This telescopic roll-bar awning is designed to provide extra shade over the stern of the boat, particularly for vessels equipped with a roll bar (radar arch) or an overhead frame above the cockpit. It’s ideal for times at anchor or dock, when the sun is beating down and you need a shelter for the crew, but you don’t want a permanently rigged canopy.
Installation and compatibility: The awning attaches to the boat’s roll bar or tubular structure using special clamps/brackets (typically not included, but readily available as universal accessories). These clamps are mounted at the desired height on the roll bar’s tubing, either on the inside or outside facing the cockpit. The telescopic awning poles then connect to these bases via quick-release pins. No additional drilling is required on your boat – the entire system uses the existing framework. When the sunshade is not in use, the small mounting brackets remain discreetly on the roll bar.
Telescopic frame: The frame consists of two support poles made of polished AISI 316 stainless steel, which can change length. For example, in retracted state a pole is ~1.2 m, and extended up to ~1.7 m (depending on the model size). This telescoping action allows you to control how far the shade extends into the cockpit. You can set it to just cover the seating area without getting in the way, or extend it fully for maximum shade. The outer end of each pole has a fitting for the canvas that keeps the fabric taut.
Canvas and tensioning: The package includes a rectangular canopy made of acrylic marine fabric (white), a material often used in boating due to its excellent UV and mildew resistance. The white color reflects sunlight, reducing heat under the shade. The canvas usually attaches to the extended poles via sleeves or clips, forming a canopy stretched over the cockpit. The forward edge of the canvas (the side extending over the cockpit) is secured with ropes or straps to solid points on the boat – for example, cleats, grab rails, or rod holders. This anchors the shade tightly without sagging. Setup is straightforward and can be done by one person: you first fix the canvas to the poles, extend them, secure to the roll bar, then tension the front of the canopy with the ropes.
Convenience and stowage: One of the main advantages of the telescopic awning is that it can be stowed very easily. When you’re ready to get underway or the sun is no longer a factor, you simply loosen the forward straps and draw the canopy back toward the roll bar. The telescopic poles slide back into themselves to a compact length. You can leave the canvas attached to the poles and just wrap it around them, creating a compact roll on the arch – many boaters will tie it to the roll bar where it can stay as a neat bundle until next use. If necessary, the entire awning (poles + canvas) can be removed in about a minute by pulling the quick pins from the clamps – leaving nothing in your way when you go out cruising at speed.
Practical use: This awning provides shade for the rear section of the boat, which is extremely useful when swimming, fishing, or lounging on board while the boat is stationary. For example, on a RIB or motorboat with a roll bar – you can stretch the canopy from the arch toward the aft, covering the bench seats or open cockpit area. On a sailboat with a central arch (e.g., over the helm) you could deploy the shade over the cockpit without interfering with the rigging. A key point: the awning is primarily designed for use in calm conditions or at rest – like most canopies, it’s not recommended to leave it up at high speeds or in strong headwinds (it can be retracted easily in such cases).
Sizes and models: Several sizes of telescopic roll-bar awnings are available, differing in canopy width and extension:
- The smallest size is roughly 120 x 145 cm (depth x width of the canvas). This suits narrower arches (~1.4 m width) and provides a small shade – ideal for compact boats.
- Medium size: ~130 x 170 cm – for standard boats with a medium arch (~1.7 m width). It covers a decent area for 5–6 meter (16–20 ft) boats.
- Large size: ~130 x 190 cm – for larger arches (~1.9 m wide) on 7–8 meter (23–26 ft) boats, delivering maximum shade coverage.
(Note: The dimensions given are approximate canopy sizes. The telescoping poles allow some flexibility in depth, and the width can be adjusted to the roll bar via the mounting clamps.)
With this telescopic roll-bar shade, you get a convenient shading solution without a permanent structure in the way. When needed – the shade is deployed in minutes; when not – your boat is open and ready to go. Made from premium materials, it will serve reliably and greatly enhance comfort during those hot summer days on the water.




