Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

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thinwater
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Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

Post by thinwater »

Now that June is here, we are starting to hide from the sun rather than seek it out. Go figure.

The PO had a ~ 12' x 12' rip-stop nylon tarp with grommets on the edge they used for a tramp tarp. It's secured to the railings, around the forestay, and behind the salon hatches. We used it a few times and it was OK. It shaded the tramp well, though you have to duck to get under it. It directs more air into the cabin and keeps sun off the Salon as well.

I was just wondering if anyone had a better solution to share. By July, when the wind dies down, awnings become just about life or death around here.
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mikeandrebecca
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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

Post by mikeandrebecca »

I'm looking forward to reading about all the clever solutions!
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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

Post by amytom »

With the two of you doing the asking...



who's going to answer?


I was looking to do something similar using the spinaker halyard to hold it up and maybe boat hooks in the bow pulpits?
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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

Post by mikeandrebecca »

Right now it is raining and blowing 20-30 in the marina, so I am not too inspired to put my thinking cap on for this one... yet. I don't think it should be too difficult to rig up something. What about something like this attached from the furled headsail and the two shrouds?

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mikeandrebecca
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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

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thinwater
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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

Post by thinwater »

On my Stiletto I had an over-the-boom shade that fastened to the mast, shrouds, and 2 poled placed in rail-mounted rod holders. I was happy with it for 15 years, and I am of the mind that on a cat, battens and all manner of curved poles are to be avoided. They add a lot of complexity (both storing and setting) and don't add much area; we have beam.

I imagine something attached to the front edge of the hard-top might do a lot to cool the cabin at noon. The forestay is certainly a good anchor point. The shrouds would help. Perhaps a pair of rod holders forward, just to hold poles?

I couldn't test anything today. Sustained 20 knots winds and 75F water required a focus on fun!

Held 12 knots for about 3 miles at one point :D Mostly only 9 knots :(
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mikeandrebecca
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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

Post by mikeandrebecca »

Fun day. Rain and 30 knots or so kept us at the dock today. :(
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thinwater
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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

Post by thinwater »

It finally got hot enough for me to work-out my sun shade arraignment. We used it 4 days straight and I learned a few things. Please share your improvements.

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maxicrom
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Re: Sun Shade for the Tramp Area

Post by maxicrom »

All,

This years instant August in the DC area has put a little more pressure on a long term shade solution. What we've done in past years is to use three 8' X 10" white plastic tarps, available for really good prices ( http://www.coversuperstore.com/White-Po ... nk-Liners/ ). 2 forward of the mast side by side, 1 aft of the mast across the top (over the boom). Although this setup works well to relect the initial sun layer and protect the hatches from rain, the problem is that with the narrow decks on the PDQ 36 - traversing the maze of bungie cords to hold the tarps is a real pain not to mention dangerous if you are on the hook.

This year I''m planning on attaching a 20' length (2 sections) of 3/4" PVC tube across the stays aft of the mast, and possibly arching two more PVC sections across the forward and aft sections of the boat and attaching the same tarp configuration using the PVC to raise shade cover. Hopefully this will reduce the number of bungies to the lifelines and allow the tarps to be mounted higher to allow easy access underneath. We go with the tarps because they are lightweight and easy to stow, and cheap to replace after 2 or 3 seasons.

I'll follow up on how the PVC plan goes... if it works well we may look at replacing the PVC with mountain tent pole sections that will stow easily.

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