Jim Stumpf Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 I thought that I would start a new thread on my camper top build. I started with an inexpensive bimini from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Oceansouth-Bimini-Available-Three-Different/dp/B013ASEG9E/ref=sr_1_1?srs=8055815011&ie=UTF8&qid=1491246347&sr=8-1&keywords=2+bow+bimini I have the Bimini installed backwards (on purpose) so that it folds forward. The secondary leg was shortened by about 10 inches as the frame is not centered fore and aft in the forward cockpit. I did not center the frame as I wanted to repurpose the forward oarlocks for the deck hinge. The removable deck hinge is screwed to a riser block. The block has a carriage bolt dropped through the center of it and is wing nutted under the deck. This is kind of cool as the bolt acts as a pivot point for the hinge and gives you the ability to accommodate some twist for alignment. The grey fabric hanging from the blue top (this bimini only comes in blue) is an apron piece that I am sewing to the top for attachment of the side wall curtains. The corners are not completed in the picture and were a major undertaking as you have to be able to sew in 3d, if you follow my lead on this project you will need the help of a very good friend as this can get a little frustrating and intense. They are currently finished and I will have to get some pics posted. So far so good I will keep you posted. I also just completed a sun shade for the aft cockpit and will post some pics, that is a more floating assembly and more of a fly. The above bimini would probably work in the aft cockpit if you don't mind all of the addition hardware but it would fit. More progress pics as they come available. Thanks, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reacher Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Thanks for the post, the pictures and the details. I look forward to seeing the project develop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stumpf Posted April 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Sun shade progress This is what I would consider a picnic canopy or hanging out at the anchorage sun shade. Certainly not to be used underway. Still working out lines and misc. shown below is a pic with it at rest for overhead sun and then another pic with it under tension for side shade, you can almost pull it to the deck if needed. The loose flap forward was left to go around the mast and eventually attached to the camper to fill in the void between the camper and the mast where I am sure 90% of the sun will fall in a strip across my napping face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Silsbe Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Which material did you use for the poles on your sunshade-- glass, aluminum, or carbon fiber? I start making mine the end of this month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stumpf Posted April 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 Hey Don, I used 5/16 fiberglass. I had some 3/8 left from a repair but that was to stiff, I broke a ferrule trying to get the bend I wanted. The 5/16" seems to be just about right. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reacher Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 Jim, what supports the aft edge of the sunshade? I only see the three side to side poles and I assume it is tied to the mast at the forward edge. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stumpf Posted April 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 There is the telescoping pole just in front of the lazaret, which is the only structure in the shade pushing up. Just aft of the adjustable pole the canopy actually drops towards the rudder head giving protection from the sun as it drops closer to to the horizon. Yes the forward end attaches to the mast. Hope that helps. If the sun ever comes out I will roll the trailer out and get some better pictures. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reacher Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 It looks like a good design. I hope you don't mind if I copy it. The tricky detail is to get a seal around the mast for rain. The halyards and other lines being in the way. That's why I thought about using the mizzen as a ridge pole and covering the entire cockpit as necessary. Your design is better to set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Silsbe Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 Beacher-- I thought about that, too. But then I thought maybe it would just run down the mast and out the drain at the mast step. Not sure which mistake/decisions I'll make on mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stumpf Posted April 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 With the seat boards in and the bimini camper up the forward cockpit should be cozy and dry. I am assuming there will be water in the bilge if it rains but I will be elevated high and dry on the seat boards. My concept was for the aft cockpit cover to be the porch and the camper to be the living space. I will just velcro the sunshade around the mast and not worry about water in the aft cockpit as I have already conceded defeat and will not be disappointed . Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Silsbe Posted April 5, 2017 Report Share Posted April 5, 2017 That's pretty much my strategy, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattp Posted April 5, 2017 Report Share Posted April 5, 2017 Looking forward to updated pics of the forward Bimini. Did you fill in the front? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stumpf Posted April 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2017 Probably will not make any progress again until the weekend, check back sunday and I should have pics of the progress on the forward enclosure. I am trying to have this ready for the FL 120 so I will need to plug along pretty quickly. Thanks for your interest, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stumpf Posted April 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2017 Got around to some new pics. All panels will have a corner zip so that each wall can be rolled out of the way. Walls are sewn to the top via the skirt that was added at the start. Forward wall mostly complete, needs screen. Sidewalls about 30% complete. Need small fixed windows to check surroundings at night. Need snap rail and aft corner zip. Enjoy, I am always open to constructive advise, screwing up so that you dont have to Thanks, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stumpf Posted April 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2017 couple more pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Silsbe Posted April 12, 2017 Report Share Posted April 12, 2017 Wow, that's nice work! Mine won't be that fancy. I hope to start on it in two or three weeks. I'll post as I go. Your photos are inspiring. Keep up the good work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattp Posted April 12, 2017 Report Share Posted April 12, 2017 Nice work! Looks very roomy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stumpf Posted April 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2017 Slow and steady maybe I will get the job done. Wow this is tougher than building the boat. Todays progress. The old man that taught me to sail always laughs that my anchors are bigger than needed. We shall see now with all of that windage. Aft curtain with doors and window. Thanks, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul356 Posted April 23, 2017 Report Share Posted April 23, 2017 that's amazing. very neat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dnjost Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 What keeps the bugs from flying under the tent and into the sleeping compartment? Quite a cool concept! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.