Boating Accessories

Marine Grade Shade for Any Boat Size

Your boat’s T-top may provide shade at the helm, but what about your passengers sitting in the bow or stern? Whether you are anchored or cruising, your entire crew deserves more sun protection to make a long day on the boat more comfortable.

Unfortunately, many add-on shade solutions typically involve temporary pole-mounted canopy-like shades draped over the bow or cockpit that are as aesthetically unappealing as they are burdensome. With each use, boaters face the inconvenience of the unwelcome chore of set-up, wrestling canvas and assembling poles under the hot sun.

SureShade is a U.S. manufacturer best known for its flagship electrically powered shade systems. The company also offers manual boat shades that could be a good solution for boaters looking for more shade on smaller boats with a T-top, wakesports tower, hardtop or arch. SureShade’s telescoping framework is patented and its pull-out shades are a permanent, seamless system for use as a cockpit or bow shade.

SureShade manual awning, SureShade

Here we see the MTX pull-out shade and note how cleanly it integrates into the boat’s hardtop.

Range of Choices

SureShades are permanently installed on a boat with sturdy, marine-grade components. A SureShade can be extended aft while underway and has reportedly been tested to withstand winds to 55 mph.

The newest stainless-steel MTX pull-out boat shade extends 6’ to 9’ (1.83 m to 2.74 m) and is intended for use as a forward or aft shade for center- and dual-console boats shorter than 45’ (13.72 m). An anodized aluminum model, the RTX, extends 4.5’ (1.37 m) and is targeted for boats shorter than 27’ (8.23 m). Both can be installed aft or forward using universal mounting brackets.

SureShade on a Baja Islander, SureShade manual

The RTX manual shade can be installed to extend forward or aft.

For boats longer than 30’ (9.14 m), boaters can opt for SureShade’s ATF automated shade. It’s now available with SG silent glide technology for 85% less noise and 80% less power consumption.

SureShade is available as a factory option or standard feature on nearly 200 different new boat models. Boaters can also choose to upgrade an existing boat with available aftermarket and DIY install options.

Article courtesy of GreatLakesScuttlebutt.com.