Tired of crowding under a too-small raft umbrella, only to lose it the first time a breeze kicks up? Sunburned kids making for a rough trip? A River Sombrero covers your raft in cool shade, easily handles wind, and folds back in seconds when it's time to hit the rapids.
Choosing a Sombrero for your raft is as simple as measuring your raft and frame. So grab a tape measure, and let's get started!
1. Choose your Sombrero
Original Sombreros are the standard on the river with 7/8" aluminum frames, tough nylon hardware, and your choice of fabrics, perfect for shorter trips and family use. Deluxe Sombreros upgrade the nylon hardware to stainless steel for added strength for longer trips. Expedition Sombreros include full stainless steel frames, stainless steel fittings, and premium Sunbrella fabric for multi-week trips and heavy use.
2. Select Length
We recommend 6’ River Sombreros for rafts up to 14’ and 8’ Sombreros for longer rafts. 6' Sombreros are 64" long when
folded down, and 8' Sombreros are 74". A
typical mounting position is 6-8" behind the oar locks, so add 6-8" to
the folded down length to ensure the length you choose won't overhang
the rear of your raft.
3. Select Fabric (Original and Deluxe Sombreros - Expedition Sombreros come with Sunbrella fabric)
Original and Deluxe River Sombreros are offered in Sharkskin and Sunbrella fabrics. Both are opaque solid colors offering the same amount of shade and water resistance. Sharkskin is an economical fabric made of 6.5oz material with a 5 year warranty. Sunbrella is a premium 9.25oz solution dyed material, meaning the individual fibers are dyed before being woven. Sunbrella is the #1 marine fabric worldwide with 50 years in the field and backed by a 7 year warranty.
Sharkskin (very good)
- Fabric: 100% Acrylic Coated Polyester--6 1/2 oz
- Lightweight and durable
- Breathable, water repellent, mildew resistant
- Warranty: 5-Years Limited Warranty
- Made in USA
Sunbrella (the best)
- # 1 marine fabric worldwide with 50 years in the field
- Fabric: 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic--9 1/4 oz
- Premium long lasting fabric in fade proof colors
- Breathable, water repellent, mildew resistant
- Warranty: 7 Year Limited manufacturer/10 year fabric
- Made in USA
4. Select Width
For frame mounting, measure centerpoint to centerpoint of your frame and select the width that matches. For deck mounting, measure the width just inside your oar locks at a place you can screw into your decking. Be sure you will be able to fold the Sombrero poles down without hitting anything. Sombreros are designed to fit a range of widths. For example, the 61-66" size spans 63", and the poles are designed to flex to accommodate widths of 61" to 66".
5. Select Color
A full range of colors is available for custom Sombreros. Light colors will reflect more sunlight, but Sombreros don't trap heat the way an enclosed tent would, so darker colors work equally well. Choose a color you like and fits your raft!
Sharkskin Colors
Sunbrella Colors
Height
All River Sombreros are 54" high from the mounting point to the center of the top. This leaves enough space for most people to stand in the raft.
Delivery Time
Original, Deluxe, and Expedition Sombreros are made to order and ship in 7-10 business days. If you need one sooner, choose from our Quick Ship Sombreros. Overnight and 2nd-day air shipping is available.