Bimini - Chafing by the boom

[smr547]

@peterottesen has reported that the cockpit cover (forward part of bimini) has been damaged by the boom. The boom has been set too low when the mainsail is reefed and has come in contact with the boom.

Peter has adjusted a reefing setup to minimise the chance of this happening but it remains all too easy for "unsuspecting skippers" to overlook this problem and damage the cover again. Peter recommends a Notice to Skippers to warn of the danger and to recommend that, while sailing, the cockpit cover moved back and stowed against the Bimini.

Many thanks Peter for also affecting repairs. Here are some photos

@mrmrmartin @pcbaston @pjwain @Bill-Russo @delcosta @mgrybaitis will be interested

[smr547]

Correction:

The boom has been set too low when the mainsail is reefed and has come in contact with the top of the cover where it sits on the steel supporting arch.

@mrmrmartin @pcbaston @pjwain @Bill-Russo @delcosta @mgrybaitis @peterottesen

[peterottesen]

Here are some words that might be used in a notice to skippers. Comments and suggestions welcomed.

CARE OF THE BIMINI

The new Bimini when extended can easily be chafed by the boom when it comes into contact with the fabric where it sits on the steel supporting arch, leading to holes in the fabric. This can happen when extending or retracting the Bimini, or stowing and when sailing with the Bimini extended.

Before extending or retracting the Bimini, the boom must be swung and held to one side to provide clearance. (Release main sheet and vang: not the boom topping lift).

The Bimini should be retracted when the mainsail is hoisted, reefed so that it is possible to see and confirm that the reefs are properly set, and dropped. This may also require easing the lazy jacks and boom bag on one side to check. If the the first reef is not tight enough and the clew rides high, the boom will hang low and chafe the Bimini if extended.

It is also not possible to safely open a closed boom bag, hoist the mainsail or stow the mainsail in the boom bag, with the cockpit cover extended and boom centred.

Sent from my iPad

On 25 Feb 2023, at 6:39 am, Steven Ring @.***> wrote:

 @peterottesen has reported that the cockpit cover (forward part of bimini) has been damaged by the boom. The boom has been set too low when the mainsail is reefed and has come in contact with the boom.

Peter has adjusted a reefing setup to minimise the chance of this happening but it remains all too easy for "unsuspecting skippers" to overlook this problem and damage the cover again. Peter recommends a Notice to Skippers to warn of the danger and to recommend that, while sailing, the cockpit cover moved back and stowed against the Bimini.

Many thanks Peter for also affecting repairs. Here are some photos

@mrmrmartin @pcbaston @pjwain @Bill-Russo @delcosta @mgrybaitis will be interested

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe. You are receiving this because you were mentioned.

[peterottesen]

Hi Pete,

Looks good. However points need to be quite clear

1 The boom must be well clear of the bimini at all times — otherwise significant damage to the Bimini may be done during tacks or with “centered main” (eg motor sailing) 2 The Bimini should be retracted and stowed AT ALL TIMES while sailing 3 Skippers will be required to pay for repairs if these instructions are not followed

Point 2 might be a big problem for casual sailors on sunny days

I feel that, such is the severity of the damage that we will soon lose this Bimini in a blow!

I’ll get the Notice to Skippers going ASAP so we can get these points across

Kind regards Steven

[pcbaston]

Peter wrote explanatory notes. spindrift. Issue closed.