TACO Marine J-Lock SunShade System, Twist & Lock

Overview

The TACO Marine J-Lock SunShade System is a modular shade hardware system for adding removable sun protection along a boat gunwale or similar mounting area. It uses a Twist & Lock plunger connection, where the fiberglass pole inserts into a Type-316L stainless steel base, twists into place, and stays locked during setup.

The range includes 15 degree and 90 degree stainless steel twist lock bases, plus 7/8 inch black fiberglass pole pairs in 48.5 inch and 60.6 inch heights. The base options measure 4.1 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, giving installers a compact receiver for clean integration where the shade pole needs to land.

At the top of each fiberglass pole, a Type-316L stainless steel fitting works with a D-ring connection on compatible custom shade fabric. When the pole is removed, the retractable plunger cap returns flush, which helps keep the gunwale area cleaner and less intrusive when the shade is not in use.

Key features

• Twist & Lock plunger connection helps secure the shade pole without tools during normal setup and removal.
• Type-316L stainless steel bases and hardware are suited for marine exposure where salt, washdowns, and corrosion matter.
• Base options include 15 degree and 90 degree configurations, giving installers different pole angles for layout and shade tension.
• Fiberglass pole options use a 7/8 inch diameter and are available in 48.5 inch and 60.6 inch heights.
• Retractable flush-mount plunger keeps the receiver area low profile after the pole is removed.
• Pole variants are supplied as pairs with a carrying bag for easier storage between trips.

Variants

This product is offered in multiple configurations so the shade layout can be matched to the boat and the mounting plan.

The variants differ by component type, bundle quantity, pole length, and base angle. The J-Lock connection is the common system interface across the base and pole options.

• F16-3475: Bundle each, 4.1 inch length, 15º SS Twist Lock Base. This angled stainless steel base suits installations where the pole needs to lean from the mounting surface rather than stand straight up.
• F16-3490: Bundle each, 4.1 inch length, 90º SS Twist Lock Base. This stainless steel base supports a vertical pole position for layouts that call for a straight-up receiver.
• T10-7748-1: Bundle pair, 48 inch length, fiberglass poles, 7/8 inch x 48.5 inch with carrying bag. This shorter pole pair is useful where the shade height needs to stay lower or closer to the gunwale.
• T10-7760-1: Bundle pair, 60 inch length, fiberglass poles, 7/8 inch x 60.6 inch with carrying bag. This taller pole pair raises the shade connection point for more overhead clearance in the covered area.

Installation and setup

The system is built around a removable pole connection. The pole is inserted into the stainless steel base, twisted until locked, and removed by pushing down, untwisting, and lifting the pole out of the receiver.

Because the base becomes part of the boat’s mounting surface, fit should be checked against the gunwale, cap rail, or other selected location before drilling. The 15 degree and 90 degree bases serve different shade geometry, so the pole angle should match the fabric layout and attachment points.

Use cases on board

This system is a practical match for center consoles, fishing boats, and cruising boats that need temporary shade without leaving poles permanently in place. It works well for owners adding custom fabric shade over cockpit, bow, or seating areas where removable hardware keeps the deck area clearer when the shade is stored.