TAYLOR MADE
T-TOP BOAT SHADE KIT $549.99 to $749.99; ttopcoversforboats.com
Two heavy-duty telescopic poles fit snugly into gunwale or shotgun rod holders on the transom or forward rod holders at the bow. Nylon sleeves ensure a rattle-free fit. The heavy canvas blocks out direct sunlight, in our case from the back of the T-top to just beyond the back seat. It’s available in widths of 5 feet and lengths of 4, 5 and 6 feet.
MOST LIKE:
An awning that extends from the T-top.
WORKS BEST ON:
Boats with gunwale or shotgun rod holders, and a hardtop or T-top to secure the edge.
DIMENSIONS:
4 feet wide by 5 feet long
WITHSTANDS WINDS OF:
Up to approximately 30 mph
STOWAGE:
The aluminum poles telescope down from 6 feet to just over 3 feet and fit in the zippered carrying bag along with the rolled-up canopy.
COVERAGE:
Though its slack dimensions are just 4-by-5 feet, the resilient fabric stretched from 4 to 7 feet in width, and to 9 feet long with elasticity to spare. Our tests suggest it would cover most of the cockpit in an 8-foot-6-inch-beam boat.
INSTALLATION TIME:
5 minutes
HOW IT’S INSTALLED:
It took about 15 minutes to install the first time. Once done with all the adjustments, it can be put in place in no more than five minutes. We set poles in the shotgun rod holders on the transom to spread the trailing edge over the aft seat. Web straps and polymer buckles secure it to the T-top rod holders.
ADVANTAGES:
Easy setup is one great advantage, and it was one of the most compact in our tests when stored.
DISADVANTAGES:
The elastic fabric provides outstanding shade but no protection from rain.
THE VERDICT:
It provided a taut beam-to-beam cover in our boat. Gunwale rod holders angled outward will increase the coverage with the fabric’s elasticity.