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Old 08-07-2015, 11:45   #1
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Canopy

I have provided a lot of entertainment over the last couple of months dockside. The first canopy I installed was from Lowes. $130. It seemed sturdy enough. I sewed straps to the top with lines stretched along the dock for extra support.

Rigged up sawhorses for a workbench for sewing and wood work. 2 days later, storm in the night left the frame looking like the pile in a pick up sticks game.

$99 dollars later from Home Depot. Same addition of straps. Added eyelets for drain holes. This one lasted almost 2 weeks with me removing the cover when storms approached. The eyelets seemed to work ok.

I spent the day assisting a buddy in moving a boat. Got a call. Not quite the mess as the first but frame damaged beyond repair.

Clear day predicted, I just finished erecting $44 canopy from Academy. Same basic setup. Added straps. No drains yet. Wind is gusting to 20 now.

If this one doesn't last, I think I'll look for a bullseye pattern.


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Old 08-07-2015, 12:10   #2
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Re: Canopy

Good luck with the canopy!

I went through the same with my tailgating and truck-in gear. What I found to hold up best to wind is the big, heavy, hard to carry and set up 10X20's from ShelterLogic. You can pick them up for a hundred bucks, less if you watch the sales.

When they're up, you can lash them down at the top of each leg (across the funky four way connecter piece) and that's worked pretty well for me. You can place a strap or two across the canopy if you wish, but with the low price of polytarp, I'd rather the polytarp tear to shreds and leave the frame intact.

They also put out a lot of shade and work space underneath - I can park an extended body van under it with plenty of space left over.

Here's a link to them.

Academy - ShelterLogic MAX AP 10' x 20' Canopy Shelter
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Old 08-07-2015, 13:38   #3
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Re: Canopy

I would never leave the boat if I had ' the great flat sail ' hoisted .
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Old 08-07-2015, 14:13   #4
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Re: Canopy

Capt. Eric 3,

If you're a handy sort of guy, take a look at the SailRite web site and find their discussions of sun awnings. One can be built that will stand up okay to about 25 kn. That will be the one they say is rated for 40 knots.

The other approach is designing and building a boat cover, which offers protection to the boat, but not meaningful shade to the people. On our boat, we only have full shade for the cockpit, and then only when not underway. We made the cockpit awning; it zips onto the aft edge of the dodger, and bungees secure it to the radar arch. Designed it to it can also be used for catching water.

Ann
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Old 08-07-2015, 14:24   #5
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Re: Canopy

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Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate View Post
Capt. Eric 3,

If you're a handy sort of guy, take a look at the SailRite web site and find their discussions of sun awnings. One can be built that will stand up okay to about 25 kn. That will be the one they say is rated for 40 knots.

The other approach is designing and building a boat cover, which offers protection to the boat, but not meaningful shade to the people. On our boat, we only have full shade for the cockpit, and then only when not underway. We made the cockpit awning; it zips onto the aft edge of the dodger, and bungees secure it to the radar arch. Designed it to it can also be used for catching water.

Ann

Thank for the tip, Ann. I'll have a look.






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Old 08-07-2015, 16:24   #6
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Re: Canopy

Unless you are looking for rain protection, have you thought about using mesh tarps? I don't have any experience with them but I hear they work well.
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Old 17-07-2015, 19:17   #7
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Re: Canopy

Have you looked at Shadetree Awnings? Shadetree Boat Awning Systems | Shadetree Boat Awning Systems
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Old 17-07-2015, 19:53   #8
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Re: Canopy

Shade Tree are excellent awnings
Living on board in Singapore requires coverage as well as aircon and these things are great

You can custom design and they flex with the squalls we get here

Even with intense UV here they last around 5 years and are much less expensive and lighter than anything made with Sunbrella


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Old 17-07-2015, 21:52   #9
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Re: Canopy

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Originally Posted by MarcStAug View Post

Thanks for the tips. They look similar to Sampan awnings I've seen.

I do rig shade for the bow during the hottest times of year.

The canopy's that have collapsed were 10'x10' pop up style and were on the floating tee head of the marina I stay at near Houston. Not on my boat.


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Old 18-07-2015, 02:27   #10
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Re: Canopy

Are you running intro trouble with the supporting pole structures, the strength of the canopy materials, or both?
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Old 18-07-2015, 06:00   #11
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Re: Canopy

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Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED View Post
Are you running intro trouble with the supporting pole structures, the strength of the canopy materials, or both?

Although the last (and least expensive) canopy has a better frame design, none were designed to survive the high winds and the weight of the water from the deluge we received.

Removal of the tops ahead of the weather would have saved the first 2 frames. Sorta like the when to reef question.

The first collapse was after midnight, the second caught me away from the boat. Scattered showers in the forecast for both.


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