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

BigEasy · Sep 11, 2026

JBP-PA said:
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 · Sep 11, 2026

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

BigEasy · Sep 11, 2026

JBP-PA said:
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 · Sep 11, 2026

BigEasy said:
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 · Sep 12, 2026

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 · Sep 12, 2026

Here it is stowed.
In case you were wondering.

Captain Grey Beard · 2026-09-18T22:17:43-0700

Carl Wonderful said:
I like the size and placement far aft of it. But you have to fold it forward, right? Hows that look? Does it block access to the deck or get in the way?
Looks like you can easily sail with it up which is good.
How is it attached?

Carl,
Notice a few things about his install:
1. That's not a Catalina 22.
(This is only important where the differences are concerned.)
2. His main sheet & traveler is forward of the Bimini & just at his Companionway.
Your mainsheet is well aft & on your transom. ( assuming it hasnt been moved?)
My bimini is mounted to short tracks that allow it to be adjusted forward or aft of its present location. (These tracks were included in the kit. They're aluminum.)
I really like his installation too, but it doesn't quite fit a Catalina 22. Could be modified I suppose.
The prize here is that there are plenty of options for you to pursue.

Shade in the cockpit is a beautiful thing!

I have seen Catalina 22 installations that fold forward, if that's your preference.
I Highly recommend you checkout the Stingy Sailors website. His write up on the Bimini subject is quite good!

Upgrade To a Bimini Top On a Budget

The first mate and I live at around 48 degrees north latitude, which means that we don’t get a lot of hot weather. We have four distinct seasons and enjoy them all. It will get to …

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