Hey Dave,

'fess up, it's more about keeping out Prying Eyes in an anchorage, than spray at sea, right? (grin)

...A worthwhile project, no doubt about it...

I made mine from Stamoid, life's too short to mess with Sunbrella any more, too much work for me... (grin)

I've done a bit different than most, and made a sort of "sleeve" that accomodates the upper lifeline, and slips down over the forward stanchion. The rear corners of the two side pieces are fixed with elastomer shock cord, and the third section around the stern is a combination of snaps onto the rail, and more elastomer cord at the corners... I suppose the ultimate boarding sea could wreak havoc with the whole affair, but so far, so good...

Depends on the configuration of your cockpit, of course, but be sure to leave plenty of space underneath for whatever sheet/preventer/afterguy etc. leads you may have coming back to your cockpit... I've got an aluminum toerail to which I wind up clipping all sorts of blocks and stuff, you want to make sure you have clearance for all that stuff... Plus, a significant opening at the bottom will allow for some release of pressure in the event you might really get clobbered by some green water...

best regards,

Jon