towing with the dodger and bimini on

[bellevuesailor]

Does anyone tow with the dodger and bimini (covered) still on the boat?

[Tomfoolery]

I've towed around town at local road speeds with the dodger up. Not on the highway, though, and not often. Don't want to crap up my nice new windows.

Local road speeds are no different than a windy day on the water or at the dock. I couldn't tow with the bimini up though as it has to be folded to drop the mast, so that's the first thing to get removed and the hoops folded. Maybe some day I'll make a boot for it, so I don't have to take the canvas off. But I have to have it when on the boat, as I want to minimize sun exposure to whatever degree is reasonable.

[Herschel]

My first thought was, "Sure, I tow my dinghy with my dodger and Bimini up all the time." Then, I read your post and got the picture! No, I never tow with either up. Why stress the fabric? It takes enough wear and tear. I detach my dodger and stow it below. I fold up the Bimini, affix the cover, zip it up, and fold the frame down and secure it to cockpit sides. I do leave it attached at the hinge points.

[bellevuesailor]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I should take the dodger down and just fold up the bimini, put it in its cover, and tie it down to the sides of the cockpit.

[Herschel]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I should take the dodger down and just fold up the bimini, put it in its cover, and tie it down to the sides of the cockpit.

You are so nice. but, seriously, my canvas is going on its 18th year, and except for a patch or two where the Bimni and backstay "flirt" with each other, and a few new snaps on the main sail cover, it still looks and functions great. I do clean it regularly and spray 303 restorer on it to keep the water repellant action going. And it sits in a marina deployed much of the time in Cental Florida.

[uanhanlouee]

I towed at highway speeds (65 mph) in Fl. The top material on a stainless frame stretched and not much later ripped where it had been stretched. Take the bimini down.