Overtons small boat BIMINI question(s)?

Posted By: Gary, Santana 2023A, Milwaukee
Date: 2/21/08 2:19p.m.

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I'm considering getting a bimini from Overtons this year. While I don't expect to use it often, I certainly would enjoy quickly deploying it for shade when cruising far from home port, rather than the hassle of dealing with a tarp over the boom (while anchored with no wind). However, looking at pics, it appears that all I see is the bimini, when collapsed/stowed, as lowered AFT towards the transom. This, in turn, would place (apparantly) the metal bows directly in the way of my quick access out of the cockpit. So my original thought was to, while in home port (90% of the season), simply keep it stowed in the cabin, out of the way. Peter (here) points out that, while 'do-able', awkward shape and size is cumbersome to have in the cabin all season. So, a quick search in the Santana files of this site shows pretty much (almost) nothing regarding the use of adding a bimini to the 2023A. As such, I'd be pleased to hear any comments and/or suggestions, either pro or con, regarding the use of the bimini. As stated, while I doubt that I'd ever want to sail with it deployed... sure would be nice to simply plop it in place rather than doing the 'old tarp thing'. Is it cumbersome for use of the jib sheets? Is it in the way of the mainsheet? I see Ray's site (the bilge), where he mounted the bimini on tracks, so he can adjust it forward while sailing, slide it back while at anchor. Seems like a good idea, although I don't know if I'll ever get a reply from him. Anyone else done this? Does it work well? In essence... any info available at all about a bimini on the 2023's? Gary