Boating Basics: Why is Shade for Boats Important?

In this series, Boating Basics, we'll talk about a variety of introductory topics related to must-have accessories and other products commonly found on boats. If you have a topic you'd like covered or questions, comment below. In today's Boating Basics, we'll talk about why shade for boats is important.

Shade for boats is important for several reasons:

1. Protection from the Sun: One of the primary purposes of shade for boats is to provide protection from the sun's harmful rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, heatstroke, and long-term skin damage. Having shade on a boat allows passengers and crew members to seek shelter from direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sun-related health issues.
2. Comfort and Enjoyment: Shade enhances the comfort and enjoyment of being on a boat. It helps create a cooler and more comfortable environment, especially during hot and sunny days. With shade, passengers can relax, socialize, or engage in activities without being exposed to direct sunlight and excessive heat.
3. UV Protection: Shade structures, such as ShadeFin, often come with materials that provide UV protection. These materials have built-in properties that block or reduce the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays can cause damage to boat interiors, including fading or discoloration of upholstery, dashboard, electronics, and other sensitive materials. ShadeFin boat shade helps mitigate this damage by reducing UV exposure. Its fabric is made of WeatherMAX 3D, which has an excellent 50+ UPF rating of sun protection.
4. Protection for Electronics: Many boats have electronic equipment on board, such as navigation systems, radios, fishfinders, and entertainment systems. These devices are susceptible to heat and sun damage. Shade helps shield these electronics from direct sunlight, reducing the risk of overheating, glare, and potential malfunctions.
5. Preserving the Boat's Condition: Excessive exposure to the sun's rays can cause deterioration of boat components and surfaces over time. Constant exposure to UV rays can fade paint, gel coat, and other exterior finishes. Shade helps preserve the boat's aesthetics and prolongs the lifespan of various materials by reducing the impact of direct sunlight.
6. Safety: Shade also plays a role in boating safety. When the sun is intense, glare can impair visibility, making it difficult to see other boats, navigational markers, or potential hazards on the water. By providing shade, glare is reduced, enhancing visibility and overall safety on the boat.
7. Versatility: ShadeFin offers versatility by allowing boat owners to adapt to changing conditions. ShadeFin can quickly be setup or taken down. Depending on the mount used with ShadeFin, it can easily be moved around the boat and adjusted to follow the sun's angle throughout the day.  

Overall, shade for boats is important for protecting individuals from the sun's harmful rays, improving comfort, preserving the boat's condition, and enhancing safety and enjoyment while on the water. It is an essential feature for boaters who spend significant time outdoors. ShadeFin is an easy and affordable way to add shade for boats. In addition to being made of high-quality materials for durability and reliability, ShadeFin comes with a 3-year warranty from TACO Marine.

Learn more about ShadeFin and our other boat shade products here and use code TACOGPT for 10% off at checkout exclusively on tacomarine.com.