Bill Miranda was kind enough to share his
experiences in making a sunshade for his 1978 C-22 "Jewel". While the
writeup and photos demonstrate the process for a C-22, owners of the other
Chrysler cruising boats (C-20 & C-26) can use this process as well to make an
inexpensive sunshade for their boats.
Make a homemade sunshade for about $20.00.
The idea is from the Handbook of Trailer Sailing
by Robert F. Burgess.
The materials include 10 ft. sunshade fabric from Loews hardware, $12.60;
2 PVC pipes, .88 each; four caps, .27 each; pvc glue and rope, $3.00.
Note that the color matched the anti-slip surface on deck. The sunshade
material blocks up to 70% UV rays, breathes since it's not solid, and covers
about 4/5 of the cockpit and all of the hatch and companion way. It's
easy to set up and rolls up easily to stow away.
Take a look at the three pictures below and you can see that it is very
easy to make a sunshade to keep the sun and direct rain away. What about that
price for a sunshade! In the Florida sun, we really need to minimize exposure
to the elements.
Here are the photos. The first three are various photos of the sunshade from
different angles. The fourth photo shows how they are tied to the PVC pipes with
plastic locking cable ties. No sewing involved!! The fifth photo shows how well
it stowes below on the right side V-berth shelf. Many thanks to Bill Miranda for taking the time
to write this "how to" tutorial and take these photos! Bill sails "Jewel"
in Florida. If you would like to ask him any questions about this process, send
an e-mail message to themirandas@hotmail.com.
Photo of "Jewel" with sunshade awning.
Bow view of "Jewel" with sunshade awning.
Port view of "Jewel" with sunshade awning.
Sunshade awning tied to PVC pipes with cable ties.
Sunshade awning stowed below in the vee berth.