Our new cockpit 'permanent bimini' is getting done. The arch to boom gallows extension has ranked high on our to-do list since getting to Oahu. Finding a welder to do the job at a reasonable price, who was available and could build what we wanted, has been a challenge. We decided to go with 1" aluminum pipe, and will have it sand blasted, primed and powder coated upon completion. As you can see from the picture, it's large: 8' across the back, a bit longer than 8' on the sides, and 10' across the front. The top will have 1/2" expanded PVC bolted to it at the various support pads that were welded to the cross pieces, and aluminum solar rail supports will then be bolted to the PVC. Two 175W solar panels then attach to the rails, which, along with the two panels already mounted, give us a total of 700W of solar power. It's a large project (literally and figuratively) and will serve several purposes. Our old Sunbrella bimini frame goes away, the new solar panels have a place to be mounted, and more rain and sun protection is provided than the old bimini. As in most things aboard, everything is a compromise, and we'll have to adjust to a few inches less headroom and a different look and feel, but, hey, we're cruisers...aren't we all flexible?
1 comment:
maybe when your young.bent when your older.
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