Chip Ford's 1974 Catalina 22 Restoration Project
Sail #3282  l  Marblehead, Massachusetts

The never-ending project to fill my hole in the ocean while bailing it out


Chuck Bennett's Bimini Top


I'm already preparing for the 2004 season, and adding a Bimini top is one of the many upgrades on my wish list. The most ingenious design I've come across was introduced on the Catalina 22 list in photos by Chuck Bennett:

I shopped around on the internet and decided to get it from boatcoversdirect.com, mainly because they were in South Carolina, instead of the west coast, and their price and quick delivery. I paid more (a little over $300) because of the accessories, which I recommend, stainless steel fittings, Sunbrella and the adjustable track. It was well worth the money, today it was 93 degrees and 75% humidity, and the shade was priceless. It was also simple to install, the only things I don’t like about it is that you have to fold it forward to get off of the boat and you can’t easily watch the sail, but you can adapt to these little problems.

They only list powerboats, the first choice is; 'I don’t know/not listed' --  choose this one. My bimini was height 36 inches, length 72 inches and width 73-78 inches. My bimini cost $330 because I chose Sunbrella, stainless steel fittings and the 18 inch adjustable track. You get a free cover and shipping and if you get the 'in stock' color; they will ship it very quickly. I did find a dealer on the West Coast that was cheaper, but it didn’t have the free shipping and cover.

Chuck Bennett
C-22 #10592
Dothan, Alabama

Click thumbnails below for a larger picture

bimini.jpg (207467 bytes)

bim_front.jpg (193358 bytes)

bim_sbdbow.jpg (198757 bytes)

bim_aft.jpg (204870 bytes)

bim_folded.jpg (191039 bytes)

bim_track1.jpg (163117 bytes)

bim_track2.jpg (179735 bytes)

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