There is nothing quite like spending a summer afternoon by the water, but relentless, unshaded sun can quickly cut an outdoor gathering short. Recently, the team at Robie Outdoor had the privilege of solving this exact problem for the popular waterfront seating area at Ram Point Marina in Southern Rhode Island.
The Challenge: High Winds & Heavy Sun
Coastal properties face the toughest elements. Standard residential umbrellas or lightweight awnings simply cannot survive the high, sustained wind loads that whip across a marina basin. The client needed a permanent, architecturally striking shade structure that could withstand heavy coastal winds, protect guests from intense UV rays, and complement the beautiful marine environment.
The Robie Outdoor Solution
We designed a multi-sail, overlapping triangle layout that instantly updates the aesthetic of the waterfront area utilizing commercial-grade Comtex architectural fabric (blocking up to 95% of harmful UV rays) and heavy-duty 316 marine-grade stainless steel rigging.
By setting the connection points at varying heights, the sails form a dynamic three-dimensional curve. This layout doesn't just look incredible—it allows wind to flow smoothly over the structure and prevents rainwater from pooling in the center.
How We Operate: The Robie Outdoor Process
To give you an idea of how we operate, our shop handles the 3D digital design, CAD modeling, and precision fabrication of the actual sails. For the physical installation of the mounting hardware, you can either handle installing the attachment brackets yourself, use your own contractor, or we can connect you with our partner construction companies who specialize in structural house modifications. (If you ever need steel posts set in a yard, we also partner with landscape companies for that).
A Quick Note on Pricing: Shade sail prices range from $2,500 to $4,500 based on size, shape, and materials used. Please note that this ballpark price only covers our shop's cost to design and fabricate the fabric sail itself; it does not include the cost of brackets, steel posts, or the contractors' installation labor.
Because our partner construction and landscape companies are currently booking out 2 to 3 months, timing is critical. Here is exactly how our 6-step process works to ensure a perfect fit:
Step 1: Site Visit & Tech Consult ($250 Fee): We come out to the property to inspect the structure, map out the layout, and take aerial drone photos to build our 3D digital design space. During this visit, we will also show you real fabric swatches so you can review color options and selections in the actual light of your deck.
Step 2: Firm Project Costing: A few days after our site visit, we will provide you with a firm, final quote for the fabrication of your sail based on our initial findings. Once this quote is approved and the project deposit is placed, we move forward to the design phase.
Step 3: Digital Design Iteration: Working remotely with you, we create the 3D layout options and send over PDFs so you can see exactly how the shade lines will fall on your deck before we cut any fabric.
Step 4: Mounting Hardware Installation: You, your contractor, or our partner company physically installs the heavy-duty structural brackets onto the house (or sets the steel posts).
Step 5: Final 3D Measurement Visit: Once the brackets are permanently fixed in place, we make a second site visit to capture the exact, real-world dimensions of the installed hardware. This guarantees our digital shop file matches your physical hardware perfectly.
Step 6: Installation & Delivery: We perform a loose, general-fit installation of the completed shade sail(s).
Delivery & Liability Note: Because we do not install the structural hardware or certify its load-bearing capacity, our team only performs a rough, semi-loose hang of the sail upon delivery to verify the dimensions are correct. The customer is responsible for the final tensioning and heavy tightening of the sail.
Ready to Secure Your Slot?
📅 Scheduling Notice: Our production dates shift frequently as new deposits arrive. If you want to secure a slot on our fabrication calendar, we recommend placing your deposit without delay.
If this process works for you, let us know! We'll get Step 1 on the calendar and send over an invoice for the $250 consultation / site visit fee.
