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Cheap Shade

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tapinkham
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/16/2002 : 13:05:21

Hello,

We have been having a fair amount of hazy, hot and humid
weather of late in New England. Has anyone come up with a
good cheap method of providing shade in the cockpit?
Daughter headed for college, running out of boat units.

Thanks,

Tim

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 13:21:20

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d904b3127cce9f7cd9e65e340000001410" border=0>
My inexpensive bimini is a vinyl(not sunbrella) one that I bought from BoatUS for $139.00. It was originally $180, but it was a discontinued, off-the-shelf model, that was reduced to sell. The dimensions, I believe were 6 feet long by 82 inches wide and I mounted it to a pair of old track slides using external eye mounts($6.00) that I purchased separately. Since it was an off the rack bimini, I had to alter the height by about 10 inches, but that was done simply with my trusting pipe cutter I use for copper plumbing work. Since it is mounted on slides it can be moved both forward and astern. In the picture, I have it mounted so it's just forward enough not to interfere with the mainsheet. When not in use, I fold it up, put the boot cover on it, and slide it all the way back so it is standing straight up against the backstay(I simply bungee the bimini to the split backstay after disconnecting the snapshackle on the mainsheet)and the height of the folded bimini is over six feet so it is very much out of the way. It wasn't that difficult of a job, inexpensive($145.00), and the cooling shade it provides on those hot, sunny days is wonderful.

Don Lucier, North Star
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

n/a
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125 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 13:22:18

Well, Tim you could do what I did......get the best bimini that money can buy. And aim the kids at Taco Bell, in a year or two they'll be manager @ $8.00 per hour, move out and marry a bum, but hey what the heck you have the important thing covered....THE CATALINA!

Edited by - on

tapinkham
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 13:38:35

Thanks Don,

I didn't realize they could be had so cheaply!
I had thought about trying to build one but I'm
not that handy.
And thank you Gary as well for a good laugh!
To be honest I'm not sure I could stand having
"Miss Know It All" around for another year!
Sheesh, you'd think she could at least pick up
her room or do the dishes once in awhile!
Ooops I digress....back to boats.

-Tim

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 16:18:32

Tim,
I have a 10’ X 10’ camping tarp. It’s blue coated nylon. I picked up a couple used mooring wands (the ¼” fiberglass rods used to pick up your mooring) that were thrown out by the yard and cut them off at 7’. The rods fit in the hem around the tarp. I added some grommets and have a shade that covers the entire cockpit. The rods bend so the shade looks like a Conestoga wagon. Very slick all for $10. I rig it under the boom and with the poptop up. It definitely is a big plus in the August doldrums.
Of course I cannot sail with it. But I really don’t want a bimini or dodger on Peregrine. Maybe if I sailed in the south I would feel different, but the sun shade is great while hanging on the mooring or at anchor.
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
 John G- "PEREGRINE" C25-#4762 FK

Edited by - on

wmkoines
1st Mate

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56 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 16:43:14

Welcome to the club we have two daughters in college. You still have boat units? I have a blue tarp thrown over the boom with four bungee cords. Works great when you are at anchor. Adjustable too.

Wm. Koines
Oyster Bay, NY
C25 1661

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 16:54:18

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I have a blue tarp thrown over the boom with four bungee cords.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Ditto. I'd carry one even if I had a bimini and/or dodger. It can even keep the companionway dry in a pretty good rain squal. The Sabre anchored next to you may decide to move, but that's his problem...

Our two daughters have graduated--that's why we now have a C-25 and a few boat units to spend on it! But fancy canvas is still well down on the list.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 08/16/2002 16:55:06

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 17:44:30

I made a beautifull awning out of a blue tarp, 4 bungee cords and three oak slats total cost was under 15$. 6'X 8' tarp. three 7' oak slats,4 bungee cords. Cut the slats 4" longer than the tarp is wide. Make pointed ends on the slats so they will go through the tarp eye's about 2" on each side. Put the tarp over the boom, put the slats in and hook the bungee from the tips of the slats to the life line stantchions

Doug&Ruth
Wind Lass
Tacoma Wa.

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 17:45:45

While only good at anchor, the previous owner made a pretty good "shade" from heavy fabric/canvas, sewing a hem around the rectangular edges and sewing heavy loops into each corner (for connecting to the lifelines with bungies). The for and aft edges have pockets which 1" pvc tubing goes in. I upgraded it by adding 3/4" wood full-round dowels in the pvc tubing, making them stronger and straighter (good in the wind). I also sewed a heavy loop into the center which I pull partially up with the main halyard (adds much more room under the shade). I sewed another heavy loop into the center of the aft edge, which with the help of a bungie attached to it and the backstay, provides better cover by pulling the whole thing aft.

My two daughters are far from graduating. While I now may have a couple boat units in my pocket, I figure I'll need many more in about 17 years. So far, I'm lucky -- all they want is more beans.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d637b3127cce9ff8bd15a95b0000001410" border=0>

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

Edited by - on

n/a
deleted

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125 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 19:39:15

Actually guys, I have three sons, and I DID tell them " If you want to go to college get a job and go. Let me know when the graduation is, and I'll be there".
Nobody went to college. Two of the boys did there time for 2-3 years at lame jobs, but now Chevron Refinery pays them $38.00 per hour as journeyman instrument techs, and the third boy works for a municipal water district as a pipefitter for $31.00 per hour. All will be able to retire at 55 with over a Million dollars in their retirement account. I inimately know lawyers and computer geniuses in California that can't get a job at a car wash in the current economy. I justpersonally think that college is overated......Hey your right shut up and talk about our beloved boats.

Edited by - on

nate
Navigator

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240 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2002 : 21:15:53

Tim,
I purchased a Sunbrella bimini from Overtons that was really affordable. The frame is not SS but for my needs it certainly does the job. Here in Las Vegas shade is a BIG priority when sailing so a bimini is a must!!
When not sailing, I made an awning out of an old sail I had and got a couple telescoping awning poles from Sailnet. I have read that the Dacron fabric will not hold up well and does not block UV exposure so I treated the awning with "303 Protectant" in hopes of protecting the fabric and the people under it.
Another option is a kit from the folks at Sailrite. If you can sew and feel like a project you might save a few bucks that way. I just finished a mooring cover today for my boat. I got all the materials from Sailrite and did it myself. If I had the local canvas shop do the job it would have cost me over $500.00!! I think I did the project for $125.00 total.
Anyway......good luck and stay cool!!

Nate Adams
C25 #5695 WK/SR
"Heeling Properties"

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2002 : 08:57:01

We bought a huge bottle of SPF 45 sunscreen for about 8 bucks. So far its lasted the entire season.

You might want to check out SailRite.com. They have a few different bimini and dodger solutions. I don't necessarily recommend them for the entire job, I don't even know if there prices are reasonable, but there ideas seem to be good. Take for example this dodger that they have for a C-27...

http://www.sailrite.com/dodger_construction.htm

They also have Bimini Kit stuff online...

http://www.sailrite.com/PDF/BiminiFinal.pdf

They also have some clearance on Sunbrella $10bucks a yard for sky blue....

dw

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 National Assn.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b1ce23b3127cce9b043565af3d0000004010" border=0>

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jellyfish
Navigator

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USA
171 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2002 : 15:11:44

I use the tarp route over the boom also. I found some at Big Lots for 99 cents each(I bought 5 of them). Big Lots is a great place for buying stuff for the boat, rugs, dishes, bungee cords, etc, etc. cant sail with main but it works OK when tooling around under the jib only or motoring! cheap but works!

Edited by - on

n/a
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62 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2002 : 16:35:01

Depends what you think college is for: vocational training or education. And I agree that if you really want to go and your parents aren't coughing up the bucks you can figure it out on your own. We make our daughters pay half their tuition and then give them just enough more money to keep them out of the rain and looking slim (or get a job, whichever). We hope they choose professions that they love doing not just something that makes them money. Frankly, I think making money is highly over-rated but I'm just an old hippie or I'd have a C380 and maybe be too busy making money to use it! That's what I like to think, anyway.

Edited by - on

n/a
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125 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2002 : 16:46:39

I wondered if my rant would be completely ignored or not. Kathleen that was well expressed, my exact sediments ( oops maybe I should have at least gone to high school).

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2002 : 18:47:22

I managed to get through college (2 years at Cabrillo, a California community college, and a BFA from SMU) without paying. The community college system in Calif. Is worth its weight in gold and SMU needed to give grants away. Remember that the Universities WANT to give money away because the student doesn’t get the money the department that he/she is attending gets it. Every grant for tuition goes into the SCHOOL not the students’ pocket. They NEED to give grants away.
IMHO a graduating high school student with a “B” average or better has just learned how to learn.
Nothing else.
Those with less than a “B” average blew it and face a very hard road.
A truly liberal arts undergraduate degree is a must to find a path to go down.
Also IMO those that get out of HS and pursue an MBA without a liberal arts background know nothing but greed without any ethics, that is why we have Worldcoms and Enrons. They bring nothing to the table but the lust for more and more money.

Now there's a rant
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
 John G- "PEREGRINE" C25-#4762 FK

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n/a
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125 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2002 : 18:56:23

Good Rant, John. We Catalina owners have a unique ability to demonstate passionate feelings regarding all facets of life. And not to mention that we're ALWAYS right.

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2002 : 19:16:51

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Good Rant, John. We Catalina owners have a unique ability to demonstate passionate feelings regarding all facets of life. And not to mention that we're ALWAYS right.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
 Oops sorry I forgot to put up my sun shade and my brain boiled.<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle>
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
 John G- "PEREGRINE" C25-#4762 FK

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2002 : 02:54:22

Liberal arts -- hell -- I'm an aggie<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

Matt/Brigitte Loeffler
E.C. Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK/SR _/)

Edited by - on

jellyfish
Navigator

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USA
171 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2002 : 11:13:52

ditto Kathy, alot of us could learn to do more with less!

Edited by - on

n/a
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62 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2002 : 16:36:39

We C-25 owners ARE doing more with less! It's the perfect "Small is Beautiful" boat. This topic has strayed very far from biminis! I have a very "rich" life as a result of my college & graduate education, both of which I paid for 100%. It's not for everyone and I do know many autodiadactics whose fund of knowledge and cultural sophistication is equal to any college graduate. I figure they were just too lazy or maybe smart to do all those term papers!
Hey Matt- I took some aggie courses too - tropical ag.. Very interesting. .

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2002 : 00:05:56

this is my version of cheap shade......i went to my local fabric shop. bought duck cloth to match our blue sunbrella. (similar to canvas but cheaper) probably about 5.00 a yard. bought 3 yards. cut the fabric the width of the boat plus 2 feet for overhang. sewed a i inch pocket on each lengthwise end. went to home depot and bought 2-1 inch pvc pipes for about 2 bucks. cut it to the lenght of the shade. slipped the pipe into the pockets and attached straps and hooks (for about 4 bucks) to each of the 4 corners, it lays over the boom, and hooks onto the rails at the stern of the boat and at the entrance to the cabin. total price, about 20 bucks. it looks like it was made to order and works great at keeping the sun off of the cockpit and the cabin. next year i will remake it out of sunbrella. essentially it is a rectangular piece of cloth with two pipes running port to starbord. you cant get any cheaper than that. and YES i have had several people ask me to make one for them.. give it a try. by the way, we are in the northeast too, boston. where are you located?

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2002 : 00:37:04

Kathleen,
My degree is in Fermentation Science, also called enology, or for those that like to drink -- wine making at UC Davis. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> So what do I do now, teach 8th grade with a new group starting on Friday.

Matt/Brigitte Loeffler
E.C. Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK/SR _/)

Edited by - on

n/a
deleted

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125 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2002 : 10:08:57

Matt, That is a degree worth having, we thank you and all enologists for your work. Wine makes the heart glad, sailing makes the heart content.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2002 : 11:59:26

Matt,

I thought that science was either fermentology or zymurgy your gonna need to explain further this great science.

dw

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d603b3127cce9f847e0a93470000001410" border=0>

Edited by - on

Don Hood
1st Mate

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30 Posts

Response Posted - 08/23/2002 : 22:33:17

My wife and I use a small blue tarp from Home Depot and two pvc pipes. One at the stern or end of the boom and the other half way forward. This lets us leave the hatch and slide open even in a light rain. Unless it blows in from the north then it comes right up our stern (pardon the expression). It's cheap, replacable and easy to just roll up onto the battens.

Fair winds and good shade,
Don on Namaste' 1980 swk #1929

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