Shade???

Artificial shade Thumbs Up for a boat. What are ya using? Bimini tops(only cover middle)? Umbrellas(seat)? Would like ta git sumthing for next week. Looking at 'patio' umbrellas. Would hafta make a support mount but they seem ta be the biggest & strongest. 1 would shade 2 seats,,, I hope. Shade under bridges can be a poopy Doh time. <*)}}}><

I used patio umbrellas years ago. just mount a pipe they will fit into, but don't make the mistake I did. Make sure you Jerry rig some way of keeping them from lifting out of the pipe, because they will LIFT out with the slightest breeze. A strong wind and if you try and hold onto it you'll look like Mary Poppins, no joking, been there done that.
I sure like my pontoon boat with the aluminum roof for shade and dry fishing in the rain, but I won't go out in the lightening. Can lightening strike an aluminum roof pontoon while out on the lake?

Ever watch swamp people on history channel?? Tommy & his step dad have a square frame w/a tarp roof tied flat on top they use for gator huntin. They fly all over the place w/it on & don't seem to have any problems.

I use a patio umbrella. I drilled holes in the umbrella shaft so I would have different height settings and drilled 1 hole thru the PVC pipe and use a bolt and wing nut to keep the wind from taking the umbrella up out of the boat.

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Originally Posted by Captain Dan

I used patio umbrellas years ago. just mount a pipe they will fit into, but don't make the mistake I did. Make sure you Jerry rig some way of keeping them from lifting out of the pipe, because they will LIFT out with the slightest breeze. A strong wind and if you try and hold onto it you'll look like Mary Poppins, no joking, been there done that.
I sure like my pontoon boat with the aluminum roof for shade and dry fishing in the rain, but I won't go out in the lightening. Can lightening strike an aluminum roof pontoon while out on the lake?

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I'd bet your pontoon is a Farraday cage.

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Originally Posted by crappiedoc

I'd bet your pontoon is a Farraday cage.

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My truck acted like a faraday shield when it was struck by lightning a few years ago. Still a VERY bad deal... Blew up everything electronic. EVERYTHING!!! Even if the people inside are protected from the strike, all your electronics, batteries and such are grounded to the boat and therefore sizzled.

Although the aluminum top might possibly shield your body from being struck by lightning, I still wouldn't want to be out in a thunderstorm. If the boat gets struck, you'll probably be paddling home, buying all new electronics and batteries, your motor will be in the shop for an extended stay and it may always have some "gremlins". Oh yeah, also... wherever the lightning actually strikes the top, there will be a big FUBAR burned-out hole surrounded by glowing molten aluminum.

So.... I would just get off the lake if that's a possibility. ;)

Get a SportsBrella....they come with tie down loops and tie downs. They will fit in any 3/4 in. standard seat base. I got mine at Sam's Club for 38 bucks. Attachment 66497

Bimini tops are the way to go! THEY ARE A LIFE SAVER ON THOSE HOT DAYS!