Flybridge side shade

[Woodstock]

Our upper helm is on the far starboard side of the flybridge. This sometimes creates issues with the sunlight on the helm electronics, especially our i-Pad. We have a Bimini top and three side strataglass enclosure and but the sunlight is often making our I-Pad difficult to see and sometimes overheating it. Any suggestions for some kind of starboard side shade that can be mounted to the bimini frame and pulled down when needed? Or some other creative ideas? I have tried hanging a towel from the starboard side of the bimini frame but there must be a better way.

 

[Comodave]

Maybe make a different panel to go on that side with solid canvas on the top and eisenglass on the bottom so you can still see out if you bend down a bit. When it is going to be too sunny replace the regular panel with the new one. Or put some snaps on the inside of the panel in question and make a solid piece to snap in place and make some shade. That may be easier to do.

 

[Choices]

Phifortex panel that can be moved from side and rolls.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. W. What about some sort of light coloured shade/box for the i-pad? Leave the strata glass as it is and simply shade your electronics.

 

[Bmarler]

maybe make some shades out of a material like this: https://www.sailrite.com/Soltis-86-Vinyl-Mesh-Boulder-69-Fabric
use snaps or velcro to hold them in place when you need them. you can still see through this cloth, but it does reduce visibility so use caution. i find that some colors are easier to see through than others, so get some samples.

 

[C lectric]

Piece of Plexiglass that is hung in place. The smoke 2412, would cut the light down substantially yet you will be able to see through it. At least untill darkness descends.

1/8" would be enough and should be common.

 

[jleonard]

Wife made panels out of old window "sheers" that worked great for us when at anchor. She used velcro straps to mount them to the bimini tubing.

 

[Shrew]

iPad is horrible in direct sunlight as well as with polarized lenses. I have an iPad and a MFD at both helms. Rarely ever use the iPad. It is good for trip planning, but almost useless at the upper helm.

 

[diver dave]

https://i.imgur.com/ye3Xkbo_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

But gotta have eyes with good minimum focus distance. Im out…

 

[Besslb]

Our upper helm is on the far starboard side of the flybridge. This sometimes creates issues with the sunlight on the helm electronics, especially our i-Pad. We have a Bimini top and three side strataglass enclosure and but the sunlight is often making our I-Pad difficult to see and sometimes overheating it. Any suggestions for some kind of starboard side shade that can be mounted to the bimini frame and pulled down when needed? Or some other creative ideas? I have tried hanging a towel from the starboard side of the bimini frame but there must be a better way.

Sure! If you want it up while underway, you’ll definitely want to use Phifertex so you can see through it. Attach at the frame with Velcro straps. Get a piece of patterning material from Sailrite and make a pattern however you’d like it to be. I made a large one that hangs from the aft cockpit overhead, or from either forward or aft of our Bimini…..just depends on where we need the shade the most. (When not underway)