Escape from the summer sun

[parrothead]

We finally had a weekend with no threat of rain on the upper Chesapeake, but of course it was 90 degrees

On Sunday the wind forecast was minimal, so we decided to go motoring and make our own wind. When in the slip, we rig a boom tent to keep the sun/rain out of the cabin [custom fabricated a couple of years ago by The Sailors Tailor http://www.sailorstailor.com/]. Since our intent was just to motor fast enough to create a breeze - 6 to 7 mph - we left the boom tent in place. What a great shade machine

The entire cockpit and the companionway were sun-free, and the boom tent acted as a "scoop", enhancing the breeze across the cockpit. Since that breeze was crossing a shaded cabin top, it was noticeably cooler than what we'd experienced on the previous day. Eventually some natural wind did appear, and we were able to do some close reaching under jib alone [photo]. All-in-all, an excellent way to beat the heat

[c130king]

Do you have the specs on that boom tent (length and width)? Is it perfectly rectangle?

I am thinking of buying a small tarp to use in that role...and if it works out really good I might buy the nicer one.

Thanks,
Jim

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

These are the latest incarnation of the boom tent.

http://www.ronstan.com/marine/range.asp?RnID=272

We had one before we bought our full enclosure. I liked that it had a couple poles sewn in that kept it higher and wider. This also let it extend aft of the end of the boom to cover more of the cockpit.

See the second picture down on the left in this collage from the early days.

Click the picture for the bigger version

[parrothead]

Jim,

It is not rectangular, it tapers from a front width that fits between the inner shrouds to wider back at the bimini [the exact width there was dictated by my adjustable backstays]. If I can't locate the info, I'll measure it next time we're on the boat. The back end could be the full width of the bimini if you don't have backstays. It's fabricated from "Polyester Army Duck", which was available in white when I got it - that may not be true now - with stainless grommets at the corners and midway on each side.

Doug

[c130king]

Doug,

I was thinking something that would go over my boom from the aft end (just in front of the topping lift) up towards the mast far enough that the hatch/companionway opening is completely covered for shade.

The end of my boom is over my bimini so it would in effect "extend" my bimini towards the mast. At the rear it would be over the top of the bimini and fastened down with bungees or something to the lifelines and at the forward end it would fold over the boom and be bungeed to the stancions next to the mats (to keep some forward tension on it). Probably 7-8 feet wide I think would work. Might need a mid-tent tie down to further secure it.

I would not use it while underway...it would be for shade/rain protection while at the dock or mooring.

Of course I would have to take down my LJ system...but I made that a quick-release system.

I think I will look for a 7 x 10 blue tarp or something close to that and give it a go.

Jim

[parrothead]

Jim,

Sounds almost exactly like my setup. The centerline [which is the only seam, very strong] is attached with bungees around the mast and to the topping lift aft - so the tent is actually suspended taught above the boom. The aft end is above the bimini, and the corners have long bungees that secure to the rear bimini supports. The front corners of the tent have little mini bungees that are led under the lifelines and hooked around the outer shrouds [you can see them pretty clearly in the photo]. Midway back, there are clips, like mini carabiners, that attach to the lifelines.

You could certainly use a rectangular tent. The width limiter will be the inner shrouds. I tried a small blue tarp first just to see how it worked, and decided right away that I wanted something that was wider in the rear, definitely no plastic, and preferably white. If your boat is in Florida, you'll probably want white also.

Doug

[Retcoastie]

Jim,

Here is my blue tarp awning. It is 8x10 with three 10' plastic pipes for rafters. It goes from the topping lift to the mast. The 10' length is crosswise so it hangs over 1' on each side. I really like that as rain runs off the top and over the side, not onto the gunnels. It also provides plenty of shade while allowing maximum visibility.

Here it is at a distance. I think it looks pretty good.


Here is closer. It would have been a good picture without that stanchion.
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p359 ... ngback.jpg

It works well in heavy weather. Note the visibility.


Here is visibility from below.
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p359 ... 100037.jpg

Here is another shot showing visibility and strength in the wind. Note the courtesy flags.


The day after the above pic was taken we moved to another beach. We went ashore and sat in the blistering sun for three hours waiting for a boat to arrive. I took this top and by splitting the three rafters into six legs used it as a very fine beach shade for seven people in beach chairs and a snack table.

Here it is stored away awaiting another usage.
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p359 ... 170299.jpg

All this for less than $15.

Ken

[Captain Steve]

bought my tent from a vendor on this sight. see post http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... ent#p85682
for photos on my Mac.

[RocketsCrew]

This type of shade is known in my neck of the woods as an "African Queen" maybe form the old Bogey film by the same name?