Jun 12, 2015 | Flotsam
My plan has always been to make some sort of window coverings for R.E.D.
During our first summer I tried using static cling window film (link here).
It worked great, offering privacy at night,
but we missed being able to see out the windows,
and removing and reapplying wasn’t practical.
Last year we felt no particular need for night-time privacy,
but the sun blazing through the cabin added so much heat
to our little abode.
We still plan on someday adding curtains
but as a temporary measure this year
to beat the heat so to speak
we bought some
Mylar Reflective Insulation,
a double-sided polyester and aluminum blanket
which reflects 97% of radiant heat.
It’s so effective that NASA uses it to shield the International Space Station
against thermal radiation of the sun.
It was easily cut with kitchen scissors,
and pressed into the several window alcoves,
it was really effective in cutting the blazing afternoon sun.
Aug 19, 2013 | Flotsam
Our marina is a very quiet one.
Even though there are over 200 sailboats, only about 20% ever leave the dock…
a fact that I find so very strange.
We don’t have window coverings on R.E.D….
never felt the need for them….
Custom is possible but pricey
and we have yet to see any that suit our contemporary aesthetic.
I have found that being alone on the boat
has made me feel just a little ‘exposed’.
During the day, I’m usually out in the cockpit
and with the black windows you can’t see inside anyway…
but at night when I’m reading in the cabin
with all the lights on,
anyone passing our dock can see in the windows.
So…
I happened on a blog post today that offered a solution…
Static cling window film…
not permanent
offers a bit of UV protection and
keeps out some of the heat from the sun
not expensive
easy to apply
…perfect…
…daytime inside with static film…
my choice ‘etched glass’
I now have most of the windows covered…
(the ones over the ‘head’ and aft the V-berth will likely install custom)
and tonight will be the test…
…outside night time…
just a warm glow from within…
I will not likely keep them all on during the day
because one of the advantages of our boat is the many windows…
ten in all…
allows lots of light into the cabin…
I like watching the goings on
from the sanctity of within when weather isn’t favourable…
But tonight I can be private Kat.
