V-Lock Mounting Instructions

For installation video and compete instructions please go to www.rocketshade.xyz

Please read all the instructions before purchasing fasteners and installing this system.

In this package:

You should receive parts (and/or optional parts) related to the solid flat surface mounting system that firmly holds the rocket shade into position.  These parts are designed and tested for required strength and marine durability.  

⦁ A 1.5 inch diameter (OD) aluminum mounting tube

⦁ Tube clamp V-lock ASA inserts (2 each)

⦁ T-10 pan head stainless bolts and nyloc nuts (tube clamp)

⦁ T-10 torx head driver tool

⦁ Flat surface V-lock ASA base mount (2 each)

⦁ Spring loaded stay pin, stainless steel (1 each)

Not included in this package are 3/16 diameter fasteners used to anchor the V-lock base mount at the desired location.  Because there are so many ways to properly fasten this feature, the installer should determine the proper fastening system to use and follow all instructions.

These parts are designed to be solidly attached to almost any flat surface; vertically, horizontally, or in between.  The best results will come from good positioning and following instructions, and locating the Rocket Shade anchor off-center is not an issue – the cantilever adjustability puts the shade where you want it.   

For optimal strength, there should be good separation between the integrated pair of tube clamp V-lock mounts.  The two V-lock mounts should be 18 to 24 inches apart, to better distribute the cantilever pressure.  Generally, farther apart is better than closer.  Make sure you have suitable access to the back side of the panel to install a backer plate, or SS fender washers and SS locking nuts.

Use 316 grade marine stainless steel (SS) for best results.  Apply marine-grade sealant (like 3M 4200 or 5200) to prevent water intrusion.  Use sufficiently long SS bolts with broad head mating surface (or add SS washer) to best securely fasten to flat surface.  NEVER use a tapered head bolt with ASA material.

Use a yardstick, or similar straight edge, to define the mounting position.  (Photo)  Use the included template, or photocopy the mount base as a template, to mark base positions and drilled hole locations.  (photo)

Drill the Holes Carefully.   Use a sharp drill bit suitable for fiberglass (like a brad point or carbide bit).  Drill at a slow speed to prevent cracking.  Apply masking tape over the drilling area to reduce chipping.  

Seal and Protect the Mount.  Use a marine-grade sealant (like 3M 5200) around the bolt or screw holes to prevent water ingress.  When using through-bolts, install a fender washer and nut on the back side and tighten evenly. Test the Mounting.  Gradually apply load to check for flexing or weakness.  If you see movement, reinforce with larger backer plates and epoxy.  

Best Practices:

- Always use stainless steel hardware to prevent corrosion.  

- Avoid over-tightening to prevent cracking the fiberglass and the ASA.  

- If mounting on a cored fiberglass surface (like a boat hull), **seal the core** with epoxy to prevent water damage.  

ASA Materials

These mounts are made from Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate, a thermoplastic polymer known for its excellent weather resistance and UV stability. It’s very similar to ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) but has enhanced resistance to sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor applications. Here are some key points about ASA:

⦁ UV Resistance: ASA’s formulation allows it to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without significant degradation.

⦁ Weatherability: It performs well under various weather conditions, resisting color fading and brittleness.

⦁ Mechanical Strength: ASA offers good impact resistance and durability.

⦁ Chemical Resistance: It is resistant to many chemicals, making it useful in harsh environments.

Common Applications

⦁ Outdoor Components: Such as automotive parts, exterior housings, and outdoor signage.

⦁ 3D Printing: ASA filament is popular in 3D printing, particularly for parts that will be exposed to the elements.

⦁ Consumer Products: Items like garden tools, sporting goods, and other durable goods that require resistance to UV and weathering.

ASA’s balance of strength, durability, and weather resistance makes it a popular choice where both aesthetic and performance are important under outdoor conditions.

These parts are to install a very solid and durable anchor system for the Rocket Shade components (photo below), purchased separately.  

 

Umbrella, cantilever and accessories.  Unwrap and inspect the contents.

Cantilever clamps – designed for maximum strength and durability, use the bright colored spinner nut to loosen and move the cantilever tubes in all directions.  The spinner nut also holds the cantilever parts tightly in position.  This system is extremely strong – once you have it set into the desired position TIGHTEN THE SPINNER NUT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.  

(You cannot over tighten these clamps – we tried)

During shipping, the cantilever assembly is firmly clamped into position.  It can take a bit of force to loosen the spinner nuts on the clamps.  

To adjust the clamps, partially loosen the spinner nut enough to release clamp pressure on both attached cantilever tubes (about 4 rotations).  The black release wedge can be pushed to force open the locked clamp, making the cantilever tubes easy to rotate or slide in and out.  Push the opposite side of the black wedge to retighten the clamp.

To change the angle of the cantilever tubes, loosen the spinner nut more (over 8 rotations) and the gear teeth will open.  You will decide on the best position for your boat.  A good starting point is pictured here, with the rod holder insert at approximately 45 degrees from straight and the umbrella hanger at about 100 degrees from straight. 

The slot of the rod holder insert will hold the port/starboard position of the cantilever.  Be sure to use the included locking pin (REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT) to anchor the insert to the rod holder.

                                        

The umbrella hanger is slotted to receive the umbrella pin, which is oriented at the center of the shade symmetry.  Position the slot to face the cantilever so the “short side” of the shade is under the cantilever.   

There is a pushrod inside the umbrella center tube.  This moves when the shade is inserted into the hanger and then opened into position.  As the shade handle is clicked solid, the pushrod prevents the shade from moving vertically in the hanger slot and cannot release in a gust of wind.