Yacht Awning Design and Criteria For Our Westsail 42
Our Criteria
These were our keys...1 ) The Awning must be water proof. Sunbrella leaks. It doesn’t matter what the company says. It leaks. Not at first. Definitely after a year of use. We didn’t want to deal with coating it to make it waterproof…again. We’ve tried the sprays and it never lasts long.
2 ) The Awning must cover as much of the boat as possible. I found a 20º F difference mid day between the shaded and the sunny deck. The heat must go somewhere. Some of it enters the boat making the living space below uncomfortable.
3 ) The Awning must be easy to use. While the awning over the main cabin is large, one person can set and retrieve it. For one person, it is not easy. For two people it is. We released the lift line and beginning at the stern we roll it up Poles are kept in it and assist in the roll. We’ve done it in near 40 kts of wind at anchor. At a dock it can be more difficlut. At anchor the winds blow from the bow. Winds from the beam make it more difficult. Although with the heavier crew member (me) on the windward side we have rolled it up during an approaching storm with significant wind on the beam while at the dock.
4 ) The Awning must be high enough to move comfortably and quickly under. If there is any emergency on deck you do NOT want to be restricted in your access.
5 ) The Awning must able to act as a rain catcher.
6 ) The Awning must be set flat to avoid becoming a sail. As yachts swing at anchor they tend to hold more wind on the beam. A flat awning lets the winds slip past. Often squalls will come with veering winds. The concern is do you wish to set to a new angle on the anchor or sailing off the anchor.
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