Rear deck cover

[rchilds]

I recently bought a 2004 Marlin 300. I am trying to get it into good shape. I am repowering it with Yamaha 300's and getting all the systems in working order. I do have a question for anyone who has experience. I plan to spend a lot of time on the boat, and I am on the Alabama gulf coast in the blistering sun. I have a very nice cockpit enclosure, but I need to know how to cover the rear deck for using or entertaining while at dock. I would appreciate any suggestions for a good functional rear shade!
Rick

 

[DennisG01]

Since it's just while at the dock, or slow cruise, that allows you some freedom since you don't have to be too worried about sustaining itself against the wind while underway. So, the first thing that comes to mind is a bimini top. These are readily available and I'm sure you are familiar with these. They can be freestanding (4 legs) or lay-down models (2 legs). When opened, attach the forward edge to your hard top. A well built bimini can be used while underway, but the downside is that you may want to remove it when you're going fishing.

There also this, http://www.anchorshade.com/ which is nice because it can used other places (land/beach), as well. The down side is that it's a little small for your cockpit and you have to dance around the pole in the middle... hmmmm.... :lol:

The next idea a couple poles stuck into aft rod holders, then a blue tarp duct-taped to the hard top and attached to the poles. Of course, that's the complete redneck way and you can make it nicer. But here are a couple non-redneck versions that are ready to go:

http://rnr-marine.com/PURCHASE.PHP?prod ... -Shade-Kit

https://www.canvasdesigners.com/Product ... nfly-Poles

For what it's worth, I have a few acquaintances that have the Sunfly and are VERY happy with it. It's very well made. I've never seen the other one in person.

Now, something REALLY cool that some manufacturers, like Sea Ray (and others), are using... http://www.sureshade.com/ (I think this is the one, anyways. If not, same idea). Does Grady offer this? I'm not sure.

I'm sure there are other ideas, those are just a few off the top of my head.

 

[g0tagrip]

I had one made for my Marlin for shade when anchored out at Shell or Crooked Island. It has two long Stainless steel poles that fit into the back rod holders and a Grady blue sunbrella cover that slides on under my hard top rod holders stretches across the deck and then has grommets that fit on the ends of the poles. No center poles, works great. It was made by Dockside Canvas of Panama City.

 

[akilbourne]

I had SureShade make a custom shade for the back of my Freedom 275. Works like a charm even at speed and rough water. Here are a few pics.

http://us11.campaign-archive1.com/?u=da ... f90e984f8c

http://www.sureshade.com/rtx-pull-out-tele-frame-shade

 

[Slacktime]

I had a retractable shade cover made by Acton Welding and Marine Fabrication

2408 Andalusia Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33909
239-458-3860 Ext 205
239-573-0232 Fax
actionweld.com E-mail actionweld@aol.com

Needed to send them dimensions and pictures but they did a terrific job at a good price. Talk to Bruce.

 

[LastChance]

I have the Taylor Made umbrella, which works well, shown in this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=23189


I would not use it underway.

I am having a full Sunbrella slope cover made for the cockpit, primarily for winter use during rainy periods.