Name:	ManyPawsAL -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/20/2017 9:15:11 PM

anyone tried offset umbrellas on their dock?    Looks like the less expensive one's parts and materials are questionable.   The ones that have wind ratings are thousands of $$.   The intermediate priced ones seem to be manufactured well, but concerned that they no wind ratings or warranty.   Not concerned about it being open in a bad storm, but in a quick pop up storm perhaps....    Was hoping to find some one who has used one for a year or two who can make a recommendation on their experience.. 

Name:	DOCGEE -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/22/2017 2:15:18 PM

I have the same questions.Also wonder if anchoring to the dock is required.My wife has wanted this system but I dont want to drill into our dock.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/22/2017 3:10:37 PM

What I have done for years that works for us is....I bolted a 3' long 2" galv pipe to the deck via a flange.  Then I just put the umbrella into the pipe and raise it when needed.  I do not recommend leaving an umbrella open here because wind from a thunderstorm will destroy it or blow it away.  

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/22/2017 10:06:33 PM

We have one.  We filled the base with sand.  So far it's been out there several years with no problem.  We've had storms that moved our dock furniture around, but the umbrella has never moved.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/23/2017 9:27:37 AM

That's great.  My guess is it all depends on whether you live in a slough or on open water, and what directions you get wind from.

Name:	ManyPawsAL -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/23/2017 9:36:09 AM

Which type did you get - I am debating between one that cost around $1000 that has no plastic parts -vs- the ones at Home Depot and Lowes for around $300.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/23/2017 10:53:00 AM

If it is anything like buying lawn tractors or ZTR mowers at Lowes or HD, go for the $1K version.

Name:	ManyPawsAL -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/23/2017 11:08:09 AM

That is where I am headed. :-)  But was curious if the cheaper ones lasted.

This one has a $35 warranty where you would pay 1/3rd the cost to replace if wind damages it - since most do not have a true full replacement wind warranty....  so about $$275 for the pole or $75 for the canopy only if damaged by wind.  This is the least expensive of the non-home depot like ones I have found - seems to use good materials - no rivets, stainless protected bearings.... 

But... feel stupid if the cheaper ones are working fine for most folks...  So was just curious...

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/23/2017 8:42:34 PM

Offsets may be cute, but my method has worked for over 10 years.  12' Sunbrella umbrella cost $99 at Sam's and is still in use.  To each his own.

Name:	ManyPawsAL -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/24/2017 8:26:29 AM

Thanks for the info.  It really helps to hear what others have tried! 

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Offset umbrellas
Date:	3/29/2017 7:34:12 AM

Straight from china..............

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