A question for 365 ketch owners, who also have a bimini installed: Does it interfere with accessing the mizzen boom to use the mizzen sail cover? I'd like to install a bimini so I don't fry to a crisp on sunny days, but it's already difficult to get to the zipper on my mizzen cradle cover. I can't imagine getting to the zipper at the aft end of the boom with a bimini in the way also. Any work-arounds for this issue?
Either a folding bimini, or very agile person solves the problem. You might want some skylights in the bimini to observe sail trim if you leave it up. I'm able to scramble back on the side or stern coamings and reach everything, but it isn't for everyone. Done both and either way works.
We have a skinny line-- para-cord that is attached to the zipper so you can zip it up from the front/at the mast. It is pretty effective but still a pain to reach/dangle around the Bimini to get the sail into the cover.. If you don't have lazy jacks, I would highly recommend them; it really helps when its hard to get to the mizzen boom.
Over all, we are very happy not frying! ha
Thanks for the replies! One canvas maker I spoke to said they've seen small blocks attached behind the zipper pull and another at the mast, with a continuous loop of light line passed through the blocks and attached to the zipper pull. The zipper can then be opened or closed from the mizzen mast, depending on which way the line is pulled. Seems like a bit of a complication, but if it works and saves me a trip along the side and back decks, it works! There is still the matter of getting the sail into the cover ...
Our bimini had zippers on either side of the the mizzen mast conecting the bimini to the dodger. So unzip a zipper on one side to do the luff of the sail and stand on the aft coming to do the leach. Still a contortionist move, but doable.