Sailboat Awning - ShadeTree Awning?

[fairwinds4linda]

Hey, does anyone out there use a ShadeTree Awning? If so how do you like it, and can you post some pictures - or send me some? (fairwinds4linda@gmail.com). I am wanting to design and make my own awning and this seems to be the style we like, but can't get close to one.

What other types of awnings are you using and liking?

Thanks, Linda

[mightyhorton]

Linda, ShadeTrees are nice. If you are in a tropical place, they keep the sun off, keep the boat cooler. Also, because they have nice headroom, you sort of get more rooms on your boat as you can be out on the deck. They are strong and well made. I am on the West coast of Mexico and see a fair number of boats with ShadeTrees; the owners all seem to love them. Not many boats with something else that works as well. The homemade ones seem sort of baggy, flop around in the breeze and generally aren't as robust. You can go to their website and check pricing. I've been looking for used ones on Craig'sList, and have seen several but not the right ones for my boat. I borrowed one and had it up on my boat for a week or so and it was a huge change for the better. New ones aren't cheap but by the time you buy the fabric and chase down all the poles and straps and buckles and go through the learning curve you might be better off just buying them from ShadeTree. They stow into a pretty small bundle. They are not a luxury if you are living in the tropical sun.

Ian

[fairwinds4linda]

Thank you for your quick reply and all the information!