It is getting warmer and our awnings are becoming more important. With the boat head to wind at anchor, and five knots or more of wind, inside temperature during the day is around 82F/28C. Without the awnings things are significantly warmer! Ideally you detail the deck with awnings in mind during the design phase. Our goals are as follows:
- Maximum range of conditions in which they can be used including at sea and in rain squalls.
- Shed water during downpours.
- Sufficient overhang on hatches to maximize the wet conditions during which hatches can remain open.
- Ease of setting and striking or furling.
- Sun protection from as many sun angles as possible.
- Capture and force wind into open hatches.
On Wind Horse there are a variety of awnings:
- Foredeck awning over head and shower hatches supported off the forepeak ventilator and lifeline stanchions.
- Second forward awning over large hatch at the aft end of the forward cabin.
- Awning over two salon hatches (aft hatch is under flying bridge awning).
- Flying bridge awning.
- House window awnings.
All of these awnings are used when we are at sea in moderate conditions. If we expect adverse weather the three forward awnings and house window awnings furl easily by wrapping them around their support battens.
Of course we could just shut up the boat, turn on the genset, and run the air conditioning, but we much prefer natural cooling as long as it does the job – which this awning system does 97% of the time.
A top down view of the foredeck awnings. They are rigged together gaining vertical support from the connection points at the vent cowl previously mentioned and the storm shutter hard points on the front windows. Stowing these involves disconnecting six stays and then rolling both awnings together starting at the bow and working aft.
The foredeck and housetop awnings both have vertical surfaces behind them (downwind at anchor). Breeze is pressurized between the vertical obstruction aft and horizontal awning, and looks for an escape. Any open hatches helps depressure the system, creating stronger air flow inside the boat.
The photo above is of the small awing over the salon forward hatches.
We’ll leave you with a collection of photos from boats anchored nearby.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 22, 2010)
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:25 pm
What are the hinges in the foreground of the picture titled Wind-Horse-Awnings-129.jpg?
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:36 am
Hi Biff:
Those are pressure relief panels, installed as a precaution in case they were needed to reduce window loading. THe hinged panels are held in place with small strips of Velcro. In 45,000+ miles they have opened twice, so we have not installed them on subsequent boats.
July 25th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Steve,
Forgive me but, the term “window loading” refers to what and which windows?
Thanks,
July 27th, 2010 at 6:01 am
Hi Michael:
We were thinking in terms of the forward windows, with the bow punching through a big sea. The FPB 83 has so much longitudinal stability we wanted a safety valve in case she didn’t lift as designed once the seas got to a certain point. However, as previously indicated, the shutters have only opened twice in 4500+ hours of operation (and it does not take much force to break the Velcro seal).
July 29th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Steve, what are you using for batten material in these awnings? Is it built-in to the awnings or do you remove it for storage?
Thanks
July 29th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Hi Mike:
The awning battens are 1/2″ (12.6mm) round pultruded fiberglass. These are a little larger than required for awning support alone as it makes the awnings easier to furl.
October 1st, 2010 at 10:39 am
The awning fabric appears to be Stamoid, correct? Do you use the heavy weight, coated on 2 sides, or the lighter weight with only one side coated? We are wondering which is more suitable for cruising, leaving up in moderately heavy winds, general wear and tear, and upkeep.
October 3rd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Hi Mike:
The awning fabric is Sundbrella, the heaviest version, with heavy d uty zippers as well.
May 31st, 2011 at 12:39 pm
I think covers awnings are most essential from the sun or from rain. is an optimal alternative to roofs. very good article.