Boaters who would like more privacy aboard ship without blocking out too much light or completely eliminating the view should welcome the introduction of Sunbrella Shade, a new marine fabric that offers light filtering features for applications above and below deck.
Sunbrella Shade is designed for use in creating window shades for boat cabins and for privacy screening as part of cockpit or bridge enclosures.
Woven from the same yarns as Sunbrella marine fabrics, Sunbrella Shade features color-fastness, ease of cleaning and durability in the marine environment. A mock-leno weaving technique is used to create evenly spaced apertures, which are critical elements of the light and moisture filtering features of this unique fabric.
"In addition to providing privacy, Sunbrella Shade can also contribute to reduced temperatures inside cabins and boat enclosures," said Derek Robinson, marine products manager for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, the makers of Sunbrella marine fabrics. "Our testing has shown that Sunbrella Shade blocks 84 percent of damaging UVA and UVB rays."
Sunbrella Shade is available in a 54-inch width, with a marine look and feel that coordinates with colors in the existing line of Sunbrella marine fabrics. The initial offering includes Linen, Captain Navy, Natural, Black, Cadet Grey and Oyster.
"Sunbrella Shade offers a classic marine look, plus all of the performance characteristics of Sunbrella marine fabrics," Robinson said. "The unique weave technique we used in creating Sunbrella Shade opens up a wide array of privacy and sun protection options for boaters."
