Adding Shade to Pontoon

[jjohnson120]

I have a bimini top for my boat, but at times feel as though I could use some extra shade options. I'm not really wanting to add another top, but I would like to add a couple shade areas, would be nice if I could leave it on while under way. I have an 18ft Voyager and the bimini is towards the back. I was either thinking of adding something to the front to add shade or maybe something like this picture I found online while searching. Feel free to add comments or show your setup. Thanks.

http://www.redzilla.net/20040730apachelake/pict2928.jpg

 

[jjohnson120]

Also found this as far as the first referenced option. Haven't seen it for a pontoon though.

http://rnr-marine.com/images/Boat-Shade-Kit_Center-Console_T-Top_side.jpg

 

[HotTommy]

Are you looking to buy something ready made, or make something?

 

[jjohnson120]

I'd be willing for either depending on price.

 

[HotTommy]

It's not too hard to buy some aluminum tubing (round or rectangular) and attach it to your existing fences to make a framework for an extended top. If you know how to sew a hem and you have a sewing machine, you can buy Sunbrella type material, sew it to shape, add some snaps and have a top. If you don't sew, an upholstery shop or even a seamstress/tailoring/alterations shop might do it. ... I try to avoid the sun as much as possible, but I'm the only one on my boat with an operators license. So I have to sit at the wheel regardless of where the sun is at. To get some relief on late afternoons, I sewed up a 3' x 4' piece of Sunbrella and added matching pieces of Velcro to it and the fabric top. I just stick it in place when I need it and stow it away other times.

 

[jjohnson120]

I had thought about just adding another bimini, but due to placement of the gates on the side and the length since it's only 18ft I don't know what I could do that. I really like the side curtains that the guy did in the first link I think something like that would help a ton. Also if I had a way of adding a rear to almost enclose my current bimini, would help out a lot.

 

[MinUph]

We have two tops. My main bimini if a bit forward of the helm and the rear one covers the back. I do have a third for the front but find it blocks too much sun. You can work the support tubing around the fence. Mine is an 18 footer also. I'll post pics if you need to see it.

 

[jjohnson120]

We have two tops. My main bimini if a bit forward of the helm and the rear one covers the back. I do have a third for the front but find it blocks too much sun. You can work the support tubing around the fence. Mine is an 18 footer also. I'll post pics if you need to see it.

Yeah I'd be interested in pics.

 

[Seon]

You could buy sun screen material rom the Home Depot, install grommets then hang them like hose shade screens in your links.

 

[junkman41]

you could always take it to one of those shops that make truck bed covers, or a place that re covers furniture, and have what you want custom made for your pontoon

 

[jjohnson120]

You could buy sun screen material rom the Home Depot, install grommets then hang them like hose shade screens in your links.

Yeah that's kind of what I was thinking. I need to do some measuring to see what I need. I was also thinking a canvas tarp may work, cause it would actually look similar to my bimini top. Those tarps are around $20 a piece so cheap enough to get a couple and then move around where needed.

 

[HotTommy]

Keep in mind that some fabrics last longer in the sun than others. If you only put it up while you are onboard, it shouldn't matter much. But if you leave it out all the time, canvas might not last too long.

 

[jjohnson120]

Keep in mind that some fabrics last longer in the sun than others. If you only put it up while you are onboard, it shouldn't matter much. But if you leave it out all the time, canvas might not last too long.

Very true. I think the ones I was looking at have some UV protection, but won't really matter because it will never be left out more than a couple of days. My boat has a cover and goes in storage so everything is kept out of the sun when not being used.

 

[redneck joe]

i like the one that looks like they used rod holders to stick in some pipe then stretch tarp over that. Dual use.

 

[HotTommy]

BTW, I just noticed the background and the registration on the boat in the first picture. That is a lake in Arizona, likely near Phoenix. I guarantee you they need protection from the sun.

 

[jjohnson120]

BTW, I just noticed the background and the registration on the boat in the first picture. That is a lake in Arizona, likely near Phoenix. I guarantee you they need protection from the sun.

Yeah extra shade can be useful anywhere though honestly. We have some pretty brutal summers out here as well.

 

[Seon]

[h=1][/h] I just remembered this Mesh All Purpose/Weather Resistant Tarp that Harbor Freight sells. I think I bought one last year and placed it on a shelf in the garage. I guess I should look for it and see if I can use it on my Toon...LOL.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ft-x-19-ft-6-in-mesh-all-purposeweather-resistant-tarp-60584.html