LaPorte Products, the distinguished sunshade partner of Sailfish Boats, has long been known for its tradition of family craftsmanship and passion for customers.

Sailfish taps into LaPorte’s rich heritage with the inclusion of a  LaPorte Boat Shade Kit aboard every boat (except the 360 CC, which includes a standard aft power shade). Laporte Boat Shades are designed not only to give comfort and protection, but to maximize a full day’s experience on the water with family and friends.

The secret to LaPorte's premium sunshade is its Resilience fabric, which is meticulously engineered to withstand the rigors of marine environments. With an outer UV reflective coating, these shades offer superior UV protection, blocking up to 98% of harmful rays. The shades provide not only UV relief but also a cool respite from the sun's radiant heat. The fabric's unique composition reflects up to 75% of UV heat, ensuring a cool and comfortable environment even under a hot summer sun.

The Resilience material boasts a 20% stretch, allowing for a snug fit on a variety of boat sizes while maintaining a custom appearance. This kind of versatility offers other benefits, too. If you want to cruise or pick up speed, the Aft Shade is built to handle speeds of up to 34 mph, while maintaining a whisper-quiet performance. Additionally, the stretch of the Resilience material allows the shade to be deployed in multiple positions. The telescoping poles will raise and lower between four and six feet in height. The shade can even be removed from the poles and then attached to a gunnel cleat, providing versatile shade around the clock.

LaPorte's journey into the marine world was a natural progression, captained by a commitment to innovation and a keen understanding of customer needs. LaPorte’s shades have become a flagship product, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create a unique and versatile offering.

Evan Cherry, a member of the LaPorte team, recounts the roots of the company run deep. “It is a neat thing that this family-run business evolved from the demand for aftermarket boat covers and shades in Charleston, South Carolina, and is now manufacturing on an international scale,” he adds.

One of the hallmarks of LaPorte's approach is its integration of cutting-edge technology with time-honored techniques. Utilizing CNC machines for precise cutting and 3D scanning technology they combine automation with handcrafted care to produce shades tailored to each boat's specifications.

Another key ingredient of the LaPorte shade kit is its customizability and ease of use. LaPorte sunshades seamlessly affix to the hard top for aft shading in current Sailfish models. For non-current Sailfish models, Laporte maintains a library of shade kits which can be ordered online.

Sea Sucker suction cups come included with the shade kit for easy attachment to the hard top. The telescoping, powder-coated poles fit any standard rod holder, and setup takes mere minutes. Bow shading may require the installation of rod holders. Your local Sailfish Dealer can help with this option.

When the day is over, the shade can be easily stored. Fully collapsed, it measures just 40”, which means it can be stowed in the compartments on board, keeping the deck clear of equipment. A convenient storage bag comes included.

LaPorte casts a cool, welcoming shade over countless Sailfish boaters, further defining what it means to cruise in comfort and style. Enjoy the shade on board when you need it - and get ready to turn some heads!

For more information, find your local Sailfish dealer, or research LaPorte Products online.