Leopard 47: Bow Awning for a Leopard 47

[John Duckworth]

I want to build an awning to create shade over the front of the boat. Has anyone any tips and things to avoid?

John

[Cotemar]

John Duckworth,

Here are a couple of cruisers that have made bow awnings, so this my help you.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post704677

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post824762

[webejammin]

We use a very large sports umbrella about 6 ft in dia. It's made of solar shade material.

[JamuJoe]

John,
We got good use out of such for our Leopard 42. It was essentially tent-shaped with the ridge supported between the forestay and mast with a center loop pulled up by jib halyard. Sides tied to lifelines. Not quite a rectangle, as I brought the aft corners back like wings to attach to fwd shrouds. First version was white vinyl, which lasted several years. Now I like the white vinyl mesh, similar to our salon window covers. Not rain-proof but lighter and cooler.

Joe
s/v Jamu

Originally Posted by John Duckworth

I want to build an awning to create shade over the front of the boat. Has anyone any tips and things to avoid?

John

[stevenseb]

John Dockworth,

I recommend for you to use Sunbrella canvas material. Would you need an fabricator for the awning? I can recommend various companies throughout the caribbean if you would like.

Let me know and I'll forward you their contact info.

Steven

[John Duckworth]

Steven,

I hope to make it myself, I am trying to work out how much I need and then get the sunbrella from Sailrite. I like the designs of a couple posted in the links above but am a bit concerned about the size of the thing as I have a huge foredeck!

John

[JayH]

Sunbrella is awfully heavy for an awning that size. I would go with something lighter, like Stamoid. You should also consider scalloped sides to get better tension. Taking down an awning during a squall at 2AM is no fun, so build it well enough to stay up. Sailrite has a video on making structural awnings with scalloped sides.

Last thought: Consider soft attachment points like webbing loops instead of metal rings and grommets. If you do have to take it down in a breeze, you do not want half an acre of awning flapping around on deck with lots of metal sewn into it.

[stevenseb]

John,

Stamoid is another ideal material, but I since this is not a breathable fabric and the purpose for your awning is for shade purposes, it will become quite hot under the awning if Stamoid is used.

Also, I wanted to know if there is a reason why you would be purchasing the Sunbrella fabric from Sailrite, I am sure you can purchase it from a local vendor in the Caribbean.

Steven

[John Duckworth]

I have not heard of Stamiod but will look into it.

On getting it from sailrite, I was just recommended that way. I assume any local supplier will buy it from the states, have to import it, and then charge a % for their margin! It will probably be a lot more expensive and I am trying to keep costs down.

John

[Hyprdrv]

Two plastic tarps $12
8 bungee cords $7
Secure 1 corner of ea. tarp with bungee to the furled jib.
Secure 1 opposite corner of ea. tarp to mast with bungee.
Secure other side of tarps to lifelines.
Works great and the tarps can be used to collect rain water. Quick to dismantal and store. Tarps come in many sizes so you can pick the size area to shade.

Steve in Solomons MD
Lagoon 410 SE