Boat awning: sizes, materials, DIY installation and prices

A boat awning makes the difference between a bearable day at anchor and one spent looking for shade behind the console. On inflatables and open boats it is often the only protection from the sun, and for this reason it is worth choosing it carefully: an awning that is too low forces you to stay bent over, one that is too wide does not close well, and one mounted with the wrong supports breaks at the first gust of wind. In this guide we see how to take measurements, which materials to choose, how to install it yourself, and how much it costs.

Types of boat awnings

What we call a tendalino in Italy is almost always an arched awning, also known as a bimini: a fabric cover open at the front, stretched over metal arches that fold up like a pack when not needed. However, there are different solutions depending on the boat:

• the 2, 3, or 4-arch foldable awning is the standard for inflatables, open boats, and small cabin boats;
• the T-top is a rigid structure fixed to the console, typical of fishing boats, and does not fold;
• on sailboats, cockpit awnings or boom tents are used, which must coexist with the mainsail, sheets, and backstay;
• the sprayhood protects the entrance to the cabin more from splashes than from the sun.

For sailboats, the needs are quite different and deserve a separate discussion, which you can find in the guide on sailboat awnings.

How to take measurements

Before looking at models, you need three measurements taken on the boat, with a tape measure and an assistant:

1. the width between the two attachment points, measured at the exact point where you will fix the bases, usually on the rub rail or the inner edge;
2. the useful height, that is, the free space you want under the fabric: sitting requires about 110 cm from the deck, standing at the helm requires more generous measurements;
3. the length to be covered with the open awning, checking that it does not interfere with the outboard motor when raised, with the antenna, or with the roll bar.

The awning data sheets indicate exactly width, height, and length. For example, the Osculati 3-arch awning 46.909.42 has a 22 mm tube, width 173 cm, height 140 cm, and length between 185 and 195 cm. For those who need a lower height profile, there are the Trem 3-arch awnings with a height of 110 cm, in the 170 cm wide version and 200 cm wide version, both 180 cm long. The width of the boat at the attachment point must fit within that of the awning: a few centimeters less can be compensated by tilting the bases, much more cannot.

Materials: structure and fabric

The arches are made of anodized aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum weighs less and costs less, and is the most common choice for ready-made awnings; stainless steel is stiffer and lasts longer if the boat stays moored all season, but it weighs and costs more. The tube diameter, usually 20, 22, or 25 mm, matters for two reasons: it gives rigidity to the structure and determines which fittings, bases, and joints you can use as replacements.

For the fabric, there is polyurethane-coated polyester, lightweight and economical, and solution-dyed acrylic, more expensive but more UV stable and more breathable. Mid-range ready-made awnings almost always use coated polyester; acrylic is typical of custom-made covers made in sailmaking or marine upholstery.

DIY assembly

A ready-made awning can be assembled in a couple of hours without special tools. Before drilling, open the frame, place it on the boat, and check with a helper the height, tilt, and clearance at the helm. Only then mark the base points.

1. Fix the bases with stainless steel screws or rivets and a sealant under each base, so water does not enter the deck sandwich. For 22 mm tube a 90° round stainless steel base Osculati is the simplest replacement; where a side attachment is needed there is the 90° awning support.
2. Insert the arches into the bases with the pins and check that the structure opens and closes without forcing.
3. Mount the fabric starting from the front arch and stretch it evenly, without wrinkles.
4. Fasten the front and rear retaining straps: they keep the awning in shape and transfer the wind forces to the boat's structures.
5. Provide a stop for the closed awning, so it does not bang against the console while sailing.

If you are building or modifying a custom structure, on the same line you find 22 mm T-joints, curved joints, stainless steel end caps and 22 mm canopy attachments. It is advisable to stay with the same tube diameter throughout the structure.

How much does a boat awning cost

The price mainly depends on three factors: number of arches, frame material, and fabric type. A ready-made 3-arch aluminum awning with polyester fabric is the most economical solution and can be found in our catalog for a few hundred euros at most. A custom bimini with stainless steel arches and acrylic fabric, sewn to your boat, costs several times more but fits perfectly.

Before choosing ready-made or custom, ask yourself how much your boat deviates from standard sizes and how long it will stay in the sun. For a day-used inflatable boat, a ready-made awning is almost always sufficient; for a boat moored all summer, acrylic fabric pays off in durability.

Maintenance and durability

Salt and sun are the main enemies. For marine acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella, the manufacturer recommends in its guide to cleaning nautical fabrics a rinse with fresh water once a month, cleaning with neutral soap and a soft brush when needed, and air drying only. The same precautions apply to most covers:

• never close the awning wet for long periods, as mold forms;
• close it in strong wind and at high speeds, unless the manufacturer states use while sailing;
• check the seams exposed to the sun: the thread fails before the fabric;
• rinse the joints and bases and replace the nylon bushings when they start to become loose.

Frames, spare parts, and complete awnings are collected in the category awnings and accessories. If you have doubts about the measurements, send us the width between the attachment points, desired height, and boat model and we will help you choose.

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