Bimini top and sprayhood prototyping

Bimini top and the sprayhood are nice things to have on the boat, but it's a pretty tricky to build something useful and also good looking at such a small boat we have. Our requirement is the easy handling and also storing for trailering. So I started Googling and found some interesting ideas I would like to implement.

Bimini that could be open when sailing with standing headroom ...

Catalina 250, small aft bimini top with boom awning extension.
More photos on Catalina 25&250 forum.

Hanse 350 bimini and boom awning extension

... and sprayhood that would not interfere with the lines, rope clutches and winches. I've found this nice "racing" style sprayhood. You have great views from the cockpit, but the only problem is that you are not really covered from the cold wind.

So called "racing" foldable sprayhood.
More photos on Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 blog

The boat is on the hard finally to be prepared for the winterizing so I've found some time to prototype these ideas on our boat. I cut some plank into thin sticks and made the frames for the bimini and sprayhood.

bimini top and racing sprayhood - version 1

racing sprayhood - version 1

racing sprayhood (final dimensions - slightly lower, version 2)

aft view (final frame will be more rounded, of course)

bimini top with 190cm standing height and sprayhood v.2

The bimini top should be mounted on the top of the pushpit with some vertical support tube and horizontal so it would stay open without any other straps leading forward and aft.
The green lines coming from the top of the Bimini going to the mast are representing that awning extension.

This racing sprayhood is nice, but I've found that it would not cover the window opening on the cabin side so we are still not decided whatever to use this one or build regular sprayhood like on this Phobos 25.

Phobos 25 with sprayhood

Anyway, I have all the dimensions noted so It's now easy to have it build by someone by our requirements.

Update on 15.10.2015
I've found the first Phobos 21 with a sprayhood on the pages of the Sweden dealer (Carisma boats). He let it made locally, but it looks very good and functional.

sprayhood on Carisma 22 (formerly Phobos 21)

folded aluminum frame

Update on 14.10.2016 - I've installed the regular bimini top finally. Check out here!

Trailer support pads repair

When we bought our used trailer I knew that it will need some repairs. I bought new tires, sanded and painted wheels and replaced the position lights with LED waterproof version.
The last repair I did this weekend was to replace the carpets on the support pads.
I bought commercial polypropylene carpet with gel backing. To spread the load on the hull a bit, I've inserted between the carpet and the pads the 5mm high density closed-cells foam.

old carpeting... was about the time

I've rounded the edges of the timber a bit

5mm foam

new carpeting and the cuttings

finished pads

Hope the new pads will support the boat and won't scratch the gelcoat too much.
Now I'm in touch with the trailer maker to build the tongue extention bar so we can lunch the boat in gradual slip or beach. I'll keep you updated.