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

[BigEasy]

This fabric is a little thinner than SunBrella, but much cheaper. I use it to make lots of things. I'd make a Bimini out of it, at least as a prototype.

Amazon.com: Waterproof Canvas Solid 600 x 600 Denier 330 Grams by Meter PU Coating Indoor Outdoor Fabric 100% Polyester / 60" Wide/Sold by The Yard (Aqua) : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Amazon.com: Waterproof Canvas Solid 600 x 600 Denier 330 Grams by Meter PU Coating Indoor Outdoor Fabric 100% Polyester / 60" Wide/Sold by The Yard (Aqua) : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

www.amazon.com

That fabric looks pretty good for prototype projects. Even though Sunbrella is over 2X more expensive, my rudimentary sewing skills justify using fabric that lasts many years, as long as possible! In any case, the Amazon fabric choice is much more appealing than a blue poly tarp.

 

[JBP-PA]

Here is a picture of the bimini and dodger on my 23ft boat. They were not DIY,

 

[BigEasy]

Here is a picture of the bimini and dodger on my 23ft boat. They were not DIY,

Ha! At first glance I thought, that looks damned good, then I read it was not DIY!
Not saying that a novice can’t do a professional grade job; however, it is a skill that requires lots of practice. I have tackled a sail cover, helm cover, deck hatch covers, & winch covers; however, after doing those projects, I had a canvas shop reskin my Bimini. They even had to redo the project because it retained a pool of water after rains.

 

[JBP-PA]

Ha! At first glance I thought, that looks damned good, then I read it was not DIY!
Not saying that a novice can’t do a professional grade job; however, it is a skill that requires lots of practice. I have tackled a sail cover, helm cover, deck hatch covers, & winch covers; however, after doing those projects, I had a canvas shop reskin my Bimini. They even had to redo the project because it retained a pool of water after rains.

Yep, a previous owner had it done. It's getting worn so I'm thinking I could copy it.

 

[Captain Grey Beard]

Carl,
Here is the Bimini I put on Serenity.
I got it off of Amazon.
If I remember correctly it was about $150.
I've had it installed for about 4 years.
It clears the boom, and it's forward enough to clear the main sheet. I may eventually lower it slightly? But that's not a hot priority.
And as a bonus, it also does not interfere with the pop top.

 

[Captain Grey Beard]

Here it is stowed.
In case you were wondering.