If you're having problems setting up your Shadetree Boat Awning System, here are some instructions that will hopefully help you through. Please keep in mind the salt water environment is harsh and any steps you can take to minimize salt exposure will increase the life of your product. Rinse and dry the awning thoroughly before storage when possible. Take extra caution not to package damp, as mildew can do great harm to marine grade fabrics. Again our thanks for selecting a Shadetree for your boat. ENJOY!!
STEP ONE:
Remove the Shadetree fabric from storage bag, separate wands and place in a
secure location as wands DO NOT FLOAT!
STEP TWO:
With Shadetree label facing out, spread fabric over boom of boat with center
webbing straps fore and aft and tail split to stern.
STEP THREE:
Fasten center strap around mast using quick clips, fasten stern center strap
around backstay or similar central structure.
STEP FOUR:
Determine desired position of awning over boat, adjust fore and aft center
strap accordingly. Minimal tension applied at this time.
STEP FIVE:
Take one set of Shadetree support wands and connect first two sections,
making sure to place wands fully into ferrules. Beginning with forward
wand sleeve, feed into sleeve joining sections as you go. Continue
inserting until approximately the same amount of want protrudes from each side
of wand sleeve. Repeat until all the wands have been inserted.
STEP SIX:
Extend wand pocket strap to full length by easing buckles at edge of
awning. Insert wand into wand guide located on wand pocket strap.
Place wand tip outboard of lifeline with wand pocket strap inboard
lifeline. Place wand end securely into wand pocket strap below
lifeline. Cinch wand pocket strap to stabilize wand tip in pocket.
Repeat wand insertion into wand pocket on the opposite side of the cover.
Insert all other wands into straps at lifeline as described above.
STEP SEVEN:
Follow steps five and six for aft wand, taking care to reinsert wand into
wand sleeve at the tail split. Tail split may be utilized to extend
Shadetree awning beyond obstructions such as topping lift.
STEP EIGHT:
Spread wand pockets equally along lifeline. Adjust fore and aft center straps to create tautness at awning apex. Attach four bungee cord snubbers to the forward edge of canopy fabric and four to the aft edge using the “Fast Cinch” fabric clamps provided. Position clamps along edges for tying off to stanchions or other appropriate structures to create increased canopy tautness.
It is important that tension be applied on wand end to prevent separation of wand sections while in wand sleeve. Use buckles at awning edge to create tension between pocket and wand.
To take down your Shadetree, reverse the order of the above mentioned steps, making sure to PUSH the wands out of the wand sleeves (DO NOT PULL ON WANDS!!!!!) to prevent damaging support wands. Package and store dry in drawstring bag.