Blackstick® is a very flexible pole that provides self tension of the fiber rod boat sun shade with a small working load (14 to 20 lbs). The spring action in the stick is constantly exerting a force to pull back the boat sun shade but will flex inward to absorb external forces such as increase in boat speed or wind gust. The give and take result is less stress at the fiber rod holders. The traditional stainless, aluminum and carbon fiber prepreg roll wrapped shade struts are stiff and a greater load is transfer to the rod holder.
Fiber Rod Holders are the receiving point for Blackstick®. The rod holder’s 9 inch tube that extends below the gunnel provides a strong support for the stick and reduces the stress at the load bearing point on the deck by transferring the load downward along the tube. This is kinder to the structural integrity around the rod holder.
A&P Technology carbon fiber dry braid sleeve provides an evenly distributed load throughout the stick due to the continuous braid structure, mechanically locking in the weave. This combination makes a strong, high torsional strength, fatigue resistance, improved interlaminar shear pole.
Blackstick®’s breakpoint is a balance between maintaining form during normal conditions but will give way due to extreme forced placed at the receiving points (Rod Holder or Mount). Actual Incidents – running in to pilings, mangroves, bridges, boat lifts, excessive speed, excessive speed trying to out run a squall line (Squall Won), bad weather, falling on to the shade and a really bad shade design that pools water. I rather the sticks break before causing damage to the boat’s receiving point. It is an easy fix. I just replace the bottom section of the stick.

User Friendly

Sticks are custom size for each shade for a perfect fit and breakdown. A second snap hook can be added to line to lower the shade. They are not telescopic. No guessing at the height adjustment for the sticks, no maintenance at the tube clamp (throw latch) due to occasional slippage and binding of the tubes due to salt deposits, dirt and grit.
The patent breakdown point is the taper transition from smaller tubular diameter to a larger diameter that forms a socket for receiving another tubular pole. When under tension the receiving pole is held in place. No mechanical parts to hold the pole in place .
The sticks are 1″ with a 11/4″ bushing at the rod holder end, light weight and small in size for easy stowage. Shade and sticks fit in one bag.
Clamcleat® and micro swivel block for easy set up from cockpit.

Boat speed – Stern shade you can run 20 to 30 knots. Bow shade trolling speed. 15 knots
No tooling performed on the Clamcleat® or micro swivel block. Tooling can add stress fractures.
No dissimilar metals touching carbon. Corrosion is an issue when stainless or aluminum interacts with carbon in a salt water environment.
Color Carbon Fiber Pole – Carbon’s natural color is black. The only way to color the CF pole is to use a dyed fiberglass, Kevlar or hybrid of both on the last layer of the pole or paint them. I choose painting to keep Blackstick 100% carbon. We use a two part polyurethane paint for clear coat and white.
No tag line – The flex action of the stick under a load prevents the bell and stick from moving. So, no deck hardware.
Rod holders – Sticks can be used in small to large I.D. rod holders. A 12″ bushing is used at the rod holder end.
Wall thickness – 099 inch for normal shade and a thick wall .1221 on bottom half of sticks for super big shade jobs.
Fabric – Serge Ferrari Soltis 86 is a 14% micro-ventilated mesh that blocks up to 88% of the solar raditaion while maintaining air flow and prevents pooling of water. The patent Precontraint technology provides excellent dimensional stability preventing over stretching and tearing of fabric over time. Soltis 86 is UV, mold resistance and easy to clean.
Manufactured in the USA.

What we’ve accomplished so far

Since opening its doors 11 years ago, Blackstick® has proudly produced and delivered roughly 1,700 of the best marine boat sun shades to customers around the globe. That means we've also hand produced over 5,000 Blackstick® products making the boat sun shade industry easier one shade at a time. From Dubai to Hawaii, Tampa to Cape Cod, we're just getting started.

Delivered Products since 2014

500 +

Blacksticks Produced

8000 +

With Blackstick® It's Easy As 1 - 2 - 3!

2. Built Strong

Blackstick® quailty is our highest priority. Our carbon fiber poles are fabricated completely by hand using carbon made in the United States, furthering our American made values. Fabric for our shades is sourced from Serge Ferrari providing an extremely durable perforated mesh that doesn’t stretch and provides unparalleled protection from the sun. Together they form a completely custom product designed for one thing…being the only boat sun shade you’ll ever need.

Top of the class Quality

At Blackstick we put the highest priority on quality. Our carbon fiber poles are fabricated completely by hand using carbon made in the United States, furthering our American made values. Fabric for our shades is sourced from Serge Ferrari. They provide us with an extremely durable perforated mesh that doesn’t stretch and provides unparalleled protection from the sun. Together they form a completely custom product designed for one thing…being the only shade you’ll ever need.

With Blackstick®
It's Easy As: 1 - 2 - 3!

2. Built Strong

Top of the class Quality

Every boat is unique and we're here to help determine which boat sun shade is best for you.

Our goal at The Blackstick is simple: provide easy, reliable, cost-effective shade to make your time on the water longer, cooler, and healthier. Our patented system does just that. Fill out the form on the right to get started. Future you will thank yourself, because your boating experience deserves only the best.

- Austin D

Every boat is unique and we're here to help determine which boat sun shade is best for you.

- Austin D

Our customers are saying great things!

★★★★★

I could not be happier with the entire experience and the finished product! Austin was quick to assist with any question I had during the process. Bring on the sun!!

★★★★★

“Love, love, love my shade, poles are high quality exposed clear coated carbon fiber! Be the envy of your friends at the local beach spot! Buy from Blackstick!”

★★★★★

We love our Blackstick Sunshade! The quality of the shade, poles, workmanship and professional job done by Nanette is totally appreciated. Our brand new Regulator has the most custom fitted forward sun shade now. Highly recommend this product and staff for a beautiful shade and fast customer service!

★★★★★

We love our Blackstick sun shade, it was on already on our boat when we got it. We did have a stick break during a hurricane and Austin was exceptionally easy to work with to get it replaced. They are the best!

★★★★★

Outstanding product and even better ownership. Great experience. 100% recommend.

★★★★★

I could not be happier with our shades from Blackstick. The product quality is excellent ant the experience throughout the process was exceptional. Their commitment to delivering a perfect solution is evident. Thank you for a great product and smooth process.

I could not be happier with the entire experience and the finished product! Austin was quick to assist with any question I had during the process. Bring on the sun!!

– Mike L.

“Love, love, love my shade, poles are high quality exposed clear coated carbon fiber! Be the envy of your friends at the local beach spot! Buy from Blackstick!”

– Jon P.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Blackstick® Patented Technology carbon fiber pole designed for fast, durable, and hassle-free shade—because your family deserves the best boating experience. To have all your questions answered, click the button below!

How long do Blackstick® boat sun shades last?

We design our Blackstick® boat sun shades to last as long as possible. We currently have customers with our boat sun shades that have lasted longer than 9 years. Many of our customers upgrade their boat and purchase a new boat sun shade from us before theirs wear out.

For more information and to have all of your questions answered about our custom Blackstick® boat sun shade marine accessories, contact us TODAY! (HIGHLIGHT “contact us TODAY!” and link to “#contact”

What are your Blackstick® boat sun shades material made of?

Our Blackstick® boat sun shades are made of a perforated mesh canvas from Serge Ferrari.