Bimini and Inflatio/Deflation

John Hughes · 23 November 2002, 10:40

Any advice on sourcing a Bimini for a 6metre RIB please?
The tubes are pu. and I would ideally like to keep the deck free from toe breaking brackets. I only want to use it for shade at anchor, not under way. Did think about fixing to the grab rail around the screen, but that will probably take me into the expensive bespoke market.

Also, I am trying to source a high speed inflator. I have to deflate to get the boat into the garage (several times a year) and the gallon/stroke hand pump is too much like hard work, unless there is someone young around to bribe.
Advice much appreciated

Manos · 23 November 2002, 12:45

I have actually ventured to purchase a bimini in the UK ofr a 5mtr Gemini RIB. No such luck. No one makes them. You have to order and they cost A FORTUNE.
So, the solution is to order it. In Greece they do them with proper fitings and they also dispach them. I think however that they are expenssive (about 800-1000 euros).
However, you can order from SAfrica. The cost is very low and workmanship and quality excellent (to say the least).
If you wish I can put intouch with the manufactures in SAfrica or Greece. However you will need to have a photo of your boat and they will ask you to take some measurements i.e. beam, length from A-frame to console end, distance of the top of the pontoons to the deck etc.
Cheers

matiboy · 23 November 2002, 13:52

Try here, give these chaps a call

http://www.inflatable-boat-supplies..../ibssindex.htm

click sun canopies

why do you want a sun canopy in UK, dont you mean a rain canopy

John Hughes · 23 November 2002, 15:56

Well spotted, boats in Menorca, which is where I wish I was right now!!
Ta for link.
Just got the WEST Marine catalogue, and it looks interesting and not too expesive

Garygee · 23 November 2002, 16:33

What a good site Matiboy, have spent hours on web looking at rib sites/shops and never found this one.

Good one, think i will be spendijng some time on this site

Regards Ga

matiboy · 23 November 2002, 20:32

the cataloque is very useful and full of gear, send off for it

Brian · 24 November 2002, 11:20

John
If you know somewhere were you can boat at this time of the year in sunshine, so powerful, that you need a Bikini top, I think we should be told where it is.
Are you holding out on us?

matiboy · 24 November 2002, 11:32

you mention boat is in menorca, I went on family holiday last year to Arenal den castell ( something like that ) what a superb place for a rib

the only boating I managed was to hire a beach canoe and paddle around the cove !

Tell us more about your arrangement you have, do you keep it in a marina or at a holiday home you have ?

I also visited port adaya nearby which was a lovely yaght harbour, I wish I could get my rib out there cos it is a superb place for ribbing in sunshine

heh hoh one day

cheers

Manos · 24 November 2002, 12:46

Menorca is OK but try Greece for a year or two. You will find it much more exciting. 500+ islands to choose from in two large 'lakes' Aegea Sea and Ionian Sea.
Today sunday 24/11 temp 22 deg C, sunny, calm and just got back from Kithnos (about 30 miles from Cape Sounion), went suimming also, sea cold though.
Cheers

Manos · 24 November 2002, 14:02

and to make some people 'who like thew cold' jealous

Have a look at the following Photos taken on 24/11/02 while near Cape Sounion.

Manos · 24 November 2002, 14:04

My wife said that the weather in the UK is not that 'bright' LOLOL

Manos · 24 November 2002, 14:08

had a swim there today

Manos · 24 November 2002, 14:11

resting until next weekend. Unfortunately biz trip ends on the 8th Dec so will be back to the UK

PS Unfortunately didn't have the digi cam with me today. But will not forget it next weekend

matiboy · 24 November 2002, 15:26

if I could

a. Find work there

b. Find schooling

I would sell up tomorow and move out there! You do however have some bad sides to greece, like putting up with 40/50 degree heat in the summer months when we have permanent air conditioning over here outdoors.

I was brought up as a kid in north africa so I know what the beach life is like, good, but I also rember many nights unable to sleep cos of the amazing heat

cant see too many jobs being available in that little town

Manos · 24 November 2002, 16:19

the heat is not that bad max 40 deg C (a few years back) in August. Usually is between 20-25 deg C March-May, 28-35 deg C May to Sept then drops 25-20 Oct Beg Dec and Dec-Feb 20-15. Last year however we had snow in Athens (after many years) and temp went down to zero for one day.

Scotty · 24 November 2002, 18:56

Hey Manos,
All those signs on the horizon would piss me off. Have they no planning laws in Greece to protect the landscape ?

Manos · 24 November 2002, 19:39

We are a bit laxed with 'signs', and planning laws, and nudist beaches

batfalcon · 25 November 2002, 10:38

Quote:

Originally posted by Manos
I think however that they are expenssive (about 800-1000 euros).

.

My bimini bought in Greece 3 years ago costed 132 Euros.

Gilligan · 26 November 2002, 07:16

John,

I recently purchased what is called a "Bimi-Tee" for my 15 foot center console rib. They are a lightweight t top that mounts to the console so they don't interfere with swimming, diving etc. The frames come in aluminum or stainless with a retractable canvas top for shade. They are sturdy enough so that you can run at speed with the top on. The top half of the frame is easily removable so you can park it in the garage. They are a bit more expensive than a conventional bimini. Mine is the smallest size and cost about $500. Don't have a link, but if you do a yahoo search for "bimi-tee top" i'm sure you can find a picture.

As for inflation, I use the exhaust port from a small shop vac to do the job for me - works great.

Greg

Alan Mckewan · 27 November 2002, 13:28

Looks a really good, find it here:
http://www.rhodescomm.com/PressRelea...bimiteetop.htm