Anyone have the "AnchorShade"

[a70eliminator]

Iboats store has them on sale right now, anyone have one and how well does it hold up, any unexpected woes? Seems versitile and lightweight but I'm sure it has drawbacks, like being blown away or torn in a wind gust, are you able to get on plane and cruise slowly, the description says idle only but thought I would ask anyhow thought maybe they just say that to avoid refunds due to stupidity. Another question is how easy is it to deploy and repack? Thanks,
Eddie

 

[Beefer]

Re: Anyone have the "AnchorShade"

I don't have one, but I doubt I would use it underway. I would recommend a bimini top instead. If you want to save $$$ (bimini's are expensive), check craigslist. I see them for sale under $100 all the time down here.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Anyone have the "AnchorShade"

I have the factory bimini top that snaps to the windsheild and has a zippered walk through flap but it only protects the front area, I have no windows for it nor the back half and being an old 1990 chaparral, well almost impossible to get. I just thought an anchorshade would quick an easy, but your right I would much rather come up with something a little more durable like a sunbrella fabric bimini, something to use in conjunction with what I have already to shade the rear seats and swim platform area.

 

[arks]

Re: Anyone have the "AnchorShade"

I've had an AnchorShade ever since they were originally released- probably close to 20 years now. It's a very well built item but isn't designed to be used at speeds above idle. It does a nice job of providing shade to a boat cockpit when anchored. I've used it in my last 2 boats- a 23' cuddy and 34' convertible. Mine is white and came with an excellent storage bag that helps keep it clean and undamaged. Not sure if the bag is still standard, but IMO having it is a huge plus.
In all those years the only problem I ever had was one of the aluminium spars bent in a thunderstorm. When I tried to straighten it, the spar broke. I fixed it by epoxy glueing a short piece of aluminium angle to it. Still works great!

 

[180shabah]

Re: Anyone have the "AnchorShade"

The anchor shade is good for what is designed for - quick shade.

If you are looking for a little more weather protection and the ability to run with the top depoyed, then it is not the best choice. You already have a convertible top, adding a bimini behind it will extend your covered area by 6-8 feet. Also, you can attach the two tops to each other for uninterupted coverage.