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ShadeFin® FAQ

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about ShadeFin®. If you have a question that is not included on this list, please contact us here.

Q: How much does ShadeFin weigh without mounts?

A: 12 pounds

Q: How is ShadeFin mounted with the standard Fixed Rod Holder Mount?

A: This mount, available in kits T10-3000-3 and T10-3000-4, and also sold separately as T10-3000-5, comes at a fixed angle and is designed to fit into any standard T-top rod holder or any standard gunnel rod holder with an adapter. The adapter, T10-3000-12, also comes in -3 and -4 kits, and is included with -5.

When the Fixed Rod Holder Mount is inserted into the T-top rod holder, it slides through, over the gimbal pin and has threads that come out of the bottom of the rod holder around. A Locking Knob is then fastened to the bottom of the mount to secure it in place.

In a gunnel rod holder, the Locking Knob is not used. Instead, the adapter is inserted first into the gunnel rod holder and then the Fixed Rod Holder Mount is inserted into the adapter, which secures it in place. The adapter must be used in gunnel rod holders.

Q: What kind of sun protection does ShadeFin offer?

A: ShadeFin’s WeatherMAX 3D material provides an excellent UPF 50+ rating of sun protection.

Q: How is ShadeFin stored?

A: A protective mesh/neoprene storage sleeve comes standard with ShadeFin. This has a strap for carrying and the sleeve (or case as it may be called) is designed to protect the product while not installed. Simply collapse the arms and material into the ShadeFin body, as demonstrated in videos below, slide the sleeve over the ShadeFin to the base, remove from the mount and close around the ShadeFin butt. Then stow in desired location onboard or off the boat.

Q: Can ShadeFin be used while boat is under power?

A: We recommend ShadeFin is NOT used while the boat is under power. ShadeFin should be collapsed, removed from its mounting location and stowed. The mount, if not permanently installed, should also be removed and stowed. This is also made clear on the product warning label, which reads, “remove and stow ShadeFin while boat is underway.”

Q: What are the reasons behind this recommendation?

  • It is still a cantilevered item when attached to a rod holder.
  • It is designed to be quickly compacted and deployed.
    • Once operated a few times, this can be completed in less than two minutes.
    • It’s kind of like bringing in fishing lines and outriggers when moving.
      • You always bring them in and redeploy when arriving to the next location.
  • It is easy to insert into its carry bag and stow.
  • Removal of the item is for the safety of passengers/crew, boat and motors in the instance sea conditions caused a failure to the rod holder based on the item having torque on the fulcrum point of the cantilever area (rod holder).

Q: What are the ShadeFin video links?

Q: What types of boats are good for ShadeFin?

A: Center consoles, bay boats, dual consoles, and most boats from 20’ and above. A mount for pontoon applications (square pipe/tube) is also hopefully coming sometime in 2021. If the pontoon boat has rod holders, then it would also work with the rod holder mounting options.

Q: Can ShadeFin fabric orientation change?

A: At this time, the orientation of the fabric cannot be changed. The alternative solution to having the ShadeFin fabric orientation on the boat would be to mount to the gunnel using either the adapter (T10-3000-12) or the Telescopic Rod Holder Accessory (available to later in 2021).

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