I made an awning for my previous NorSea 27. It measured 13X11. It was made out of Sunbrella and it rolled up to not much more than a sleeping pad. I used 2 fiberglass tent poles that came apart in three sections. I was able to cut them to the exact size. Each one had a thin bungee cord running thru so it could be collapsed and set up in a flash. I sewed tunnels at each end for the tent poles and put attachment loops on each corner. At the front of the awning I sewed a heavy duty tab that connected a line from the middle of the awning to the mast. Same at the rear. I used the halyard to raise the middle. Tied line from each corner and pulled it down and tied off at the forward shrouds and at the aft corner cleats. If I could figure out how to shrink a photo or two I would attach it here. Or you can contact me off line and I can send you a couple of pictures. I'd like to do the same thing with my M17 but it would mean that I would have to sheet the main at the end of the boom. Not sure what impact that would have on her behavior. I have a boom vang but still not certain. Maybe someone that's done this before can chime in. I've thought about just draping the awning over the boom but it just moves around too much without some kind of crutch or gallows. Joe SeaFrog M17 ----- Original Message ----- From: Bill Wickett To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 9:54 PM Subject: M_Boats: Cockpit Canopy 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