Window Shades/Blinds-General Maintenance

[Leonard Atkins]

We currently have metal mini-blinds on our cabin windows which we intend to replace this year. They have been very durable, resistant to sun damage and very easy to use. The only negative is they can be noisy at night with any type of wave action. My replacement choice would be something similar but of different construction for quiet, peaceful sleeping.


Anyone have suggestions.


Thanks;


Leonard

 

[NWSeadog]

We have similar issues if we forget to "lock" them in place with the hold downs. If you are missing the hold downs you might want to consider replacing them. You can get them on Amazon. Here is what they look like.

 

[Oldersalt]

We installed Poseiden mini-blinds (specially for marine use) about 2 years ago. They work great and there is NO noise ever from them, since they slide up/down on string runners that hold them away from the windows and frame. No financial connection, just a very happy customer.
Oldersalt

 

[Shifty]

We're installing Levolor combination cell shades in our new trawler.

https://www.levolor.com/custom-cellular-shades.html

Here're the take-aways from our research. We also just like the way they look.

1) They're stringless, so there's less hardware and it's one pull or lift to open or close them.

2) The "combination" option integrates light filtering and blackout shades into the same design.

3) Cell shades have a natural insulating effect. The air trapped in the cell helps keep heat and cold out.

4) There's no need for special "marine" or RV shades. A higher-end brand for homes will work fine in a boat.

Hope that's helpful.

[Edited to add] Also, you can go see these at Home Depot, so you can try them out. Lots of colors and options available.

 

[menzies]

We replaced our wooden Venetian blinds this past spring with Roman shades. Silent and simple.

 

[boathealer]

We stepped out of the box a bit and tried some verticals (blinds.com). Overall, like them a lot. We like being able to rotate them and let some light in.

Had to get a bit clever on tie-backs for underway, but its working out......
.
.
.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

We replaced our metal blinds with day/night shades form here:

https://www.blindster.com/

Reasonable price and easy to install. We installed them about 3 years agao and they still look great.

 

[Leonard Atkins]

Thanks for everyone's very useful suggestions. Probably heading towards cordless cellular or roller shades with a netted material with a valance. Then with some extra time for the rest of the year think I will re-cover the upholstery for a totally refreshed boat for next year's delayed retirement cruise.


Leonard

 

[GoneFarrell]

Leonard,
I used magnets at full extension to keep my mini blinds under control.

I went with Blinds.com. Best service of any internet supplier I have ever used. Did my mom's house with their stuff too, same positive experience.

 

[Comodave]

On a previous boat we used double cellular blinds and it was very nice for heat rejection. On our current boat we went with the aluminum mini blinds. They don’t rattle if we keep the bottom in the retainer clips.

 

[menzies]

We had cells on our last boat. One thing to be careful of and that is bugs getting into the cells. You have to keep an eye on that and vac or blow them out before they lay.

 

[OldDan1943]

The American Tugs come with a 2 part blind system. The first layer is like a sheer, keeping about 50% of the light and most of the heat and affords privacy during the daytime and the 2nd layer blocks out all the light.
Alas, I do not remember the manufacture's name.

 

[Shifty]

The American Tugs come with a 2 part blind system. The first layer is like a sheer, keeping about 50% of the light and most of the heat and affords privacy during the daytime and the 2nd layer blocks out all the light.
Alas, I do not remember the manufacture's name.

Those are usually called “combination” or “day/night”. Most of the major brands seem to have the option. They’re pretty cool.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Those are usually called “combination” or “day/night”. Most of the major brands seem to have the option. They’re pretty cool.

Blindster has these types and is what we have.