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Project Details

Fabric 2

Sunbrella Seamark
Producer/Manufacturer: OTHER
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 3

MAC5 Polycarbonate
Producer:

Design Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski

Design Company
K1 Marine Trimming

Fabrication Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski

Fabrication Company
K1 Marine Trimming

Installation Name
Ki-Raphael Sulkowski

Installation Company
K1 Marine Trimming

Please describe the project specifications

After the initial face to face consultation with the client, they requested we propose a new design to replace their current dysfunctional and outdated Dodger and Bimini for their CNB60 sailing yacht to meet their needs. After clarifying what the client currently considers dysfunctional and would like to see in the new product, we looked at some photos of other designs with the client to get a feel of their preferences and came up with some sketches and a proposal of a new design which would meet all client’s needs: 1) Uninterrupted vision from as many angles as possible 2) Protection for the companion way, 3) Front zip window to allow ventilation, 4) Option to fold away the Rear Bimini when not in use, 5) Spacious rear deck area protected from sun, rain and wind.
Apart from designing a new rear deck area which would need to suit their 60-foot one-of-a-kind yacht, we also installed all the required hardware, bent all frames and manufactured and installed all canvas work.
The result of this redesign of the rear deck area is a futuristic, aesthetically suiting canvas structure, that allows the client to use the entertaining area more pleasantly in almost all weather conditions. We were not only able to meet all the client’s needs but also exceed their expectations.

What is unique or complex about the project?

First of all, the client’s yacht is a one-of-a-kind yacht so the new rear deck design would need to fit in aesthetically while still meeting all the client’s requirements (as per project description). Given the current set-up did not only look old and ugly, but also did not meet any of the requirements, a completely new design of the Dodger and Bimini including the installation of new hardware and frames was required.
The final design included a Link Sheet between the Dodger and Bimini and side mesh panels to create a usable spacious area protected from the elements. The Dodger has a very unique and non-conventional shape to allow an almost uninterrupted vision as well as additional space. The clear windows in the Dodger are made from rigid polycarbonate material, which is very complex to work with due to the material’s characteristics. These had to be manufactured in three sections to allow easy removal of the Dodger for when the client wants to race with the yacht. The middle section is designed as a zip window to allow ventilation. We have also manufactured a zip on window cover for the windows in the Dodger, which can be used for privacy purposes as well as protection of the clear when the yacht is not in use.
The two main features of the Bimini are 1) the option to fold the Bimini together to be stored up against the backstay, 2) incorporate pockets and channels for an easy and clean installation of LED lighting.
The design of the Dodger and Bimini required frames to be fabricated considering all different angles of tracking and bar work mounting points to fit in with the current deck layout.

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