Aft Cockpit Sun Shade

[GZigmont]

Does anyone have either some good pics or experience they can share with the aft cockpit sun shade that is available for the R29CB? We are either considering having a local canvas company construct a sturdy framework and Sunbrella cover for the cockpit, or buying one of the shades from Fluid Motion. I am aware that the aft cockpit shade is not designed for high winds or probably cruising faster than walking speed and will only provide limited protection from a light rain. They want about $1,500 for the shade. I suspect that my local canvas shop will want $2-3k or more for the nice sturdy setup.

We’d like a lot more sun protection at the dock/anchor and a little more covering during some rain. It will be a cost benefit analysis once I can get some more info. Any other ideas welcome too!

Thanks in advance,

Greg

 

[Someday*]

We are planning on doing the same thing with our R29 Greg.
We are also planning on having the bimini on the CB not as high as it comes from the factory...make one a little lower...feel it will help with shade up there as most of the time we will be sitting.

 

[Chriscz128]

I am interested in the same for a C28. I have seen mention of Sureshade https://www.sureshade.com/, but understand the install is not trivial.
I have also been looking at some of the low cost options at OceanSouth https://oceansouth.us/shop/ttops/tt...NemnOVMBTbxic0n3d0aW5FNwZgeW3fUsaAr-YEALw_wcB

 

[FlagShip]

After having our R-29CB for three years, we've ordered the sun shade from Fluid Motion. Probably won't be in our hands until July or so. Once it arrives I'll definitely post pictures, etc. We've found that we want a bit more shade back there in the summer. The stern faces west in our slip at Elliott Bay Marina and it gets mighty toasty in the cockpit.

 

[dmecimore]

We had the aft sun shade on our R23 and it's well made and gives good shade.

But, we quickly put on a full cockpit enclosure and the shade is in storage now.

Sun shade is worth it if you aren't doing anything else back there, IMO.

 

[rpmerrill]

In a continuing effort to keep it simple.... my wife calls it cheapskate... I made my own cockpit shades.

We found afternoon calm winds and low sun would often turn the cockpit into a sauna. My bimini had zippers installed all around the perimeter for, I assume, a full enclosure option. So I bought some matching fabric and a couple zippers that fit the existing ones. I sewed up some (mostly) rectangular pieces (4) to match the geometry of the bimini. Velcro straps on the bottom secure them to the railings. They provide shade when needed and still allow ventilation. Not the prettiest things but they are very much appreciated by the aforementioned "cheapskate" accuser.

I believe they may also reduce tacking at anchor but I haven't performed any scientific studies.
Photo in my album.