Creating the most effective window shades.

[Freedomvango]

Let me preface this with how I define "effective":
Blackout capability, maximum thermal insulation and reflectivity, all in a lightweight, easy-to-install and remove package that also looks clean—depending on your fabric of choice.


Achieving all that typically isn’t cheap.
Only using reflective material fixes it about 60%
Canvas only is about 30%
Canvas and reflective is more like 65%
The key here is to have reflective and actual insulating materials in all the locations of the big fishbowl to achieve the best results.
The drive for this is to minimize the demand on the AC or Heater during extremes of the seasons in Florida. to maximize the effectiveness of the AC itself, control energy usage, thus maximizing solar production to prolong the amount of time I don't need to be at a slip

In the van world, we tackle this using products from VanMadeGear.com. A good example is this:
Sprinter Windshield Shade by VanMade Gear


Now, the Ranger Tug presents some unique challenges. There’s nothing magnetic around the windows or trim, so installation isn’t as simple as using magnets alone. To solve that, I’ve decided to use two mounting methods:


1. Snads
Snads are snap bases backed with 3M VHB adhesive—no drilling required. You stick the base to the frame and install matching snaps in the shade. I’m using this method on all the side windows, skylights, and eventually the main aft doors and windows. It’s non-permanent, clean, and won’t become an eyesore over time. Velcro, by contrast, tends to lose adhesion—especially in Florida’s heat.


2. Magnets
For the roof hatches, I’m using magnets. By pulling the hatch trim down and embedding magnets behind it, the shade (which also contains magnets) will snap into place quickly and securely. I’ll probably use this method on the side ports too.


Pattern-Making Process
This part is easily the most tedious, but here’s my approach:


Step 1 – Build a frame template:
I use 2" RamBoard strips and hot glue to create a mock frame.

Template framing with RamBoard


Step 2 – Transfer to Reflectix:
Once I confirm the frame works, I transfer the shape to Reflectix to test fitment and adjust as needed.

Template check with Reflectix


Step 3 – Digitize the pattern:
I photograph the Reflectix template from above, import the image into design software, scale it correctly, and trace the outline.


Step 4 – CNC cutting:
The digitized pattern is cut on a CNC to ensure precision.

Cutting the pattern on CNC


Step 5 – Fabric prep:
Using the CNC-cut template and a hot knife, I cut the outer ripstop nylon, insulation, and interior canvas layers.

Material prep for sewing


Note: This isn’t the final material. The production version will use the same rigid insulation that VanMadeGear uses for better shape and insulation value. This version is mostly for rapid prototyping and verifying fit before I send the final digital files off to VanMade.


Here’s what the first version looks like layered with ripstop exterior, insulation, and canvas interior. Final versions will be solid color (gray or sand).

Prototype layer stack


Step 6 – Assembly:
I'm no professional tailor, but I can sew in a straight line. I clipped everything together and stitched it up.

Sewing assembly


Then I applied the bias tape, and just like that—done.

Finished prototype


Final Fit Test
Time to install and test fit on the boat.

First fit test

Final adjustment check


So far, fitment is great. The starboard window needs about an inch trimmed from the center, but otherwise everything is spot on.


Next Step: Send off the files and wait for the final product!


Plans are to do the 25s next, then move on to the 27s.
Stay tuned—more to come in a few weeks!

 

[ABfish]

Thanks for posting.

 

[Moon]

I am going to watch for the follow up. I do not have access to a CNC machine so this may not be a project I can tackle alone. I will ask my canvas people what they think they might be able to make. Thank you for sharing your great idea!

 

[Captain DJ]

I like this subject. From many years as a contractor that built sunrooms and screened porches and decks, the subject of fighting unwanted heat gain has been of interest.

Something I learned long ago regarding glass, insulated, laminated safety glass or tempered glass is that insulation from inside is never as effective as an outside/shading approach. For example Bahama Shutters, louvers, hurricane rolll-up protection or exterior fabric such as Pfeifertex is better at blocking the thermal gain before it heats up the glass, which is a poor insulator. Once the glass gets hot , it is difficult if not impossible to fight the radiation of that heat inside.
Many of my favorite trawlers like Seatons and Cygnus and Malahide and many North Sea designs learned from sailors to use masts and booms for shade cloth to keep decks, windows and roofs shaded in the Med and Caribbean and Sea of Cortez. But those can create blocks to vision for navigation and are prone to catch wind like a sail in close quarter maneuvering.
Last year in the PNW we learned of a vinyl window film that retards 75 to 80% of unwanted heat gain. It also provides privacy without sacrificing vision to the outside world. With the exception of forward windshield in the Pilothouse during heavy blowing rain it works great.
Best part is that for about $53 in Amazon ordered materials, my wife and I were able to install in two days on all exterior glazing. Boy did it reduce the heat. Not sure how it will hold up with regards to many years but at that price it is easily removable with a heat gun if we want to remove it or if a new owner wants it removed. No big investment.

I will share some before and after shots. Please tell me what you think of the appearance with and without.

Before:

After:

To us, it made this already unique boat look even more unique. Many times we visited new docks and people walking by made positive comments and had no idea we could see them, but they didn't know we were aboard about a meter or two away.

A side benefit was there were a few windows that had the safety film sandwiched between tempered glass had started to haze on edges. This was unsightly inside and out and aged the boat. With this privacy film made in Canada, that edge hazing became invisible from interior and exterior inspection.

Looking forward to comments.

Don't hold back. Tell me what you really think.

This old Seaton has the exterior fabric that costs more for one window than our entire boat with 15 windows and three doors done with vinyl wrap.

It is for sale in Isla Mujeres for a tiny fraction of what they have historically sold for in the past. We went to look at it last month. If I can sell my boat quickly, we might take on this project or another boat we are interested in on the Atlantic side of the USA.

So I am eager to hear from you.
Privacy Vinyl Wrap on glass or No?

Thanks. I hope this adds to this conversation on fighting thermal gain.

Captain DJ

 

[mvweebles]

Cannot beat awnings to avoid heat. Plus allows windows/ports to be open even when it's raining. When I was in Mazatlan last year, the marina had a large open room where I could set up my sewing machine for a few days. I also have exterior pfifertex covers that are around 95% so fairly private with the awnings in place.

I've done a few different inferior window coverings on our Willard 36. The ones the OP describe would be too heavy in appearance and would make the saloon look like a coffin on our boat. I've made some smaller Roman shade style blinds that stow nicely beneath the wood valance that many boats have around the ceiling.

Overall I solved the cold weather problem many years ago by moving south. Airflow is the big issue these days which I've also solved by adding ports, hatches, and opening windows.

Peter

 

[NancieLafferty]

I like this subject. From many years as a contractor that built sunrooms and screened porches and decks, the subject of fighting unwanted heat gain has been of interest.

Something I learned long ago regarding glass, insulated, laminated safety glass or tempered glass is that insulation from inside is never as effective as an outside/shading approach. For example Bahama Shutters, louvers, hurricane rolll-up protection or exterior fabric such as Pfeifertex is better at blocking the thermal gain before it heats up the glass, which is a poor insulator. Once the glass gets hot , it is difficult if not impossible to fight the radiation of that heat inside.
Many of my favorite trawlers like Seatons and Cygnus and Malahide and many North Sea designs learned from sailors to use masts and booms for shade cloth to keep decks, windows and roofs shaded in the Med and Caribbean and Sea of Cortez. But those can create blocks to vision for navigation and are prone to catch wind like a sail in close quarter maneuvering.
Last year in the PNW we learned of a vinyl window film that retards 75 to 80% of unwanted heat gain. It also provides privacy without sacrificing vision to the outside world. With the exception of forward windshield in the Pilothouse during heavy blowing rain it works great.
Best part is that for about $53 in Amazon ordered materials, my wife and I were able to install in two days on all exterior glazing. Boy did it reduce the heat. Not sure how it will hold up with regards to many years but at that price it is easily removable with a heat gun if we want to remove it or if a new owner wants it removed. No big investment.

I will share some before and after shots. Please tell me what you think of the appearance with and without.

Before:
View attachment 164819
After:
View attachment 164821
To us, it made this already unique boat look even more unique. Many times we visited new docks and people walking by made positive comments and had no idea we could see them, but they didn't know we were aboard about a meter or two away.

A side benefit was there were a few windows that had the safety film sandwiched between tempered glass had started to haze on edges. This was unsightly inside and out and aged the boat. With this privacy film made in Canada, that edge hazing became invisible from interior and exterior inspection.

Looking forward to comments.

Don't hold back. Tell me what you really think.

This old Seaton has the exterior fabric that costs more for one window than our entire boat with 15 windows and three doors done with vinyl wrap.

View attachment 164822
It is for sale in Isla Mujeres for a tiny fraction of what they have historically sold for in the past. We went to look at it last month. If I can sell my boat quickly, we might take on this project or another boat we are interested in on the Atlantic side of the USA.

So I am eager to hear from you.
Privacy Vinyl Wrap on glass or No?

Thanks. I hope this adds to this conversation on fighting thermal gain.

Captain DJ

Your boat is beautiful and the new window covers look A+! Our film is looking haggard around the edges, too. I don’t know what to do about it yet.

 

[ABfish]

Capt DJ- please share the name of the product that you used.

 

[richard pattison]

I like this subject. From many years as a contractor that built sunrooms and screened porches and decks, the subject of fighting unwanted heat gain has been of interest.

Something I learned long ago regarding glass, insulated, laminated safety glass or tempered glass is that insulation from inside is never as effective as an outside/shading approach. For example Bahama Shutters, louvers, hurricane rolll-up protection or exterior fabric such as Pfeifertex is better at blocking the thermal gain before it heats up the glass, which is a poor insulator. Once the glass gets hot , it is difficult if not impossible to fight the radiation of that heat inside.
Many of my favorite trawlers like Seatons and Cygnus and Malahide and many North Sea designs learned from sailors to use masts and booms for shade cloth to keep decks, windows and roofs shaded in the Med and Caribbean and Sea of Cortez. But those can create blocks to vision for navigation and are prone to catch wind like a sail in close quarter maneuvering.
Last year in the PNW we learned of a vinyl window film that retards 75 to 80% of unwanted heat gain. It also provides privacy without sacrificing vision to the outside world. With the exception of forward windshield in the Pilothouse during heavy blowing rain it works great.
Best part is that for about $53 in Amazon ordered materials, my wife and I were able to install in two days on all exterior glazing. Boy did it reduce the heat. Not sure how it will hold up with regards to many years but at that price it is easily removable with a heat gun if we want to remove it or if a new owner wants it removed. No big investment.

I will share some before and after shots. Please tell me what you think of the appearance with and without.

Before:
View attachment 164819
After:
View attachment 164821
To us, it made this already unique boat look even more unique. Many times we visited new docks and people walking by made positive comments and had no idea we could see them, but they didn't know we were aboard about a meter or two away.

A side benefit was there were a few windows that had the safety film sandwiched between tempered glass had started to haze on edges. This was unsightly inside and out and aged the boat. With this privacy film made in Canada, that edge hazing became invisible from interior and exterior inspection.

Looking forward to comments.

Don't hold back. Tell me what you really think.

This old Seaton has the exterior fabric that costs more for one window than our entire boat with 15 windows and three doors done with vinyl wrap.

View attachment 164822
It is for sale in Isla Mujeres for a tiny fraction of what they have historically sold for in the past. We went to look at it last month. If I can sell my boat quickly, we might take on this project or another boat we are interested in on the Atlantic side of the USA.

So I am eager to hear from you.
Privacy Vinyl Wrap on glass or No?

Thanks. I hope this adds to this conversation on fighting thermal gain.

Captain DJ

Looks nice. Can you share product name and contact info please?

 

[NWexplorer]

I like it. Is that the material with little holes in it as is sometimes seen on busses? If so, it can be had in many colors to match/accent your boat.

 

[Captain DJ]

I like it. Is that the material with little holes in it as is sometimes seen on busses? If so, it can be had in many colors to match/accent your boat.

VVid on Amazon in black and white

Amazon.com.mx

Look up privacy film by Vvid on Amazon in USA or Canada

 

[Captain DJ]

Looks nice. Can you share product name and contact info please?

VVid on Amazon in black and white

Amazon.com.mx

Look up privacy film by Vvid on Amazon in USA or Canada

 

[Captain DJ]

Capt DJ- please share the name of the product that you used.

VVid on Amazon in black and white

Amazon.com.mx

Look up privacy film by Vvid on Amazon in USA or Canada

 

[Snapdragon III]

I am torn between being super impressed with your process and fabrication skills, and not liking the end product at all. In fairness I am in Seattle so I do not really feel the pain of heat gain, although I did have my boat in Hawaii for a while so I have some idea. To me the best part of being on the boat is looking out the windows. Having coverings that completely block out the view during daylight hours seems horrible, and counter productive to owing a boat to me. I would go with white Phifertex Plus on snaps on the outside. Blocks tons of heat, but you can still see out though it.

 

[Freedomvango]

I tell you what, i didnt see all these responses for whatever reason, so I'm glad to come and add some insight!

I like this subject. From many years as a contractor that built sunrooms and screened porches and decks, the subject of fighting unwanted heat gain has been of interest.

Something I learned long ago regarding glass, insulated, laminated safety glass or tempered glass is that insulation from inside is never as effective as an outside/shading approach. For example Bahama Shutters, louvers, hurricane rolll-up protection or exterior fabric such as Pfeifertex is better at blocking the thermal gain before it heats up the glass, which is a poor insulator. Once the glass gets hot , it is difficult if not impossible to fight the radiation of that heat inside.
Many of my favorite trawlers like Seatons and Cygnus and Malahide and many North Sea designs learned from sailors to use masts and booms for shade cloth to keep decks, windows and roofs shaded in the Med and Caribbean and Sea of Cortez. But those can create blocks to vision for navigation and are prone to catch wind like a sail in close quarter maneuvering.
Last year in the PNW we learned of a vinyl window film that retards 75 to 80% of unwanted heat gain. It also provides privacy without sacrificing vision to the outside world. With the exception of forward windshield in the Pilothouse during heavy blowing rain it works great.
Best part is that for about $53 in Amazon ordered materials, my wife and I were able to install in two days on all exterior glazing. Boy did it reduce the heat. Not sure how it will hold up with regards to many years but at that price it is easily removable with a heat gun if we want to remove it or if a new owner wants it removed. No big investment.



To us, it made this already unique boat look even more unique. Many times we visited new docks and people walking by made positive comments and had no idea we could see them, but they didn't know we were aboard about a meter or two away.

A side benefit was there were a few windows that had the safety film sandwiched between tempered glass had started to haze on edges. This was unsightly inside and out and aged the boat. With this privacy film made in Canada, that edge hazing became invisible from interior and exterior inspection.

Looking forward to comments.

Don't hold back. Tell me what you really think.


So I am eager to hear from you.
Privacy Vinyl Wrap on glass or No?

I think the application, the problems you're trying to solve, and your capabilities will really dictate your approach.


On a vessel that size, you have a lot more options. For example, you can isolate areas and cool only the smaller spaces you're actually using, instead of worrying about the entire boat. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, where the climate is milder overall. Here in Jacksonville, we’re hitting a 104° heat index today—and it'll stay like that for months—so we’re dealing with a completely different environment.


My vessel, a humble R-23 compared to some of the others mentioned here, doesn’t have the luxury of space. We don’t have ample deck room for a bunch of shades and setups and still be able to move around the gunnels and bow comfortably.


For me, coming from a background in van builds (we're actually one of the largest builders in the country), I treat this somewhat like a van conversion. We focus on insulation—though that's not as big of a factor in boats, since water naturally helps regulate hull temperature on something my size—and window shading.


Ideally, I’d recommend ceramic window tint. It cuts down UV (which is more about light than heat), and reducing light helps with interior temperatures too. That said, you have to balance it out—go too dark and it’s unsafe at night, so we keep the tint conservative. Still, UV protection is amazing and I definitely recommend it!


Another great option—when you can—are exterior covers. I still use outside canvas covers when possible. But I’ll be honest: I hate going out on the deck in rain and nasty weather. I didn’t want to rely on exiting the cabin in wind and rain just to set covers up for the night, then deal with them soaking wet the next morning. That’s where exterior shades, canvas or even perforated (to maintain visibility), can be a big help.


Lastly, interior shades—this is what I’m currently focusing on. If nothing else is an option, I want to create the best-performing interior shades available for Ranger Tugs (and maybe other boats down the line), using what I’ve learned from van-building and real-world testing.


Speaking of testing—I did a comparison over the last few days: canvas only vs. no canvas with just interior shades. Same time of day, same cloud cover, same position on asphalt on the trailer. With just a Sirocco fan running (no windows or hatches open), I saw a 15-degree difference in internal temps. It works.

Cannot beat awnings to avoid heat. Plus allows windows/ports to be open even when it's raining. When I was in Mazatlan last year, the marina had a large open room where I could set up my sewing machine for a few days. I also have exterior pfifertex covers that are around 95% so fairly private with the awnings in place.

I've done a few different inferior window coverings on our Willard 36. The ones the OP describe would be too heavy in appearance and would make the saloon look like a coffin on our boat. I've made some smaller Roman shade style blinds that stow nicely beneath the wood valance that many boats have around the ceiling.

Overall I solved the cold weather problem many years ago by moving south. Airflow is the big issue these days which I've also solved by adding ports, hatches, and opening windows.

Peter

I totally agree on your vessel. But with light colored versions, it wouldn't do anything of the sort. I don't have much space for big shades like that because of the size of my vessel and the 30 mph i travel at under way.

I am torn between being super impressed with your process and fabrication skills, and not liking the end product at all. In fairness I am in Seattle so I do not really feel the pain of heat gain, although I did have my boat in Hawaii for a while so I have some idea. To me the best part of being on the boat is looking out the windows. Having coverings that completely block out the view during daylight hours seems horrible, and counter productive to owing a boat to me. I would go with white Phifertex Plus on snaps on the outside. Blocks tons of heat, but you can still see out though it.

I wanted a loud pattern, production ones are a solid light color.

The thing about this, is you don't have to have them in all the time. If its hot? Put more of them in. If its nice, don't. Going to bed? Pop them in without going outside.
Its not the single be all solution. Its a part of a multi prong approach. But for this specific element of it, Im here to make the best ones i can.

It isn't a, This is the best single method of climate control.

It is a, This is the attempt at the best version of this portion of the equation

the manufactured version of the hatch and skylight are in though
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

Hatch are held in with magnets behind the trim rings.
Skylights use Snads to snap them on


The main windows are currently in production.

Love the feedback!

 

[TBill36]

One benefit of exterior shades is you are minimizing the thermal gradients between the glass and structure that holds it along with extending the life of the caulk that holds it all together.