Shades and Blinds Project - Grand Marais, MN

I have been working on a variety of projects here in GM since arrival at the beginning of the month.  Weather has been cool, and even cold.  This morning was typical with 45 degrees F, at 0700, with heavy fog and rain on the way.  Offshore water temperature is still about 39 degrees F!

The fog has been thick for the past couple of days, sometimes obscuring even the closest boats on the moorings.   I've been using my portable propane heater to stay warm.

Closest Boat, Harbor Shore Beyond

Light House Obscured Behind Boat, To Left

Closest Shore

Not much wind either and virtually no sun so I am having to use the back up generator (2 kw Honda) to keep batteries charged.

Solar Panel Output Indicated!
WiFi Antenna To Left, In Use

Generator At Work



Generator Charging Via On Board Charger Allowing Use Of All 110 VAC Circuits.

My big project was to finish up installation of shades for my forward windows.  During spring launch prep I installed some blinds on the sides of the boat, but the skylight shades in the bow were more expensive and complex to do.  See photos of the installation and operation below:

 Forward Windows - Double Cell Skylight Shades Open

Skylight Shades Closed

Using Pole To Close Or Adjust Shades From Salon

 Pole Makes It Easy, No Going Forward To Close Blinds

Pulling Them Up Is Just As Easy

Starboard Blinds Over Galley Looking Forward

 Starboard Blinds Looking Aft

Port Blinds At Step Down - Cut To Fit

The shades and blinds are all Home Depot products.  The blinds are very cheap, about $8 each and may be cut to fit if needed.  The bow double cell skylight shades are made by Bali and expensive but work wonderfully.  They run about $125 each.  Installation for the side bow windows took extra work due to the curvature of the boat. I made some special shims with select pine, a miter saw, and painted them to match the stock shims.  See below:

Note the shim under the bracket to match curvature of boat.