Aft sun shade to use while sailing? (DIY) C-22

[Carl Wonderful]

I've been experimenting with sun shades because I easily get heat stroke and it puts me out for days or weeks after. I got some good designs working along the boom for when I am anchored or docked but what about when I'm sailing? I spend a lot of time on my 1971 catalina 22 sailing for hours at a time and its been hot. Any ideas for a DIY far aft sunshade that I can use while sailing.

I have a sewing machine and am able to put good grommets into material. I've been using tarps for rainy weather and just the regular poly type sun shades for dry weather. Been actually working out great..but have to take down to sail.

FYI I have a back stay that Y's off at about head level (when standing in cockpit) which I'm thinking may be to my advantage for support somehow?

Would love to hear some ideas.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

You could run a line from the mast, just below the boom, have it spit off a few feet before your back stay so it's able to tie to both parts of your back stay. You may need a couple additional pieces of line to keep it from sliding upwards when it's tensioned. This could essentially create a boom tent.

To be honest, it might cost the same or less to buy an inexpensive bimini. I'd estimate costs to be around $100-150

I use a sunshade to keep the cockpit clean. It is a big reduction in sun and heat despite the fact that it's more of a netted fabric. I also setup a smaller one between my dodger and bimini while sailing. It's hard to tell the difference between the shade of this $6 shade and the solid sunbrella fabric. I'm sure there's a big difference, but I don't really notice when I'm not paying attention and am stuck behind the pedestal.

There are plenty of people who use oversized umbrellas and are quite happy with them

Good fabric is not cheap so DIY might not be the best route. You will have to take some good measurements no matter what option you choose. My bimini has cut outs for the split back stay. You'll probably have to add them to any pre made bimini

 

[BigEasy]

I've been experimenting with sun shades because I easily get heat stroke and it puts me out for days or weeks after. I got some good designs working along the boom for when I am anchored or docked but what about when I'm sailing?
Would love to hear some ideas.

Carl,
You may want to purchase a sample of Phifertex fabric (standard weave) for shading. It is a vinyl open weave mesh that allows some air circulation & blocks approximately 70% of UV from sun. You can sew it & place grommets as necessary. Sailrite can provide info regarding specifications & sewing requirements. Assume that you already have a Bimini top; that is a necessity for sun protection.
BUT, if you are prone to heat/sun stroke, extreme caution is the rule. Choose late afternoon or early evening sailing during summer months. As enjoyable as sailing is, it’s not worth the life threatening risks of heat/sunstroke , during the hottest time of day during summer months. Be careful out there!

 

[Project_Mayhem]

A wet towel on the back of the neck works really well to keep your body happy in high heat. I once did a job out in Vegas. It was 110F on the ground and we were working on a rooftop. I was fine until I ditched the towel.

 

[...3TacksontheWater]

IMO, nothing beats the wonderful sun-blocking fabrics that we have available today. Under Armor's line of heat gear leggings coupled with long sleeved fishing shirts are comfortable to wear and keep you much cooler on hot sunny days than you would expect. With or without a Bimini, keeping the sun UV's at bay is an investment in your future health.

George

 

[Carl Wonderful]

So I do not have a bimini... just some diy sunshades that go over the boom or just under the boom.

Is there a bimini that will shade me in the far back aft cockpit seat while I am sailing? Al the ones I've seen stop basically at the back of the boom and they have to be lower than the boom, correct? ....so they don't throw any shade back of the cockpit.

The wind is sparse most days and I gotta go when its blowin so sometimes I'm out in the hot parts of the day...but if I had some shade over me I'd be fine.


I was considering maybe a big bent conduit pipe that goes up in a big half circle, connects at its top point to were the backstay Y's off and then down and connects to the cockpit sides (where my rear pulpit connects to the cockpit sides) But then I don't know where to go from there, lol Maybe 2 of them that are sort of at different angles?

Maybe just a beach umbrella that I attach to the rear pulpit is the easiest and best solution here. I'm sort of lazy I guess you can say....and ususally spend my time sailing staying on the port side of my boat, unless I really need to change sides. Is this weird or bad or just a personal preference. I'm just crusin...not racing.


Anyone use canvas or coated canvas for an inexpensive sunshade material? If so please sent links or specific brand because there are so many to chose from. I like a lighter tan or grey-orange/grey-yellow/sand/tan-ish color lol.

Bouncing around ideas to have a big flat piece of sunshade hanging down at the same angle as the back-stay with a piece of 3' conduit horizontal at the top and horizontal at the bottom and just keep it up with the extra mast line (top lift) and attach to the backstay at the Y . Make any sense? maybe I can draw a picture.

Interested to hear you opinions on any of this.

 

[BigEasy]

I thought you were searching for a fabric to fabricate shades for the sides & back of the cockpit areas. If you are looking for overhead protection, Sunbrella is the “go to” fabric of choice. You should talk to a canvas shop; they can design & fabricate a Bimini that will conform to your rig & your specifications for coverage. Yes, it will likely be somewhat expensive; however, it beats getting heat stroke or skin cancer.

 

[Carl Wonderful]

I thought you were searching for a fabric to fabricate shades for the sides & back of the cockpit areas. If you are looking for overhead protection, Sunbrella is the “go to” fabric of choice. You should talk to a canvas shop; they can design & fabricate a Bimini that will conform to your rig & your specifications for coverage. Yes, it will likely be somewhat expensive; however, it beats getting heat stroke or skin cancer.

Yeah I don't feel I need sunbrella necessarily...although know its great stuff. I also cant afford paying someone to custom make it. I like to diy things and feel a sense of accomplishment and also like the money saving plus I always learn some good skills in doing it myself.

 

[fred1diver]

If you look an Amazon, you can find already made Bimini’s for a decent price, just make sure you measure twice the width of your coaming so you get the right one, a few inches off is ok, because you can always bend the tubes inwards or outwards a bit (easy with aluminum tubing) for the height, the tubes are easy to cut with a pipe cutter tool (same as in plumbing)
I understand the price of Sunbrella is steep, but it does last a long time, very waterproof while breathable, and available in so many colours.
Happy hunting

 

[shemandr]

Carl there's cheap and too cheap. You posted that you are prone to heat stroke (A Serious medical condition). Crack open the wallet and get yourself some shade. From The Mayo Clinic search on heat stroke:
Overview
Heatstroke is a condition caused by the body overheating. This usually happens because of exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long. There are a few stages of heat injury, and heatstroke is the most serious. It can happen if body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke is most common in the summer months.


Heatstroke needs emergency care. If it's not treated, heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. This damage gets worse the longer treatment is delayed, which increases the risk of serious complications or death.

 

[BigEasy]

Carl there's cheap and too cheap. You posted that you are prone to heat stroke (A Serious medical condition). Crack open the wallet and get yourself some shade.

Second that motion! Pay a shop to make a Bimini or buy a kit & make your own. Suggest researching designs used by other Cat 22 owners.