This One Actually Works!

[DonJohnsMusic]

Hello Boaters! If you‘ve been following me, then you know I’ve been trying since we got our boat (AR195) to make some kind of “sun visor“ that would work. As you know in a car, there is no wind to contend with, but all my attempts have not been able to sustain the wind, but now after about 15 attempts, this one works. So what is it? First I know many would say, permanently attach something, but what if the sun is on the other side or not where you put it? That is why it needs to be able to adjust. Being a film guy for many years I have all kinds of gadgets to attach lights, mics, you name it, I was filming a few months ago and was looking at this mount I use for my video monitor. It’s super strong and will open to fit both the windshield and Bimini at the top. That is attached to a Fish Finder mount that I found on clearance at Walmart, allowing you to move it in any configuration you need, (horizontal or vertical) When you are in morning sun, attach to windshield in the afternoon, Bimini top!
I have a safety rope attached in case it was to come off, so far, so good! The shade is a cheap plastic clipboard! Very effective!
Now the other invention.... My wife has been talking about not being able to sit comfortably on her side facing forward, I‘ve been thinking about this for a while as well. I bought a stadium bench seat a while back for more support using my Kayak, was looking at it one day and had this idea. Basically it’s mounted on a piece of plexiglass to keep it from digging in the seat and to give it more support. I put some extra cushion in the back and bottom as well. She said it is very supportive and comfortable. So if there are any of you out there that like it, feel free to comment or contact me if you need more info on making one for yourself. We absolutely love boating!

 

[shortroyd]

Very cool! When you move the visor, is it a quick “drag it to the side” or do you have to unscrew it and readjust? Just wondering how it would go if you are adjusting course and the sun keeps shifting slightly. Or do you just move your head?

 

[DonJohnsMusic]

Some thoughts, as you know the bigger the object, more wind resistance, so I had to keep it about the size of a car visor. The Fish Finder mount, can move in any configuration you can come up with, including horizontal if you need to move it that way. It’s more about where you are sitting as well. I could easily move a bit and then I’m not behind the visor, so there is that as well. If I need to totally move where it is positioned on the windshield frame, that is just a quick loosening on the clap and then I can move it. In theory, as long as your heading is the same, you should be good.

 

[DonJohnsMusic]

Here is the clamp, however I bought separate ones for the boat, I know salt water will destroy them at some point. You can find cheaper ones, but Manfrotto is a dependable brand I’ve used for years.