Sunbrella Awning - Anyone Build One?

YYZRC

I think I will add an awning that extends about 5’ off the back edge of the hardtop. Would make it zip into the existing canvas connector.  

Anyone done this? Looking for rigging best practices. Diagonal poles on either side with a horizontal pole across the back and straps down to the swim platform cleats perhaps?

aero3113

@YYZRC
Maybe there’s an aft market electric awning out there that you can mount to the hard top?  A lot of new boats have them and don’t use any support posts.

aero3113

There are ones like this available also.

North East Harbor Boat Sun Shade Top Extension for Biminis & T-Tops - Adjustable Height with 1 1/8 Telescopic Aluminum Poles, Gray https://a.co/d/2igN1vx

aero3113

This one is nice….

https://oceansouth.us/product/hard-top-stern-shade-extension-kit/?attribute_pa_extension=size-7-8-5ft-x-6ft-x-5-5ft&attribute_pa_color=gray&utm_source=Google%20Shopping&utm_campaign=USA%202022&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=39810&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NqVBhAjEiwAeCa97VgtQxm8aoU332nuizPC7-4cWgqF_gt4R_Fy0w5tSIg_8sYZBosiKhoCV-kQAvD_BwE

aero3113

Here’s an electric one!!

https://www.sureshade.com/

YYZRC

You really took it to the next level. From $500 to $10k!

aero3113

YYZRC said:

You really took it to the next level. From $500 to $10k!

Do it once, do it right! 🤑

YYZRC

You forgot “end up divorced”!

aero3113

LoL!!

Dream_Inn

So I had looked into putting rod holders mounted to my hardtop handles and put telescoping poles into them.  I would not use or want any vertical poles.  I hadn't done it cause I wasn't sure yet if I really wanted it. I use umbrellas here and there in rod holders for now.

YYZRC

@Dream_Inn I saw a setup that used perko style rod holders with rods angled outward 60 degrees. It was not a bad approach as I suppose you could use the rod holders for other things, too (fishing, downriggers, bbq mount). 

I wouldn’t want telescoping poles mounted to the hardtop as mine has a lip - I think it would look ugly with the spacers that would be needed. On a hardtop designed for the awning it looks great. 

Liberty44140

We had new canvas made this year and had an extension done off the hard top. All of it rolls up so no more storing canvas pieces. Has been a game changer for us. Admiral was not completely on board with my insistence that it come all the way back to really be camper like but after a few movie nights and gatherings with friends she is very happy we did it. All screened which was awesome last weekend when the bugs set in. No aft poles, admiral wanted no obstructions when throwing dock lines. 

Before this we had a tailor made anchor shade which was a great solution for at the dock:

aero3113

Very nice @Liberty44140 !!

oscar1

it look nice

Dream_Inn

That's nice Liberty, but I think we are mainly talking about shade for over the swim platform.  Sorry, but I have to go here....Rinkers made hardtops that actually cover the cockpit area/   I am not fond of adding actual canvas to hardtops (it's my pet peeve).

YYZRC

I agree @Dream_Inn tho I do wish the hardtop was 12” longer on mine. It would then have the perfect rake on the rear camper. 

Liberty44140

LOL yea I know some here dont like doing an extension like I did. Hey you guys are right most of the time so it's fine if you are wrong about this topic, can't have it all   Hmm, most pics I've seen here of Rinker's with hard tops, have "short" hard tops like mine. Do the bigger/older models have full hard tops? I would definitely prefer that, the rake makes zero sense to me..... thus adding sunbrella   

Sorry though looks like I missed the point here on this being about just the platform. The anchor shade umbrella would then be a great option but cant be up under way. It's super easy to put up and take down. I bought it when I had the 342 which of course has full camper canvas and we would use it just for the swim platform at a little bit of an angle and it was glorious, plan to still use it in my new set up.