Small Boat Canvas (or PVC) Top?

[StuBone278]

Hey yall,

Just wondering, what is the material all of those commercial crabbers (small boats, carolina skiffs, etc.) use as the shade/cover on their boats?

You know the ones with aluminum framing and white fabric stretched tight? On some it also seems that the front end swivels a little so it doesn't catch in the wind as bad.

Also any pointers on where could I find the materials to make one?

Thinking about using that idea for a pontoon boat so its top is not a massive sail, and to help preserve the boat's carpet when not in use.

I have found traditional boat covers expensive and a PITA because they inevitably turn into a swimming pool after torrential downpours, even with a PVC "skeleton" framing.

Thanks!