Canvas shade tent inquiry and recommendations

[dpddj]

Oh, thanks. One more thing to worry about before I set south. Frankly, many friends think I am crazy heading to the Caribbean. Here in Maine, USA, I wear shorts until December, short sleeves all winter and start the shorts again on March 1st. I hate the heat. Shoot me now.

[Sthompson]

Greetings again to all who posted.

Just wanted to show you what we eventually installed based on your posts.

The material is Coolaroo brand shade material ordered from Home Depot (free shipping):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/megach...s/20910408015/


We cut two 20-foot lengths of this very light weight cloth, triple-hemmed (three 1.25-inch folds for 3/8-inch grommets) the front and back ends:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/megach...s/20910408015/


Weather-proof-stained ¾” square poplar dowel cut to 3-foot sections with 3-inch gaps for folding, nailed the ends, rolled material around all sides and finally nailed and screwed the length.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/megach...s/20286839024/

For rigging we installed eyelet screws on both ends of all sections, then rigged the inside ends to the adjacent section before tying down to the lifelines.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/megach...s/20722442550/

We tied the ends to adjacent grommets on the other side (front) or to the bimini handles(back).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/megach...s/20286818414/

We tied the two sections together across the top from the leading edge to the mast. I put a leader line through the jib clew ring and tie it to the forward rigging line to pull the rigging line snug and as high as possible.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/megach...s/20286836814/

After starting the top forward rigging line we start the top aft rigging line, weaving it through grommets alternating sides. Once the aft rigging line is started we’ll snug up the forward top line, then finish aft. We finish up with the side rigging tied to lifelines.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/megach...s/20916725311/

For stowing we leave the forward top section tied together, untie everything and lay the tent on the deck, then fold it up into a ~3’ x 18” rectangle about 6” tall. The dowel, nails and screws spread the stress nicely and so far no straining or ripping of the fabric.

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by Sthompson

Is that an IS 401? It looks almost like my Cat, but the front lockers look different.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by dpddj

Oh, thanks. One more thing to worry about before I set south. Frankly, many friends think I am crazy heading to the Caribbean. Here in Maine, USA, I wear shorts until December, short sleeves all winter and start the shorts again on March 1st. I hate the heat. Shoot me now.

It got into the low 60's in Marathon this past winter. Winter in the caribbean can get cold!

[colemj]

Marathon is in the Caribbean?

It doesn't get cold in the winter in the Caribbean, although it does get drier and windier than other times of year.

Mark

[zboss]

Originally Posted by colemj

Marathon is in the Caribbean?

It doesn't get cold in the winter in the Caribbean, although it does get drier and windier than other times of year.

Mark

Well noooo

But from Marathon down it can get cold is what I am saying... Im trying to make the guy feel better!

In the BVI we often wear sweats during the xmas winds, the water is almost too cold to swim in that far north in December and January! We wear skins or 1 mils when we swim in the winter.

[RaymondR]

I have used shade cloth for years now. It is long lasting and low cost. I have the aft shades permanently mounted on the boom and it takes about two minutes to either deploy or stow them and I quiet often deploy them if I come to anchor in the early afternoon on hot days.

[Sthompson]

Travellerw, yes she's a 401. THE boat built by, and for, Stephen & Estelle Cockcroft, co-owners of Fortuna back in the day.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by Sthompson

Travellerw, yes she's a 401. THE boat built by, and for, Stephen & Estelle Cockcroft, co-owners of Fortuna back in the day.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

Nice.. I spoke with Stephen before I purchased my IS. He was very helpful.

Yours looks very nice and well cared for. I hadn't realized they changed the front lockers from the 40 to the 401. Cool.

Thanks for posting back by the way. I will probably "borrow" this for my boat!

[travellerw]

Your boat was originally named Siyaya, correct?