A fuller port side view shows that the front of the awning extends well forward of the companionway, keeping it covered and fully protected from rain. As the front can also be pulled quite low it acts as an excellent sun shade even when the sun is low off the bow. If the sun is off the stern the additional fabric at the rear can be dropped. As the sides extend all the way to the lifelines there is added protection from the sun and rain, while being able to easily see to the side while seated. All is held in place with cords. The hoops pass through pockets in the fabric and into pad eyes attaced to the push pit and stanchions.

The fabric is a very light, rip stop nylon, rubberized backpackers tarp from The Mountain Equipment Company Co-op. This already comes with the straps/loops/gromits required. You have to sew the pockets for the poles, the strings for tying up the stern fabric, and the fore/aft seam for the fold to modify the tarp for the width appropriate for the boat. The poles are tent pole repair kits gotten from a camping store and assembled with sufficient sections to make a hoop of the necessary length. You also require bungie cords in assorted lenghts.

The awning takes 15 minutes to install or remove. It supplies more than full standing headroomThe lightness of the fabric allows for the tarp to be stored in a small nylon bag(included) and the poles disassemble into small bundles. The whole stores very compactly. It cannot be used with the boat in motion but remains effective in winds to 15 knots - although I have never installed it at that strength. The install order is front hoop, front overhang, and rear hoop.