Retractable bimini accommodates radar mast
Beyond Canvas Inc., Point Roberts, Wash.
This project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the unique and different category of the 2008 MFA Awards, included a retractable bimini for the flybridge that accommodates a radar mast. The customers wanted the bimini to go aft of the radar mast. The Beyond Canvas Inc. design allows the front portion of the frame to retract using a pair of Gemlock hinges. Rigging the frame for the correct tightness was difficult, as a truly tight bimini made it impossible to release the hinges. Height was restricted by a “wing” on the radar mast, and Beyond Canvas had to add a strap to hold the fabric tight to prevent pooling.
Project data
Designer: Ben Lazarus, Beyond Canvas Inc.
Fabricators: Ben Lazarus, Sheila Lazarus
Boat type: 45-foot Bayliner
Materials used: Sunbrella, 316 stainless steel, Gemlock hinges