Biminis

[kmclemore]

I prefer not to use a topping lift, as I feel they somewhat get in the way more than the alternative, a boomkicker. No lines to get tangled or replaced, no extra hardware... just a nice boom lifter that's easily removed when lowering the mast. I definitely prefer a kicker.

https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/3455-1v0.htm

[Be Free]

All replies pertain specifically to the 26X but they probably apply to the 26S as well. Corrections welcome!

They look like they might tend to interfere with the boom and lines. Is it even possible to sail with the bimini up?

It is very easy to sail with the bimini up. I do it most of the time. The bimini does not interfere with the main sheet or jib sheets. It does block my view of the top of the mast when I want to check the Windex but I can still see it if I lean back and look over the rear of the bimini.

In my (admittedly limited) experience with sailing boats large enough to have a cabin, there's a fair bit of roaming around on the deck adjusting the lines and so on. Doesn't the bimini get in the way of that?

If you have all lines led aft to the cockpit you don't need to move around at all to adjust the sheets or halyards.

Regarding UV on a sailboat in general...

UV does a pretty good job of getting through clouds so don't count on your cloudy weather to help you. I've gotten some very bad sunburns on a cloudy day. The air temperature is lower and you can get a very bad burn without realizing it until it's too late.

On the other hand, your high latitude is going to work in your favor. Even in the summer when you will be doing most of your sailing the atmosphere will absorb a significant amount of UV.

A bimini will help but you will still need to protect your wife from reflected UV. There will be a significant amount of UV reflected off the water and the bimini will not help with that. Stay safe.