For sure shade in the cockpit adds to the comfort and makes longer sailing days less tiring, less sunburn too.
I got very spoiled with the sheltered cockpit on our 45' tri Tevake that we added in N Z.
Good for shallow water less that 3' draft board up. but at 27' wide not going to be trailer ing it around much.
Tho we did transport it about 40 miles overland in N Z . But that's another story.
SCaddy, keep us in on your hunt. There seems to be a wide range of sailing experence here and its fun being part of your quest.
Cheers Richard