Aft Cockpit Shade Ideas

[JLR]

Well, the Admiral wants shade on the aft cockpit. I seem to have several options. However, I would love to hear from the folks here on any ideas or other thoughts. I use a winter cover from the hardtop to the aft cover board that is attached to a track on the hardtop. Therefore, a San Juan Bimini or the like in a fixed laced shade structure will not work nor do I permanently want to limit my ability to see the aft deck from the bridge. I see numerous stretchy type pieces of what look like canvass that attache to telescoping poles that sit in the aft rod holders. Frankly, they look kind of cheesy but I may have no other choice. I also see a permanent either manual or automatic roll out shade. That looks even worse and cost close to 10K. Bad option, I think. Any ideas would be appreciated. I prefer something I can run with but if it needs to come down to run, so be it. Any and all ideas are welcomed. No umbrellas please. I already have two Brockabellas for my own fishing needs for those old enough to remember who Lou Brock is.

[Boatsb]

Shade is for wimps. Up north you need the sun for warmth anyway.

Plus I've never seen a full cockpit shade that didn't make boarding harder.

[trogers]

Previous owner did an amazing addition to our boat and I just updated it.

A small bimini that sticks out the aft and protects our (also) new enclosure. It makes the aft salon area much more "room like"

It would be useless if you enjoyed fishing from the aft deck area, but else it is rather pleasant - IMO

[SKYCHENEY]

Best I have seen on a sportfish is the poles that fit in the aft corners to hold the top up. Saw a really nice one on a big Viking last year. The poles fit into a hole in the gunnel and are removable. Give total access to entire cockpit without ducking under the cover.

[Boatsb]

Using mid rod holders will leave an area open to board and should still shield the salon.

[JLR]

Thanks. Any more ideas?

[carolinacoast]

use stamoid , not sunbrella.

[Cricket]

John, what you're looking for is a "Sunfly". Attaches to the same track as your cockpit fly and then to poles in the corner rod holders. Really opens up the boat.
Ours is made from Stamoid but wish it was a lighter fabric like Dacron?
Also, it would be better if the poles were collapsible or 2 part because they're hard to store on the boat. Going to take care of that over the winter.
This link has some pretty good pictures as a start to your research.

https://www.canvasdesigners.com/sunfly

[carolinacoast]

Those are WAY cool.

[JLR]

John, what you're looking for is a "Sunfly". Attaches to the same track as your cockpit fly and then to poles in the corner rod holders. Really opens up the boat.
Ours is made from Stamoid but wish it was a lighter fabric like Dacron?
Also, it would be better if the poles were collapsible or 2 part because they're hard to store on the boat. Going to take care of that over the winter.
This link has some pretty good pictures as a start to your research.

https://www.canvasdesigners.com/sunfly

Thanks Holden. I will touch base with Mike when I am down there and see what he has in mind. It looks like a perfect solution.