Bimini sliding sunroofs

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amytom
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Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by amytom »

Our Bimini was rebuilt by a PO and the back was extended quite a bit. The skylight window cut outs were pretty rough though. As part of our slow beautification project I wanted to clean up the openings and thought, "why not replace the stratoglass with a smoked lexan slider". The lexan can be mounted in a groove in some starboard rails on top of the Bimini. When open it can slide under a solar panel mounted behind the window opening. A sunbrella protective cover can be added for storage.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Anyone already done this?
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thinwater
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Re: Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by thinwater »

a. I'm not sure why I would want it open. Sooner or later, a sudden rain is going to soak something, since I often leave the cabin slider open. In 7 years, I think I removed the Stratoglass only once, for minor repairs. I do take the cover on and off.
b. The Strataglass lasts very well if kept covered. Mine is 1997 and is still perfect.
c. Weight. The way I look at it, every pound carries a $20 penalty. Canvass is light. I try to loose weight every season, as I learn what junk I don't actually use.

However, as I loose agility, it would be nice to have something I was not afraid of stepping through (I have stepped on the Strataglass twice--it held, thank goodness--but I'm not a big guy). Thus, the only change I have considered is a fixed Lexan window with a Sunbrella cover. The only reason I would make the change is safety.
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thinwater
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Re: Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by thinwater »

The main hart top mod I have been considering is something to make rainwater collection easy. I've got pre-filters that I like, but getting all of the water to one place and hence to the tank is trouble.

Ideas?
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amytom
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Re: Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by amytom »

I was planning to close off the back of the rain gutters and add a down spout in the front corners. I saw this on another boat and liked the idea.
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thinwater
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Re: Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by thinwater »

Post pictures!
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MIDORI
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Re: Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by MIDORI »

Bimini downspout.jpg 2.jpg
Bimini downspout.jpg
MIDORI has a simple water collection . The "T" piece is dremelled and filed to fit the eves and glued with 4200. The attachment is friction fit and attached when we want to collect water. Attach a hose and fill a container usually sitting outside on the forward seat. Temporary dams on eves to deflect water to down spout.

It takes a LOT of rain to collect much water.





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thinwater
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Re: Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by thinwater »

Thanks. Minimalist is good.
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bg5w
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Re: Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by bg5w »

What do you use to temporarily block the back end of the gutters? I do like the idea of the tee below the drain hole - leave it in place all the time and connect up when needed

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thinwater
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Re: Bimini sliding sunroofs

Post by thinwater »

^^ How about tiny sand bags?

I used a soaked rag with a weight on it when I was doing some dock-side testing, but a sand bag seems simple and more practical. Perhaps ~ 4-5" long and sausage-shaped to fit the groove?

I've read many descriptions of tarps, but when it's about to blow hard that seems undesirable. It would need to be well-fitted and made.
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