37 Convertible cockpit cover- sun shade anyone?

[brico]

I'd like to sun protect my 1980 37 Convertible cockpit with some sort of cover. Has anyone done or seen similar arrangement on any of these boats? I am thinking something in line with 1.5" diamater SS tubing straight above the cockpit coaming with vertical corner supports, but being that long I'll need some more bracing somewhere else. Tried and tested method/design would be appereciated.

Regards/petar

 

[steve flury]

Here is a picture of ours.

 

[dottieshusband]

I docked beside a 40 ish Sabre that had a retractable cockpit sunshade It was a neat design. Had 2 electric linear telescoping ramsthat pulled out canvas on a roll between the fixed base of the Rams...I think it said SureShade on it. It was polished stainless and looked like a nice rig.

 

[brico]

Thanks steve,

That look good, although I'd go for full length of the cockpit, but it gives me an idea.

regards/petar

 

[jim rosenthal]

This set of photos show the frame of the aft awning on my 36 Hatteras. The photos aren't of the canvas, but I will take some and post them. These may be useful because they show the support framework that holds the top.

It is secured to the bridge deck with a channel into which the forward end of the top material slides; there is a welting sewed in which holds it. Also snaps to keep tension on it. The fore-aft supports for the arch have a tensioner built into them which can be used to compensate for stretching of the material, so it stays taut. this has worked well over the six or seven years it's been on the boat.

 

[steve flury]

we have also thought about changing to a full length cover. If you install one send me a picture.

 

[drburke]

A good search term on images.google.com would be "San Juan shade". Some go all the way out, but mine stops short by a few feet by design (see profile pic). They are all designed to hinge up for fishing.

DAN