Tom, The main material is Sunbrella. I'm not sure what the reinforced pockets (for the pole) are made of; looks to be some sort of fabric-backed vinyl. There are pros and cons to any fabric. Sunbrella lasts well (5 yr guarantee on the fabric) and is stiff enough to not flap much in the wind and thick enough to block the sun well. It is expensive. The fabric was more expensive than the labor, believe it or not. Something like a nylon tent fly such as what Bill Riker uses would be much lighter and take up less space in the boat when not in use, not to mention the cost savings. A polytarp's main disadvantage in my mind is the noise when flapping in the wind. I used the boom tent several times on my trip and I learned that it makes an excellent shelter, not only for myself, but also for countless hordes of mosquitoes that would otherwise be blown away in the wind. *whoops* Works nice when there aren't mosquitoes, though. I can't think of any improvements that I need to make to the design beyond perhaps soaking it in mosquito repellant and ddt for a few hours before each use :o) It proved to be quite easy to set up and take down and the internal telescoping cross pole *below the boom* is hassle-free compared to fighting to keep something atop the boom during setup. I already had the telescoping pole (came with the boat). I also used the dodger that came with Busca. It was the first time I have used it and it was quite handy, although I plan to only use it on my longer vacation trips. Rod used it on his big PNW trip. Tod -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Smith, Tom Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 6:46 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: RE: M_Boats: boom tent Tod, you may have answered this and I missed it, but what material did you use? It looks industrial strength. Did you consider any of the available tent fabrics? Regardless, looks very good. t   Tom Smith and Jane Van Winkle M15--345  Chukar M17--064  Unnamed -----Original Message----- From: htmills@bright.net [mailto:htmills@bright.net] Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2004 2:41 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: boom tent Well, I lucked out. The boom tent fits pretty good, considering that the canvas guy never got to see the boat and adjust/tweak the fit: It's pretty easy to rig, easy to get up on the foredeck, easy to get out the stern. Ends zip off for ventilation. Might get some rain into the companionway without the fwd panel zipped though. Aft panel for privacy when showering or warmth in cool climate. First impression: it'll work. Will post test results after trip (assuming I ever get away!) http://www.bright.net/~htmills/BT01.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/BT02.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/BT03.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/BT04.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/BT05.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/BT06.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/BT07.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/PGlowShine.jpg Tod _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats This message was scanned for viruses!! _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats