Dodgers and Biminis
Related Topics: Moving traveler to coach roof | Raising a boom on an E32 | Vang for an E32
From: Bob Warren rwarren@inna.net
I'm curious to know whether any of you E32 owners have a bimini top. We are on the Chesapeake Bay and sure would like some shade, but the boom is so low that it seems to me that if I put a bimini on that is low enough for the boom to clear, the front part of it will block my vision when standing at the helm.
Any suggestions?
From: Carol and Dave dgw1@aol.com
Bob and Sandy,
We have an Endeavor 32--"Kon-Tiki" on Kerr Lake in North Carolina and have a dodger and a bimini with no problem. I can stand at the helm under sail with the bimini up and don't have problems with visibility. One thing my wife Carol would like is a small window just above the helm so she can see the Windex at the top of the mast. One thing we are adding is a piece of material with either snaps or velcro to bridge the gap between the dodger and the bimini when it rains. This could be folded and put away in a pouch on the dodger when not needed.
Mine has a stainless steel frame mounted on the teak on top of the cockpit combing and folds back with a cover which we then secure to the backstay when not in use. I do raise the topping lift slightly under sail so the boom clears the bimini when tacking. I also have an attachment under the bimini to hang a lantern which makes it nice when anchoring out for the night.
Date: July 22, 1998
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
Dave,
I have an E32 and would like to add a dodger and bimini. If your 32 is like ours, the main sheet traveler is located directly in front of the companionway. How did you solve this issue. Also, what is the height of the dodger? Our boom gives us about 6'2" clearance and I'm 6'0".
Date: August 4, 1998
From: Dave Wright dgw1@aol.com
Paul,
The bimini is attached to the top of the cockpit wood combing. The dodger is of course on the coach roof. My traveler is the same as yours and works in the gap between the dodger and bimini. I also have a connector piece that fills the gap. To accomplish this without any gaps to let rain in, I move the main sheet to the starboard rail using a quick release shackle. Of course you can't sail with it like that but you can motor.
I'm not sure what the height of the dodger is but I'll get back to you.
Date: October 4, 1998
From: Paul Hotz paulhotz@erols.com
I have a '79 E32 and have just completed my first season with a bimini. I don't understand how it interferes with sheeting and tacking. I do, however, also have a dodger which does cause interference. The traveler is on the bridge deck so when sailing any further off than beam reaching I have to stow the dodger because of interference with the sheet. I agree in that it would be nice to be able to have the dodger when the need/want arises. Let me know if you hear from anyone re: cabin-top redo.
Date: October 5, 1998
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
The problem I foresee with adding a bimini on our 1981 E32 is that I stand 6'0" and the boom is slightly less. Therefore, a bimini which would have to be lower to clear the boom, would need to be as low as 5'6" to clear the boom. Quite low. Since our boat has a tendency towards slight weather helm (I can tune most of it out), I've been considering raising the boom by 6-9", purchasing a new main (our's is shot), and adding a rigid vang. Not only would I then get the clearance for a bimini, but better main control. Of course I would need to run the idea by a designer to make sure that it's feasible.
As far as others having moved the main sheet/traveler, I believe that Tim (timwana) has moved his from the bridge deck to a position forward and above the companion way. He's taking his boat from Ohio to SC and should be back in November.
Date: October 21, 1998
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
On my E32, the previous owner mover the bridle on the boom aft 10-12 inches. This he did so the sheets would clear the cockpit 2nd compass mounted to the left of the cabin entrance way. By moving the main boom bridle aft, the sheets now clear the Dodger well enough even on a broad reach. Having done this, the new bimini can now be installed with the little flap for rainy motoring. Good luck...Tom.
Date: October 21, 1998
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
Thanks Tom,
Did you happen to notice the height or clearance of the dodger/bimini. I stand at 6'0" and the boom is a few inches lower. By the time I put the dodger/bimini in I'll have 5'6" below it. Was thinking of raising the boom.
Date: October 21, 1998
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
Hmmm. I can stand under the boom during a tack, but I don't remember if I'm leaning over !!! The boom during motoring is not an issue because the topping lift can be hoisted. Hmmm. I'll go measure on the 28th when I go out again...I'm 6'0" and will have to investigate. ....like a good sail, stay tuned...Tom
Date: December 2, 1998
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
Yup..It would be low...I just bought a new main, so raising anything but capital is out. lol I'm replacing the reefing lines on the boom and the outhaul... they're shot. Any ideas on painting the boom ???? I've got all winter and a nice basement to shoot it in.....Thanks. Tom.
Date: December 2, 1998
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
Tom,
I've been thinking about repainting our boom and mast. I'd suggest you get a book on the subject. I haven't done it but I know enough to practice my spraying technique and make sure that there isn't any dust in the air. Good ventilation and a respirator would also be on the list.
Date: August 27, 2000
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
Hi Paul. As you might know, I raised my boom about 6 to 8 inches. I first installed a bimini that I could stand under, then reattached the gooseneck for the boom. I did not have to cut the standard main sail, as it never went full up as it was, and it's only two years old. The bimini was fabulous for our 12 day cruise on the Hudson and the L.I. Sound, and now I will be enclosing the cockpit over the winter. Stay tuned.
Date: February 08, 2001
From: Steve Sic TRIGGER300@aol.com
Paul, I am looking to add a dodger to Pegasus my 1980 E-32, does anyone have any photos I can use as a template to get my project started. Any ideas would be some help.
Date: February 13, 2001
From: Doug Martin dougandjillmartin@prodigy.net
Steve,
I have an Endeavour 32 that we purchased about 1 year ago. I outfitted it with a hard dodger for a Cascade 26 which is produced in Portland OR, about 75 miles from where I live. The cabin tops are similar in dimensions and a little bit of cutting and adapting lead to a nice fit. I am not sure if a hard dodger is what you want (these are a fiberglass enclosure and top with large acrylic windows). Cascade Yachts can be reached at (503) 287-5794 or web site www.cascadeyachts.com. I got the best results speaking to Hans. Let me know if I can be of further help. Happy sailing!
Date: August 3, 2001
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
I have completed my cockpit coverage... It is great. As you know, I installed a bimini that I could stand under, then reattached the gooseneck to accomodate a rather horizontal boom over the bimini. I ended up cutting two inches off the top of my new mainsail. I then installed a fairly rigid dodger frame that goes up to just under the new boom height. I can sail just fine, or I can motor with the auto helm all day long. Visibility is excellent from the steering station. If the weather gets really bad, or I decide to motor, I quick disconnect the main sheets and reconnect them to the toe rail, and zipper in the weather connector between the dodger and the bimini for complete overhead coverage. It is amazing and secure. I also attached a chrome handle to the front sides of the dodger for crew safety when going forward. No window in the bimini top yet, as I can see the sails just fine by peering out the sides.
