Spring Prep and Readying

Get Your SureShade Ready for the Spring Boating Season

If your boat was covered and winterized for the winter season, you’ll want to be sure that your SureShade sunshade system is ready to go when you are ready to hit the water again in the spring.

The quality marine-grade construction and materials used for our sunshade systems ensure that springtime prep and maintenance is minimal for boat owners.

With proper winter preparation, getting your SureShade system ready for the upcoming boating season is almost as simple as operating the retractable sunshade itself!

Spring Readying for Automated Sunshade System

Since the SureShade automated sunshades (ATF or M3) are electrically powered systems you will need to be sure that the boat batteries are fully powered after winter storage before operating the shade for the first time in the spring. You should also check that all power connections are good and that no corrosion occurred during winter storage.

As with any marine canvas, you should do a thorough check of the canvas on your SureShade system to be sure there are no deteriorating portions of the canvas (canvas rips, broken threads, etc.) that may have occurred from previous use or winter storage.

Spring Readying for Manual Sunshade System

The SureShade manual sunshade systems (MTF and RTX) operates completely manually and therefore do not require charging of batteries prior to use in the spring.

Boaters should be sure to inspect the canvas at full extension to make sure there are no deteriorating portions of the canvas (canvas rips, broken threads, etc). The actuators for the manual sunshade system are spring-loaded and controlled extension of the shade is dependent on the canvas, roller and gearbox. Therefore, it’s important to be sure that the canvas is in good condition to maintain proper movement of the framework.

Download the full Spring Prep and Readying Guide (PDF file – will open in new window)

Canvas Care and Cleaning

For canvas care and cleaning guidance in the spring, see our Canvas Care & Cleaning.

Transporting your Boat for the Spring?

If you are using ground transportation to relocate your boat to a new boating destination, please see special precautions outlined in our Ground Transportation Guide.

 

More Customer Resources

Reference the below customer care and maintenance guides to ensure the longevity of your SureShade sunshade system.

 

Share Your Shady Story

Share Your Story

SureShade customers love their sunshade systems as much as they love their boat! Share your story with us (with photos & details) and we’ll send you a SureShade t-shirt [customized with your boat name] as a thank-you.

SUBMIT YOUR SHADY STORY

Review us on Facebook!

If you are a happy SureShade customer (whether you bought from us direct or through a builder/dealer) we’d love if you could give us a 5 star review on Facebook.

REVIEW US ON FACEBOOK
210 outrage rtx
Andy S.
Boston Whaler 210 Outrage / RTX Pull-Out Shade

You Can’t Own a Boat Without Having a SureShade!

Love SureShade. SureShade solves our family's sun problems by providing coverage for the entire boat with ease. Setup is easy and quick, and nothing obstructs the fishing poles. I can even leave it out while underway - hit 30 knots without retracting the shades. Thank you for making this product a reality and supporting DIYers with older boats.

Boston Whaler 320 Outrage Cuddy
Antonio P.
Boston Whaler 320 Outrage Cuddy / MTF Manual Shade

The Design is Very Simple to Operate and Maintain

SureShade is just perfect for my boat - very well finished and it looks like an original part of the boat. Our family is happy to have a SureShade on board all the time to make sure I always have a shade to enjoy the day. I am completely happy and satisfied with your product!

Sabre 42 Salon
Phil S.
Sabre 42 Salon Express / ATF Automated Shade

If it Doesn’t have a SureShade, it’s Just Another Boat!

We are so happy with our SureShade shade system and how essential it has become for our boat. As far as we are concerned, if it doesn't have a SureShade, it's not a boat!

38 Salon Express
Scott B.
Sabre 38 Salon Express / ATF Automated Shade

I Wouldn’t Own a Boat Without a SureShade!

We choose SureShade for its design, ease of operation and great looks. With just a push of a button we can go from full sun in the cockpit to shade in a matter of seconds.

Grady White 28 Marlin
Neil B.
Grady White 28 Marlin / MTF Manual Shade

Enhances the Value of My Boat

I love the fact that there are no straps or supports that might interfere with other activities on board. Aside from being very functional, I think it looks well integrated and enhances the value of the boat.

Sabre 38
Roger P.

A Wonderful Addition!

SureShade was a wonderful addition to my boat and over the 2600 miles from Palm Beach to Lake Michigan I was asked at least a dozen times by boaters along the way about the shade.

MTF shade
John H.
Signature Haines / MTF Manual Shade

I strongly recommend SureShade – don’t hesitate, just do it!

Our SureShade top turned out even better than expected! The shade now covers for full extent of the quarterdeck, with no side poles to get in the way of the fishing rods. It’s just a simple little exercise of winding the handle for the telescopic poles, and Hey Presto – instant shade.

boston whaler 370 outrage
Stu T.
Boston Whaler 370 Outrage / ATF Automated Boat Shade

Absolutely Necessary!

Absolutely necessary when grilling on our Boston Whaler 370 Outrage. One of the most important additions to our boat hands down. Would highly recommend an electronic SureShade to anyone who loves boating as much as we do.

Follow & Connect with Us!