Thinking about removing the Manual SureShade

kas919

kas919

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Joined
Dec 9, 2025
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Age
62
Location
Venice, FL
Model
Freedom 285
I purchased a 2019 freedom 285 that the owner installed most of the factory options on, one of those being the manual SureShade. I am realizing how large and unappealling it is to the lines of the boat. With all the nice new fly shades available today that can be put up in a snap, I am thinking about removing the Monsterous SureShade. Has anyone done that? If so is it anything more than a few bolts and brackets? Again what I have is the manual. It is in need of a new canvas that would be 550.00. I could probably have a light weight aft shade made for less than that, with the poles. Anyways, just throwing it out there. If I go ahead with this, is there anyone in SWFL that would want a 6 yr old SureShade System for free? Here is a few pics of the current set up...those housing are just bolted to the T-Top with brackets inside for the telescoping Aluminum poles. The other picture is from Firepole Marine who is making my bow shade and I am going to have him measure for the aft shade as well
 

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I think there would be a lot of interest in your shade, especially for free. ( I wouldn't list it for free to limit the amount of interest:)).
The issue I am not sure about is running with the shade deployed. I believe the forward sun shade specs a speed limit to avoid damage.
The sure shade aft can be used at higher speeds. Maybe that is not an issue.
The aft shade poles poles can be an issue for folks that fish since they limit the range that your fishing rods can maneuver. and also will reduce the number of rod holders if they are used for the poles.
It all boils down to what types of boating activities are your priorities.
 
seasick said:
I think there would be a lot of interest in your shade, especially for free. ( I wouldn't list it for free to limit the amount of interest:)).
The issue I am not sure about is running with the shade deployed. I believe the forward sun shade specs a speed limit to avoid damage.
The sure shade aft can be used at higher speeds. Maybe that is not an issue.
The aft shade poles poles can be an issue for folks that fish since they limit the range that your fishing rods can maneuver. and also will reduce the number of rod holders if they are used for the poles.
It all boils down to what types of boating activities are your priorities.
Click to expand...
Seasick, thanks for your thoughts. I really apprecaite what you said and it all makes great sense. You are right, the SureShade would most likely be of interest to a Grady owner with a boat prior to 2019. It clearly was a post production option that was added, unlike the new curved electrical ones built right into the hardtop. Regarding running with the shade deployed, with the current system, there is sooo much weight hanging off the hardtop that slow speed and minimun chop (bouncing) is imperative according to the broker and previous owner. With the Firepole Marine System (www.firepolemarine), The Weathermax shade is clipped to the underside of the hardtop and the carbon poles in the rod holders with the sliight bend, keep the shade taught at speeds up to 25mph. Currently I am not much of a fisherman, But if that ever were to change, I would just defer the shade during those outings Figure I'd wear a wide brim hat I think that the sure shade that's currently installed would also pose a little bit of obstacle during fishing as well. You know, after giving it some thought and actually looking to see how easy the sure shade could be removed and then I could just fill the holes with some stainless steel hardware I think the look of the boat is better sleeker without that up there And I think function and speed ability of the firepole marine shade is going to work best for me. I really do appreciate your reply to my post, because it's is exactly the type of discussion I am looking for. Have a Grady day
 
I’m interested in your sure shade. I have a 2016 271 center console Canyon.
 
Thanks for responding. I’m in Portland Oregon but would pay for shipping if that’s an option
 
I think you'll find more people interested in it than you think - especially at your VERY generous offer for free. This is something that can be fitted to many different boats as it's really just a "width" variable... although even that can be accommodated for, to an extent.
 
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