I made one for my M17 from a light colored Sunbrella. It has a wedge or trapezoidal shape to mirror the narrowing cockpit. Not only does it offer shade, but will also shed a light to moderate rain. If it had been made a foot wider, each side would extend an additional 6 inches, which would put the drip line outside the coamings and you could easily sit in the cockpit in a moderate rain in relatively dry comfort. Mine folds down to about the size of a large beach towel. I sewed nylon webbing down all four sides and the center, and heavy D rings on the four corners and the ridge. Aft end center attaches to the backstay.....center front to the mast, using bungees to tension it and the main halyard to lift it. I carry two Forespar whisker poles, so those are used for my spreaders. The four corners attach to the metal toe rail with heavy bungee cords. Works really great at anchor or motoring on hot, calm days. Can't raise the main but can use the jib or genny to drift downwind. Broke a lot of needles on a regular Singer home machine trying to punch through several layers of Sunbrella and nylon webbing on the corners, but got it done. On Mar 20, 2012, at 8:54 PM, Bill Wickett wrote:
We want to get a cockpit canopy made, or make one ourselves. I have pored over various pictures of M-boat gatherings looking at the different setups. I think some stiff battens or PVC conduit will work across each end, and a lift loop in the centre for the halyard.
I have a real nice picture of what I recall is Larry Yake's "Corn Dog" at anchor.
Question is what fabrics have people used, or like. Choices are Sunbrella (or similar) or Nylon.
Sunbrella fabric gives very good shade. Not sure how bulky it would be to stow. Nylon, depending on the weight, may give some glare, but will roll up very compactly.
Opinions anyone?
Thanks. Bill