We're > designing the new Bimini for Cigano and are interested to know what the > average deck clearance to the top of the top is. I'm 5'10" tall and what is > comfortable to me might not be comfortable to a 6'6" guest. Any > recommendations? > > Larry > Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck > Lying Covington, LA

I'm going to need new canvas in a few years and was wondering about a hard top bimini. My thoughts are fiberglass or starboard. Pros or cons? How hard is starboard to work, form, bend? Are there sources for surplus, salvage, or over-run products? I'd like something strong enough to stand on, but not excessively heavy. Thanks for any wisdom.

Ken I like to hope that all the wacko's around me have been exposed so some boating education. If I break down in the wilderness because I didn't take a mechanics course I am not hurting anyone else. Mike **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!

More importantly, don't forget to honor the ancient tradition of placing a coin under the mast in the mast step. Use something with a bit of panache, not a common quarter. A Bahamian coin, a Canadian Loonie or Toonie or perhaps a $20 gold piece would do nicely! Regards, Randy Pickelmann Morning Star lying Marathon, FL www.CruisingMorningStar.com

The cited website belongs to an Indian company which does not claim to manufacture SS mortise locks. http://tinyurl.com/36gcrr is a page from the Canadian, Rekford website showing Perko imitations in 316 SS. Likely from China as Marin said.

BTW, all the cheap ones disappeared from eBay in a hurry! I was going to pick up another, but think I will wait awhile for the prices to cool again. 1. The Trimble part number for the dongle is 48164, but I have generally found it to be unobtainium. However, it is VERY easy to build up.

From Curt Edgar: 02/26/11 - Canton yard -- a flock of 18 Common Redpolls feeding on thistle, the first this year. From Janis LaPointe 02/26/11 - Enfield yard -- Two Common Redpolls at feeder. From Bob Bitondi: 02/26/11 - Pomfret Center, yard -- Common Redpolls (5) in the yard, joining the Pine Siskins (3).

From Jay Kaplan: 09/26/11 - Canton, Roaring Brook Nature Center (Werner barn area) -- Philadelphia Vireo, Wilson's Warbler. From Greg Hanisek: 09/26/11 - New Haven, Lighthouse Point hawk watch -- 1 COMMON NIGHTHAWK, 1 RED-HEADED WOOPECKER, 40 BOBOLINKS. From Dave Provencher: 09/26/11 - Waterford, Millstone Point -- 1 COMMON NIGHTHAWK.

Stew -- Glad you have enjoyed the website. And, you hit the nail on the head.

We have recently found this website because of our plans to become trawler owners. I posted a question about seasickness and never dreamed I would get so much information. Thanks to all of you who responded.