Canadian Yachting May 2021 - 47

TECH

ADD A

SHADE
COOL COMFORT WITH CONVENIENCE

For most of us, the thrill of being aboard is associated with the motion of the water, wind in our hair, the
laughter of friends, the speed and fresh air. It's primal
and sensory. It excites us in ways that are tough to
describe. That excitement vastly overshadows any of
the cumbersome aspects of boating.
The excitement of the overnights on the dock is worth the
energy spent in hauling bags of ice. The thrill of a weekend cruising vastly outweighs the areas that we dread: corralling children
and pets, a storm front rolling in, and raucous neighbors at an
unfamiliar marina.
With aging populations and accelerating climate change, there
is one area in the boating lifestyle that is sure to throw a wrench
in a summer weekend; the August sun beating down on us. SPF
numbers become more of a concern than wind speed. The quantity (and quality) of sunscreen applications are monitored more
closely than water depth and wave height.
Bolstered by the need to enjoy time on the water in every
conceivable comfort, humans have always found a way to find
shelter from the sun. Decades ago, the boom tent served the dual
purpose of sheltering wood and varnish from damage, but also
served as a place to hide from the noon sun.
In an effort to stretch beyond these confines, the dodger,
Bimini and full enclosures have become a staple - serving to
protect from bugs, weather, spray and sun. These covers and
enclosures are custom fitted to the vessel that they are installed

on - they can be patterned to match production boats, or they
can be fitted to meet an owner's particular wants and needs; with
respect to head-room, support size and location, snaps, zippers,
and access points.
With an inventive spirit, these types of shades, tops, covers
and enclosures have begun to incorporate stylized mouldings and
caps, sleek lines, and ease of set-up and removal. The materials used have made major advances over time - today's canvas
enclosures are hardly canvas. They are made of modern materials that can incorporate UV protection, ease of cleaning, fade
resistance, mould/mildew resistance and breathability. Acrylic
windows have anti-fog and anti-scratch elements, as well as resistance to dirt, and suitability in a range of temperatures. Zippers
and snaps have become more robust, and modern designs have
flaps, folds and Velcro incorporated to ensure that the enclosure
is secure and water-tight.
An entire industry has developed around the creation of
templates, and the lofting of enclosure sections. Hardware has
become standardized, and repairs and upgrades are easier today
than ever before, with many companies across the country offering services to create, repair and re-tool enclosures.
But moving beyond the traditional dodger/Bimini and canvas
enclosure, a number of manufacturer's have been hard at work
to maximize your boating enjoyment. The trend in these designs
appears to be to allow boaters to have sun protection, but without
the 'enclosure' closing boaters off from the nature that is to be
enjoyed. Here are a few ways that you can begin taking

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Canadian Yachting May 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting May 2021