DIY Ttop Sunshade 210

[orexismd]

Wanted to install a Ttop sunshade like the one Sureshade makes but wasn’t willing to delve out 3k! Not as sturdy but also 1/10th of the cost. Overall very happy th the coverage. Has held up to 18 mph gusts at home. Have yet to test on the water- obviously won’t be running with it deployed.

supplies:
- 2 x aluminum telescoping pool cleaning poles from Lowes
- 1 x 8ft mill finished aluminum trim channel
- 3 yds 80in sunbrella marine awning
- 4 x global truss Jr swivel clamps

All for under $200.
will provide some updates after further use.

 

[WREKS]

Really nice and professional! May I ask where you purchased the parts from, other than lowes?

 

[orexismd]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention the unexpected cost of a $400 heavy duty sewing machine I had to purchase after I damaged the wimpy Target Singer sewing machine trying to sew the canvas. I walked into the sewing store and was blown away at the $1500 plus machines they had in there. I told the seamstress I was out of my league! I showed her my broken sewer machine because I was taking it there to get repaired and she laughed

 

[orexismd]

Really nice and professional! May I ask where you purchased the parts from, other than lowes?

Fabric: Sunbrella Charcoal Grey 80044-0000 80-Inch Awning / Marine Fabric

Clamps: Global Truss Jr Swivel Clamp

 

[WREKS]

I am very impressed. Tell me about that sewing machine. Being able to sew on a sewing machine is a great skill. I worked at Sears selling them and some of the ladies there were quilters. I am sure you will continue to put it to good use.

 

[Dixie Highway]

Love this, I am ashamed of my makeshift extension now. Some shade material from Amazon and PVC pipe with some big clamps. This is MUCH more legit.

 

[Ronnie]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention the unexpected cost of a $400 heavy duty sewing machine I had to purchase after I damaged the wimpy Target Singer sewing machine trying to sew the canvas. I walked into the sewing store and was blown away at the $1500 plus machines the

that sucks about the machine maybe you can rent it out to other members here that want to do what you did. For $600 I’m wondering if you could have purchased something pre-assembled. I’ve seen a Bimini extension that bungees to the stock top and is held in place by two poles the fit into mounting points on the deck.

I know what you mean about the cost of sewing equipment. My wife got into embroidery and started with a new $200 machine a few years later we upgraded to a used $2,000 machine. Went to the store with her and saw a $15,000 huskavarna (sp?), sticker shock doesn’t begin to describe the feelings I had when I saw it or when my wife started liking it.

 

[Julian]

@orexismd very nicely done! Would be something that @JetBoatPilot could make a kit for pretty easily!

 

[JetBoatPilot]

I like the concept. I think we could make something similar that would also feature a few other benefits. Let me ponder that a bit. Nice work @orexismd

What I'd really like to see in a version that we would produce is the ability to use it while underway.

 

[Breer]

This is awesome! Will be attempting this soon now! Just thinking of using a mesh style canopy from my jeep that secures with bungees as the sewing is kind of a road block for me.

 

[brian86992]

Myself as well

I can machine, weld and fabricate almost everything but sewing just isn't my thing.


Very nicely done shade! Pool pole is creative because those are remarkably sun and corrosion resistant.

 

[Dean P]

@orexismd Did you choose the aluminum channel for it's strength and rigidity from flexing?

Love the idea!!! Tried to do something similar but got hung up on the details. How do you put it up and take it down?

 

[Liveto99]

Nice job!