Step 4:(continued)
Gluing on the Mounting Patches.
After the third layer is dry, position the patch without pressing and be sure that mounting braket is properly aligned straight
and facing forward. Throughly smooth the patch with a rounded object, such as the back of a spoon, beginning at the center
and working outwards. Be sure that the entire surface of the patch is adhered.
Clean the patch areas and allow to dry 24 hours.
Final Assembly: This is best accomplished using a helper.
Step 5:
Assembling the top to the frame sections:
Unfold and assemble together one of the 7 Section fiberglass Shock-cord pole assemblies. (ferruled end from one section
slips into the non-ferruled end of
the next and so on). Repeat for
second pole assembly. Unfold the
Top fabric piece. The underside has
Hook & Loop fastener stitched into
the fabric, along each side, to secure
around the support poles. Wrap the
top around the poles (Velcro to
Velcro) and center it over the poles front to back.
Assemble together the 3 section support pole. Position it mid-way across the frame sides,
under the fabric top - place up to the pole assemblies under the velcro.
Step 6:
Locating the front Mounting Bracket Patches.
Measure along the boat, approximately 96” (8 feet) to approximate the locations for the front mounting bracket patches. The
locations should be inline (as closely as possible) with the two rear mounting patches. Place a mark on the boat at these areas.
With a helper, and working together, insert one end of each pole section into the mounting brackets at the rear of the boat.
Gently bend poles to align the other end (of the pole) with the marks that you have made on the boat. Visually check the top
and support poles. It may be necessary to reposition the fabric along the poles to get properly centered. The top should be taut
between the support poles and fully extended front to back on the poles. Determine if the marked areas on the bow are
accurate - remark as necessary. Note the orientation
of the Mounting bracket to the end of the front
support poles - it should angle to the back slightly,
to alow for easy and straight insertion into the
bracket.
BE VERY CAREFUL AS YOU BEND THE
POLES - THEY WILL FLEX BACK
STRAIGHT VERY QUICKLY IF NOT HELD
SECURELY.
Remove and set a side the Top & Frame pieces for now.
Step 7:
Attach the Front Mounting Bracket Patches.
Glue the front mounting bracket patches in place, as in step 4, above. Allow 24 hours to cure.
Step 8:
Secure the retaining cords:
With all four mounting brackets patches fully cured on boat, replace and position the frame sides and the fabric Top.
Each of the four ends of the fabric shade to has a retaining cord attached. This cord aides in keeping the top properly
positioned onto the frame poles and secures the pole ends, into the brackets when underway. Center the fabric to as necessary
on the frame. Adjust the retaining cords at each corner, loop cord end under the mounting bracket bottom and tie off to
secure.
