Our Best Rocket Launcher Boat Sun Shade Accessories
The Blackstick Rocket Shade gives you serious stern coverage without putting shade poles in your gunwales. Designed to mount in the rocket launcher rod holders on your hardtop, the system keeps the cockpit open while providing dependable sun protection where you need it most. Lightweight, easy to store, and quick to deploy, the Rocket Shade can also remain deployed while underway—so you don’t have to choose between shade and enjoying your boat.
The Blackstick® Difference
Learn our difference from others and why you should choose BLACKSTICK®
Tougher, More Flexible Boat Shade
Strong Carbon Fiber
Easy to assemble
The Rocket Shade was designed for boaters who want serious stern shade without poles taking up valuable space in the gunwales. By mounting directly into the rocket launcher rod holders on your hardtop, the poles stay up and out of the way—leaving your cockpit open for fishing, entertaining, and moving around the boat.
And unlike a shade you have to take down every time you move, the Rocket is designed to remain deployed while underway. Depending on conditions and configuration, Rocket systems can be operated at speeds up to 20–30 knots.
When you’re finished, the lightweight carbon-fiber poles break down for easy storage. More shade when you want it. Less stuff in your way when you don’t.
Why the Blackstick Rocket is different
1. More Support, Less Stress
The Rocket Shade uses two mounting points plus attachment points at the hardtop to distribute the load across the system rather than concentrating it at a single point.2. Free-Floating Mounts
Our mounts sit freely in your rocket launcher rod holders—no notching or locking them into position. The shade itself tensions the poles outward to create a secure, stable setup.3. Simple by Design
No complicated deployment mechanisms or unnecessary moving parts. Blackstick’s patented collapsible carbon-fiber poles create a lightweight system that’s easy to deploy, break down, and store.4. Built to Fit Your Boat
Rather than forcing every boat into the same shade dimensions, Blackstick can tailor the system to your boat when needed for better coverage and fit.5. Designed for Shade Underway
The Rocket Shade is designed to remain deployed while your boat is moving. Depending on conditions and configuration, Rocket systems can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph based on wind direction.
Proven on the Water
Since 2014, Blackstick has built and delivered more than 1,900 complete boat shade systems for customers across the U.S. and around the world. Along the way, we’ve hand-built more than 5,000 of our patented collapsible carbon-fiber poles right here in America.Why Boaters Choose Blackstick®
1. Easy to Use
Blackstick shades are designed to make getting out of the sun simple. Lightweight carbon-fiber poles and our patented collapsible design make setup and takedown possible in about 60 seconds, while the poles break down for compact, easy storage when the shade isn’t in use.
2. Built to Last
Every Blackstick pole starts with American-made carbon fiber and is fabricated and assembled by hand in our Florida shop. Paired with premium Serge Ferrari shade fabric, our systems are built for the demands of life on the water.
3. Made for Your Boat
From custom-built Traditional shades to our versatile Rocket Shade systems, Blackstick offers solutions designed around your boat and the way you use it. The result is serious sun protection without turning shade into another hassle on the water.
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.
Simplicity and Ease of Use
The best things in life are free. The second best are things that are simple and easy. Space on the boat and time in your day are extremely precious. Our system can be put up or taken down in less than 5 minutes allowing you to do what you do best, enjoy the day. And to save space our lightweight poles break down in the center eliminating the storage problem.
Cost-Effectiveness
Shade systems can range from a several hundred to several thousand dollars. Let’s face it, boats cost a lot of money, but your shade shouldn’t have to. We focus on making the Blackstick a cost-effective system for buyers of all lifestyles.
Why Boaters Choose Blackstick®
1. Easy to Use
Blackstick shades are designed to make getting out of the sun simple. Lightweight carbon-fiber poles and our patented collapsible design make setup and takedown possible in about 60 seconds, while the poles break down for compact, easy storage when the shade isn’t in use.
2. Built to Last
Every Blackstick pole starts with American-made carbon fiber and is fabricated and assembled by hand in our Florida shop. Paired with premium Serge Ferrari shade fabric, our systems are built for the demands of life on the water.
3. Made for Your Boat
From custom-built Traditional shades to our versatile Rocket Shade systems, Blackstick offers solutions designed around your boat and the way you use it. The result is serious sun protection without turning shade into another hassle on the water.
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.
Simplicity and Ease of Use
The best things in life are free. The second best are things that are simple and easy. Space on the boat and time in your day are extremely precious. Our system can be put up or taken down in less than 5 minutes allowing you to do what you do best, enjoy the day. And to save space our lightweight poles break down in the center eliminating the storage problem.
Cost-Effectiveness
Shade systems can range from a several hundred to several thousand dollars. Let’s face it, boats cost a lot of money, but your shade shouldn’t have to. We focus on making the Blackstick a cost-effective system for buyers of all lifestyles.
Tell Us About Your Boat. We’ll Take It From Here.
Our goal at Blackstick is simple: make your time on the water longer and cooler. You bought your boat to boat, not to burn. Whether you know exactly what you want or need help choosing, tell us a little about your boat and how you use it. We’ll review the details, recommend the right Blackstick setup, and provide pricing for your boat.
Tell Us About Your Boat. We’ll Take It From Here.
Our goal at Blackstick is simple: make your time on the water longer and cooler. You bought your boat to boat, not to burn. Whether you know exactly what want or need help choosing, tell us a little about your boat and how you use it. We’ll review the details, recommend the right blackstick setup, and provide pricing for your boat.
See What Blackstick Owners Are Saying
★★★★★
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.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.
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.
How much does a Blackstick® boat sun shade cost?
Every Blackstick® boat sun shade is customized, so pricing does vary. Prices for our boat sun shades increase based on material used, boat size, etc.
What is the Blackstick® traditional boat sun shade?
The traditional Blackstick® rod holder boat sun shade uses rod holders as the receiving point for your carbon fiber poles, which then support the boat sun shade shade. The traditional boat sun shade can be used to cover the bow or stern of the boat.
What is the Blackstick® rocket boat sun shade?
Our Blackstick® rocket boat sun shade uses rod holders on your hard top. We insert elbows into the rod holders and then the carbon fiber poles into the elbows. The boat sun shade is free floating and doesn’t use carbon fiber poles in the gunnels, keeping your stern open for fishing.
Can I measure the boat sun shade myself?
Yes, you can. You will need the carbon fiber poles before you measure.
Where do you get your carbon fiber poles from?
We make all of our carbon fiber poles by hand in our Bradenton facility with materials we source in the U.S.
What if my Blackstick® boat sun shade doesn’t fit?
We will work with you to make the needed changes to ensure the best fit possible.
How long does it take to get my Blackstick® boat sun shade?
You can expect your Blackstick® boat sun shade in approximately 2-3 weeks, depending on the time of year.
How do I attach the Blackstick® boat sun shade to my hardtop?
We normally set stainless steel padeyes in your hard top with small sheet metal screws. We then put snap hooks on our shades to make putting up and taking down a breeze. If you don’t have a hard top, then we can also loop around any existing structure/frame with webbing straps.
How fast can I go with my Blackstick® boat sun shade up?
For bow sun shades, trolling speed. 5-10 MPH.
For stern and rocket boat sun shades, 25-30 MPH depending on wind direction. Sometimes the sun shades can take more, but it’s the customers’ responsibility to operate within these guidelines. If it looks out of control, slow down or take it down. We won’t replace something broken from negligence.
Do you offer a warranty?
Blackstick® doesn’t offer a warranty as it’s impossible for us to know what is a manufacturing problem and what is customer negligence.
How long does it take to put up and take down my Blackstick® boat sun shade?
Our shades are designed with ease in mind. On average, you can put up or take down a Blackstick® boat sun shade in 2 minutes.
Do I need rod holders for my Blackstick® boat sun shade?
At the moment all of our boat shades require traditional rod holders.
Can I buy just the carbon fiber sticks?
Yes, Blackstick® will sell the carbon fiber poles by themselves.
Do you keep patterns of boats?
Blackstick® is the OEM manufacturer for several boat builders. We only keep patterns for those boat builders. Everything else is custom.
How easy are your boat sun shades to set up and take down?
Our Blackstick® boat sun shades can be put up or taken down in under 5 minutes.
How is the boat sun shade attached to the hard top?
There are two Blackstick® boat sun shade options.
1. Loop webbing straps around any available tubing.
2. Drilling small holes into the hard top to install stainless steel padeyes and fastening
them with small screws.
Do you have a universal boat sun shade kit?
We are in the process of developing a Blackstick® universal boat sun shade kit. Due to variations of rod holder placement and degrees on each boat, each shade is custom to the boat.
I live outside the Tampa Bay area, can you help me?
Absolutely! Here at Blackstick® we can send you incredibly easy instructions for taking all the measurements you need for your shade.
What makes the Blackstick® boat sun system different/better?
Our Blackstick® patented technology and our poles. Made of extremely light weight and durable carbon fiber, our poles break down in the middle allowing for easy storage and space saving (forever important on a boat!).