Pearson Ketch Dodger

[Sandy]

I havent had to attack this problem yet, but had in the back of my mind the idea that 2 solar panels across the bimini frame would suffice
as long as you could cantilever or fold them out each side to work with the mizzen through the gap created
its about the best place for panels anyway

[Jordan]

Considering the positioning of the rigging, and being at a marina right now with entrance on the starboard side, forward of the first freestanding stanchion. The current Bimini (no dodger) is pretty weak, and not ideal (impedes both aft winches and two sitting positions... I'll post pictures tomorrow). I was actually thinking that I should replace the wire lifeline right there, and make it solid as a base for a Bimini. Thoughts?

[Dale Tanski]

Jordan,
My boats mizzen boom was modified by its last owner, it was raised.  He was probably taller and appreciated the headroom.  The boat is not fitted with a bimini.  The mizzen boom was raised approximately 6".  I can only assume the 6" was how much the mizzen sail could raise up or perhaps they raised the boom and had the mizzen recut or a new sail made. 
What ever the reason the added height is much appreciated.  Raising the boom could be a great option to fit a bimini properly. 
Just  a thought.
Dale
Maruska

[Jordan]

Here is what I am working with.


See how it would impede that winch? Granted, I don't know that the mizzen has been flown.




I think the fabric is actually okay (although some way to see the mizzen would be nice), and I'm also thinking of solar.

[Sandy]

interesting, some differences
I think what I have is the original P365 bimini frame which attaches on the teak on the thwarts each side of the cockpit, the fittings are metal
I have a bag for the mizzen which has to come off to sail and a drop in for the main, both sails are probably original.

What I thought of doing was getting the sailmaker to make a drop in bag for the mizzen like the mian, and zip on shade along the centre beneath it
somehow stay each side out like the old boom tents we dont see around anymore, and scrap the bimini frame.
maybe off those nylon electric fence posts which are like 5/16" thick, but it would all have to come down in a blow.
The tent which just goes say 3ft each side could have windows or velcro covers that could peel back to see how the mizzen is going, but since it wont go all the way back to the end of the mizzen boom maybe peeking from behind would suffice. Its either that or just sun shade cloth I can fix to the bimini frame myself, which might work as well as anything.

Good idea about raising the boom a bit, its ok for me but if you are 6ft it would be right on the head
photos, one with the sail covers on and one when the bimini was up in queensland, before the covers were on

[Jordan]

Gonna go ahead and resurrect this, because it looks like we're moving forward with it. Getting the dodger designed by the stainless guys who did our rigging. He's probably going to do the pushpit and the bimini as well (since I have ideas as to those two things working together). While I was searching about, I did find this page, that has our boat. I don't know if Caroline is still out there or what, but the photos are great (and I think I really like the dodger/bimini setup).

http://www.mostsailboats.org/1977-pearson-365/

[Jordan]

We just started on the design and measurements for the dodger and bimini. And I wanted to share a low sodium sailor moment. We were looking at the dodger, and main boom position. Dale has mentioned before about checking the height of the mizzen boom, which I have done multiple times, and confirmed it's raised. But you want to know something ridiculously silly? As he was measuring it out, he asked if the boom was too low. I told him about the current main sail that doesn't quite fit, so I am not sure where it sits when it is correct. Dude looked at me, and just asked me if I'd just like to tighten the double braid section of the topping lift. Didn't even cross my mind, and holy crap it's so much nicer getting in and out of the boat. I feel like a jackass, but I'm giggling at my idiocy really hard right now.

[Jordan]

Well, the design got changed just a bit. But almost the entire frame is up! I know it's not necessarily easy to see in the picture, but what you see there is the frame for what will be an amazing spray hood/dodger, and a bimini frame. And if you can use just a bit of imagination, you can see the potential with the lines of the enclosure. I'm not certain how we're going to wind up designing the canvas, but in theory, I could make it look super streamlined! Oh man I'm stoked. This is 7/8" solid 316 stainless. Woohoo!

Also, we've already got ideas as to what will change when it comes time to modify the way all of this sits (removing the teak hull deck joint and fiberglassing it a la Uma). Got this is nice. Plus it's been raining for the last 3 days practically non-stop, so finally, the first day of calm and the ill-fitting bimini cover came off for the install. Not too shabby.


(Click for imgur link)