I want temporary shade/rain protection in the cockpit but don't want a bimini. Looking for something that's easy to put up and take down. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Thanks
Alternative to bimini
- Thread starter skob1014
- Start date
Not underway, just at anchor. I have seen some umbrellas online but was hoping for recommendations based on experience.
Oh, well, you can make some kind of rod that attaches to the end of the boom, the aft end of which is supported by the backstay or a topping lift, and pitch a cloth over it. You could even fancy it up, make one out of sunbrella.
My first big boat, a Catalina 36 came with one, it was a telescoping pole that went athwartship at the backstay and another that went from the backstay to boom, with a semi-triangular canopy that fastened to them.
I have something similar to this.…
Sport-Brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter for Sun and Rain Protection (8-Foot)
I don’t think mine is 8’. But I can set it up in the cockpit, tie out the edges to the rail, life lines, etc and get some shade.
Greg
Sport-Brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter for Sun and Rain Protection (8-Foot)
I don’t think mine is 8’. But I can set it up in the cockpit, tie out the edges to the rail, life lines, etc and get some shade.
Greg
On my Catalina 36, I installed a fishing pole holer to the pedistal guard. I then purcahsed an inexpensive 9' round umbrella and slide it into the holder. I have found that the umbrellas with the wire type arms are more flexible for my use.
It's not perfect but it does give a bit of sun protection. You may need to cut down the pole as needed.
It's not perfect but it does give a bit of sun protection. You may need to cut down the pole as needed.
You really need a shade system to be used continuously, like a bimini. Skin cancer, especially melanoma, is no joke.
Agreed. Can anyone speak to how practical it is to sew Sunbrella with a regular home machine? Or would you absolutely need an industrial one?
I sew it with an old 1970s Kenmore. Works fine till the seams are more than about 1/4 - 5/16" thick. Pick up a yard at a chandlery and give it a try.
On my Catalina 315 I was able to sew up a flat awning that zippers onto the aft portion of the dodger, and extends to the split backstay. The aft end of the awning has a pocket going all the way across that holds a wood stick...3/4" x 2"...the width of the awning. The wood is what attaches to the split backstay and provides an even pull on the awning.
The advantages of the awning are:
- It's only up when we want it. Not when we're getting out of the slip, putting up sails etc.
- It's the height of the dodger, so it's lower than a bimini. The lower the canvas is, the better it blocks the sun. More shade.
- It takes about one minute to deploy
- Provides rain protection, so at night we can deploy it, and have the screens in the companionway
- Rolls up around the stick, and stows easily in the aft berth area.
- You avoid the extra "plumbing" of a bimini....the tubes that support it and terminate on the deck.
- The aft stick can be adjusted lower in the situations where the setting sun is on the stern, cooking us
- It's a lot cheaper than a bimini. I was able to make my own with my 1972 Kenmore home sewing machine.
Disadvantages:
- Can't stand under it.
- It ends at about the steering wheel
- Being flat, it may not shed rain as well, but the aft stick can be adjusted lower on the backstay to create a greater slope.
An awning like this won't work with every boat. Depends on the relationship of the backstay, etc.. And it's not going to work for every sailor. We're in Michigan, and mostly daysail, so with the way we use our boat, it's vastly superior to a bimini....for us.
One more thing about a lower awning creating more shade. Imagine you have a tarp 4'x 4' one foot over your head, and how much it will protect you from the sun. Now, raise it 3 feet above your head. You've lost most of your shade, and if the sun is at an angle, the shade patch might miss you altogether. Lower is best.
The advantages of the awning are:
- It's only up when we want it. Not when we're getting out of the slip, putting up sails etc.
- It's the height of the dodger, so it's lower than a bimini. The lower the canvas is, the better it blocks the sun. More shade.
- It takes about one minute to deploy
- Provides rain protection, so at night we can deploy it, and have the screens in the companionway
- Rolls up around the stick, and stows easily in the aft berth area.
- You avoid the extra "plumbing" of a bimini....the tubes that support it and terminate on the deck.
- The aft stick can be adjusted lower in the situations where the setting sun is on the stern, cooking us
- It's a lot cheaper than a bimini. I was able to make my own with my 1972 Kenmore home sewing machine.
Disadvantages:
- Can't stand under it.
- It ends at about the steering wheel
- Being flat, it may not shed rain as well, but the aft stick can be adjusted lower on the backstay to create a greater slope.
An awning like this won't work with every boat. Depends on the relationship of the backstay, etc.. And it's not going to work for every sailor. We're in Michigan, and mostly daysail, so with the way we use our boat, it's vastly superior to a bimini....for us.
One more thing about a lower awning creating more shade. Imagine you have a tarp 4'x 4' one foot over your head, and how much it will protect you from the sun. Now, raise it 3 feet above your head. You've lost most of your shade, and if the sun is at an angle, the shade patch might miss you altogether. Lower is best.
Thanks, I do take that danger seriously. Even with a shade device I will be completely covered with long sleeve shirt, pants, and wide brimmed hat.You really need a shade system to be used continuously, like a bimini. Skin cancer, especially melanoma, is no joke.
On my C&C27 I had a canopy that zipped onto the dodger and was held up by a cross pole that fastened to the backstay and a tie near the middle. The boom on that boat extends quite far aft so I fasted it to the boom but it could be held up by the main halyard or some type of topping lift, even a lanyard attached to the backstay. There were also zip on side curtains that draped over the lifelines and were tied to the toe rail for additional protection when needed. Handy to block the evening sun as well as for keeping the rain out of the cockpit.
I have seen canopies on boats that do not have a dodger with a cross pole at the front as well, supported by the boom.
I have seen canopies on boats that do not have a dodger with a cross pole at the front as well, supported by the boom.
I have sewn a main sail cover with an old White sewing machine I picked up at a thrift store for $20. It worked very well.
Measure up some light shade clothe.
That is the stuff that lets the wind pass through.
Sew back two edges so they will take plastic electrical conduit.
Grommets on each corner and in the middle each long edge.
Light lashing lines on each corner.
Mine are to length with cheapo plastic hooks on the end.
A correct length of smaller diametre tube (2/2 inch) fits across the centre grommets to take slack and prevent fluttering.
2 minutes to set up or take down.
That is the stuff that lets the wind pass through.
Sew back two edges so they will take plastic electrical conduit.
Grommets on each corner and in the middle each long edge.
Light lashing lines on each corner.
Mine are to length with cheapo plastic hooks on the end.
A correct length of smaller diametre tube (2/2 inch) fits across the centre grommets to take slack and prevent fluttering.
2 minutes to set up or take down.