Sunbrella Awning - Anyone Build One?

YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Rinker Express Cruisers Forum
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?


2006 390 EC
2008 350 EC
Georgian Bay
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  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    @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.
    2008 330EC
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  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    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
    2008 330EC
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  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    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
    2008 330EC
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  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here’s an electric one!!

    https://www.sureshade.com/
    2008 330EC
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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You really took it to the next level. From $500 to $10k!
    2006 390 EC
    2008 350 EC
    Georgian Bay
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  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    YYZRC said:
    You really took it to the next level. From $500 to $10k!
    Do it once, do it right! 🤑
    2008 330EC
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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You forgot “end up divorced”!
    2006 390 EC
    2008 350 EC
    Georgian Bay
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  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    LoL!!
    2008 330EC
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,946 mod
    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.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
    @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. 
    2006 390 EC
    2008 350 EC
    Georgian Bay
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  • Liberty44140Liberty44140 Member Posts: 4,414 ✭✭✭✭✭
    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:





    07' Cruisers 390 (Previous Rinker's: 06' 342EC & 01' 310FV)

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  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 2022
    Very nice @Liberty44140 !!
    2008 330EC
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  • oscar1oscar1 Member Posts: 804 ✭✭✭
    it look nice
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,946 mod
    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/ :smile:  I am not fond of adding actual canvas to hardtops (it's my pet peeve).

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
    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. 
    2006 390 EC
    2008 350 EC
    Georgian Bay
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  • Liberty44140Liberty44140 Member Posts: 4,414 ✭✭✭✭✭
    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 :D  :p 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. 
    07' Cruisers 390 (Previous Rinker's: 06' 342EC & 01' 310FV)

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