough, or does the bimini start to sag in the middle?
R.
Yes equivalent to your 2a. Zips have been installed all around the Bimini on new short flaps. The only sag problem we had was initially on the side walls which allowed a puddle to form, but this was soon fixed with a round batten and pocket each side that straddles the 2 s/s Bimini frames. If you look carefully at my photo #5 you can just see the end of this batten on the top of the Bimini, it has a blue protective cap. Since this was fitted, no sagging at all. The battens need to be removed when folding the Bimini, but that takes a couple of seconds at most. Highly recommend this style. |
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Post by zaphod on Oct 28, 2018 2:43:38 GMT
It looks like Admin's connector piece is solid fabric. If you look at mine you will notice it is mostly window which allows for more light, and visibility forward over the Dodger. That might be something to consider when getting that piece made. (Mine also has a sunbrella window cover to protect the window vinyl from uv.)
My side panels are all zippered as well. I think my bimini is bigger as the backstays pass through the bimini and the enclosure panels would hang vertically just inside the lifelines and pushpit.
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Post by j24sailor on Oct 28, 2018 6:12:03 GMT
We are thinking of getting a cockpit enclosure for our newly acquired SO39i to withstand the rigours of Scottish weather. We already have a bimini and sprayhood, which I assume were fitted by Jeanneau originally.
1. Is there any kind of cockpit enclosure that is supplied directly from Jeanneau as an accessory?
2. We have talked to a few sailmakers to see what they can do, and it seems basically there are two options: (a) to use the existing bimini as a starting point and attach sides, a rear panel, and connecting panels to the sprayhood to this using zips. Advantage is that it uses existing structures and is a bit cheaper.
(b) to have a complete canvas tent made along with the required SS framework that is independent from the existing bimini, but would zip on to the sprayhood somehow. Suggested advantage is that it is more robust than 2a, but disadvantages are that it is quite a bit more expensive and adds extra complexity in the cockpit. 3. Are there likely to be any second-hand enclosures for sale in the near future?
I was just wondering whether anyone on the forum has had experience in this, and could advise on what the best approach might be? For 2a and 2b above, are there any particular firms in the UK that might specialise in making cockpit enclosures for Jeanneaus (i.e. may already have templates)? Many thanks
Rob.
(P.S. Apologies if this in the wrong section.) Do it, do it, do it. We had ours installed almost two years ago and it makes a huge difference. Essentially all the canvas work is not done by Jeannueau but when the boat is initially sold is done by the dealers. Find a good local dealer and they usually have one company that they work with that know Jeanneaus. It has to be a custom build. When we had our bimini, dodger installed initially we couldn't afford the enclosure but had them at least install the zippers at the time. We went with option 2A and have been very happy with it. We did go back to the original canvas worker which I think helped as they had done a few enclosures on similar boats before. Good luck and well worth it. We run a portable heater up through the stern berth hatch in the winter and stay up there all year round. James |
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Post by pbunning on Oct 29, 2018 9:34:56 GMT
We had a cockpit enclosure made for our 33i by Saturn Sails in Largs. I didn't want a permanent structure and happy just to put it up when we are in a marina or at anchor. The support frame fits into the jib sheet winches.
It has really been a worthwhile purchase - after a wet sail, arriving into a marina, put it up, plug in electric and run a fan heater - cockpit dries out quickly and gives more living space.
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RubyTuesday39
Junior Member
Posts: 11
Jeanneau Model: Sun Odyssey 39i 2007
Yacht Name: Ruby Tuesday
Home Port: Peterhead
Country: Scotland
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Post by RubyTuesday39 on Oct 29, 2018 12:57:47 GMT
Thanks everyone for your helpful comments.
pbunning - Good to know that you are happy with Saturn Sails - they are one of the ones that we have been in contact with. Would you be able to post or email me some pictures, especially where the frame fits into the winches? It would be useful just to see how they have done it. Many thanks.
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Post by MalcolmP on Oct 29, 2018 18:41:04 GMT
Thanks everyone for your helpful comments.
pbunning - Good to know that you are happy with Saturn Sails - they are one of the ones that we have been in contact with. Would you be able to post or email me some pictures, especially where the frame fits into the winches? It would be useful just to see how they have done it. Many thanks.
I have not seen that option, BUT it would mean that you cannot use the enclosure at all if you are sailing. Whilst we don't often as it does look strange, but in poor and cold weather it makes passage making wonderful, we have crossed Biscay twice with the connector in place, and a panel or two on the windward side, visibility is still fine, especially if you have the short bimini, you wont need the rear screen, so you can stand on either helm seat and see all the sails plus good full forward viewing when on watch. |
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Post by zaphod on Oct 30, 2018 19:52:11 GMT
Thanks everyone for your helpful comments.
pbunning - Good to know that you are happy with Saturn Sails - they are one of the ones that we have been in contact with. Would you be able to post or email me some pictures, especially where the frame fits into the winches? It would be useful just to see how they have done it. Many thanks.
Given that you already have a functional bimini, why would you want to add a cover that requires disassembly and stowing before getting under way? It seems to me that will just add unnecessary complexity and consume storage space... |
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Post by zaphod on Oct 31, 2018 1:16:02 GMT
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Post by rudds67 on Nov 1, 2018 22:00:21 GMT
I took a few more pics of our canvas system. You can see the zippers where the side panels attach. I would think that would be a easy mod for your existing bimini. For what it's worth, we found that the cockpit stayed pretty dry in heavy rain even without the side panels. Of course sailing you will still get rain in sideways, but at least you aren't isolated in a plastic bubble!     That is a beautiful Bimini and connecting sections hope you don’t mind I’m gonna give these pictures to my canvas guy and build from the ground up with this on my 44i |
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Post by zaphod on Nov 1, 2018 22:25:37 GMT
I took a few more pics of our canvas system. You can see the zippers where the side panels attach. I would think that would be a easy mod for your existing bimini. For what it's worth, we found that the cockpit stayed pretty dry in heavy rain even without the side panels. Of course sailing you will still get rain in sideways, but at least you aren't isolated in a plastic bubble! That is a beautiful Bimini and connecting sections hope you don’t mind I’m gonna give these pictures to my canvas guy and build from the ground up with this on my 44i Not at all! We are very impressed with the workmanship of the canvas on our boat compared to other boats in our club. The light coloured inner liner is a nice touch, and the framework is very solid. I would be happy to take more detailed pics for you if you like. It was made by a local company here in Vancouver called La Fabrica. |
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Post by pbunning on Nov 6, 2018 9:49:56 GMT
Thanks everyone for your helpful comments. pbunning - Good to know that you are happy with Saturn Sails - they are one of the ones that we have been in contact with. Would you be able to post or email me some pictures, especially where the frame fits into the winches? It would be useful just to see how they have done it. Many thanks.
I am away from home at present - only get back next week. I am keeping my boat in the water over winter and I live locally, so you are welcome to examine it any time after next week. I have used Saturn Sails for some time having bought six sails plus other covers etc from them over the last few years. Drop me a message with your contact details if you are interested. When discussing my requirements, I was specific, that I did not want to have the enclosure up whilst sailing - my choice to avoid additional mounts etc to be fitted to the boat. |
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