PDQ 36 Sun Shade for $50.00

[maxicrom]

With the early heat wave on the mid-Atlantic area we finally got around to putting up a new sun shade. For a number of years we've tried various sail cloth \ tarp combinations. 3 years ago we went with 3 6'x9' white poly tarps (2 side by side from the mast forward and one over the boom attached with bungies) this worked to a degree and allowed us to leave the salon hatches open without fear of rain). It worked OK but left a lot of the cabin open to the sun and we learned that the white poly tarps really hold up well to the sun - 3 seasons and still in good shape.

This year we purchased 2 10'x12' tarps and a 10'x20' (white poly) and added 2 3/4" PVC arches (2 10' sections connected). One arch just over the aft end of the trampoline attached at 3 points (stantions with bungees and the baby stay with zip ties) the second just aft of the side mast stays over the boom and attached at 4 points (stantions and stays). The configuration is the same as with the smaller tarps but with the arches there is room to walk under the tarps and over the cabin top. Probably the best feature is that the tarp is off the forward boom section allowing access for spider eradication. The tarps were about $35 with shipping and bungees were about $15 total, we've found that the short bungee ball ties work really well for attaching the tarps together and to the PVC. We did a quick install since it was really hot so the connection around the mast and between the forward and aft tarps is not that tight - the result is the forward hatches are completely protected but the cabin tops are slightly vulnerable to rain. This week we had two major thunderstorms with very high winds and while the PVC caved in heavy gusts it returned to shape, the bungees allowed enough give to prevent breakage. Since we are in a slip the solar panels are not a priority, but the white tarps let a fair amount of light in. For taking the boat out the 2 lengths of PVC stow easily on the lifelines and the tarps are light and fold to a tight package. The sun really takes it's toll on the cheapo bungee cords - they last about a season.

If anyone is interested we can post a picture,

Mike & Linda

[mikeandrebecca]

Pics would be great! Thanks.

Mike

[amytom]

Ditto

[maxicrom]

Here are a few pix - kinda of give us that Sidney Opera house effect. We could have gone with 9'x12' tarps on the forward sectionwhich would have allowed a little more breeze through the lifelines. Eventually we'll have something made, but for now this really helps, makes about a 10 degree difference inside

[amytom]

Looks good. How do you like that dock cart sitting on your tramp? I've thought of getting one but wasn't sure if the wheels come off for storage. Sorry for the drift.

[mikeandrebecca]

Nice job. Thanks for the pics.

[maxicrom]

Actually that poor dock cart is on it's last legs (we received it as a wedding present 14 years ago) and due to be replaced as the sun has made it brittle. There are models that fold up better now but it has served us well (the wheels are fixed there but the basket comes off and folds flat). Normally we tie it to a stantion by the port cleat where it's handy to grab from the dock, but with the sun shade it's is in the way for boarding forward to open and close the hatches (way easier than climbing over the cabin top).

[maxicrom]

Anyone in the DC or Chesapeake Bay area experienced the flash storm system that passed through yesterday - winds in the DC Channel were clocked at 60+ (luckily for only a short time). The sun shade held up pretty well, 2 popped bungi's and 2 corner tarp grommets tore out - we were lucky and surprised at the outcome.

After about 15 minutes of adjusting and we were back in biz. I think the reason it held up so well is that there is plenty of flex in the structure, with vents between and around the tarps for wind to spill. Another positive was the cover protected our bimini from the full impact of the wind.

Mike

[thinwater]

Yeah, that was something else. I'm surprised you did so well on damage. I've always been afraid to leave a sun shade up, but perhaps I am being too cautious.