The Fastgrass Blind

-Installation Instructions-

Components

a. 6 each ½” PVC

b. 4 blind pipes

c. 2 collars

e. 2 bundles of netting

f. 1 each instruction manual

g. 1 package 100 wire ties

h. 1 bundle of 4 ropes

i. 2 each rings

j. 2 each snaps

k. 1 each front mount w/ bolts

l. 2 each 5/16 Mounting Bolts

o. 1 each ¾” PVC coupler

p. plastic tie strap clips (black)

q. 5/16” self-tapping screws

r. Fastgrass sheets

s. Self tapping screws


Tools Needed

1. Drill

2. Measuring tape

3. Drill bits 3/16, 5/16,  and 3/8

4. hack saw or band saw

5. 7/16 and 1/2" wrenches

6. 5/16 nut driver

Instructions - Read each instruction section carefully before cutting or drilling.

Instruction #1 – Attach PVC, Netting and Rope

1. Attach the black tie strap clips to the inside of the gunnel all they way down both sides of the boat.

Start at the transom and work your way forward every 16" or so (not crucial) until you get to the area on the front deck where you will mount your front mounting bracket. (see below for instructions on where to mount front mounting bracket under Instruction #2)

2- Drill four 5/16 holes in the top of the gunnel as shown below. The first two are at the rear of the boat just in front of the gussets connecting the sides to the transom. One on each side.

Make sure the hole goes all the way through the gunnel and comes out at the bottom. You will slip your ropes through these holes later.

The next two holes in the gunnels are in the front, one on each side. You can “cheat” this hole towards the transom 8” to 10” from the end of the front deck, OR dead even with the end of the extended deck if you have one.

3- Connect ¾” PVC, with the PVC couplers, to form two lengths of pipe that run the length of the gunnel from the front deck to the transom.

4 -Loosely weave PVC through netting, leaving an equal amount of netting on each end. There should be about 3ft of netting hanging off each end of the pre-cut to length PVC after netting is woven in. Note- Do NOT skip a square when weaving PVC thru netting.

NOTE- attach an addtiional tie strap between each of the clips. This will hold the netting in place and keep it from sliding side to side when you remove the blind for the summer....you're welcome.

5 - Lay connected PVC onto screw clips.

*Note – Do not stretch the netting lengthwise. It should have squares, not diamonds.

6- Secure PVC to screw clips using the wire ties. Let netting hang overboard for now.

Instruction #2 – Attach Blind Mounts

There are two types of mounts. The rear mounting BOLTS, which are installed by drilling holes through the transom, and the front mount bracket, which is attached to the bow.

1- Transom: The rear mounts are 5/16 bolts, not brackets. Drill holes in the channel that runs at the top of the transom 26” in from each corner and insert bolts from inside to outside on a huntdeck, and outside to inside on a traditional transom. Note for Huntdeck models- Be sure to drill these hole on the UPPER portion of the channel. If you drill them too low, once you slip the pipes on later, they wont rotate without hitting the huntdeck.

2. Mount the front mounting bracket to the front deck with self tapping screws dead center from left to right.

NOTE- If you move the front bracket too far forward, (a) the blind frame will hang overboard when it is in the down position. We recommend that that front bracket be placed at the edge of the original deck on your boat. (the edge closest to the transom) (b). If your boat has an extended deck, place the bracket near the weld line that connects the extended deck to the original deck. This placement works best.

*Note - If your front deck is 65” or wider, cut the mount into two and spread each piece apart a little.

Instruction #3 – Attach 1” Tubes

1- Drill a 3/8" hole in the very end of each of the blind frame bars so you can slide the 1” bent tubes onto the bolts of the rear and front mounts and fasten with nuts. Note- it may (will) be necessary to trim off a few inches of pipe so that the bend lays on top of the gunnel. The pipe should not extend past the gunnel more than a couple of inches. The wider the boat, the more you can get away with letting the pipe lay on TOP of the gunnel as it goes to the front of the boat. This is best so the blind wont get knocked off or out of line if you hit something. However, on narrow boats, it will be necessary to let it extend over the gunnel (in the laid down position) a couple inches to get the desired hieght when the blind is in the upright position.

Back set of tubes will bend and go forward to the front of the boat about half way.

Front set of tubes will bend and go back towards the back of the boat about half way.

2- Connect the front bar to the back bar with the 16” collar provided. A pilot hole (3/16) must be drilled in the COLLAR ONLY, then it can be secured using the provided self tapping screws. NO PILOT HOLE is needed in blind frame tube itself.  We suggest a total of 4 screws per collar. Two at one angle, then two more at a different (any different) angle. This really snugs up the collar and makes the joint stronger.

*Note – The tubes are sent long to fit all boats. In order to fit this assembly between the two 1” bent tubes, one of the tubes on each side may need to be cut.

3- After connected, this is how the blind should lay rested.

Instruction #4 – Attach Netting and Rope

(Uses parts i, j and g)

1- Slide a section of the rope thru each of the four 5/16" holes you drilled in the gunnel, from the bottom up. Tie a knot in the end so it can't be pulled ALL THE WAY thru.

Tie brass snaps to ends of 2 pieces of rope on port side of boat.

2- Tie brass rings to ends of the other two pieces of rope on starboard side. (snaps on one side, rings on the other)

3- With the blind held in the upright position, wrap rope from port side once around 1” blind frame tube on port side, and wrap rope from starboard side once around 1" blind frame tube on starboard side and secure with knot. Repeat in rear.

*Note – The opening at the top of the boat is typically 18” to 23” depending on your needs. NOTE- Rope must be TIGHT from gunnel to blind frame tube, AND from port to starboard blind frame tubes.

5- Your PVC pipe should already have the netting attached and be fixed to the gunnels with tie straps. Reach down and grab netting and pull it up TIGHT to the top blind pipe and wrap netting over 1” tube.

6- Wad up the excess (if any) and attach netting to 1” tube with wire ties.

NOTE- Netting MUST be TIGHT!

Instruction #5 – Attach Fastgrass

1- Position the Fastgrass sheets over the netting so that they are a few inches above the water. For most boats, this is 6” to 8” below the gunnel. Position the jagged end DOWN and the straight rope end UP. IMPORTANT- WRAP the top straight edge AROUND the pipe rail and tie wrap it back to itself under the rail. This will make the grass “flare” up and appear natural and jagged on both ends, top and bottom.

*Note – Excess grass may need to be cut off of the grass sheet.

2. There should be a row of tie straps near the top pipe rail, the middle of the sheet and as close the bottom (gunnel) as possible. This will ensure the grass bends and tucks in properly when closing the blind for travel.

Instruction #6 – Set in Travel Position

1- Disconnect snaps and rings.

2- Tuck grass toward center of boat as you lower the blind frame. (note, you will not have to tuck the grass in if you run a row of tie straps connecting the grass to the netting in the dead middle of the sheets of grass. It will naturally fold if you do this.

*Note – After a few days in the travel position, the grass will naturally bend into this position.

*Note – The frame should generally lie on top of the gunnel. It may protrude out past the side on narrower boats.

Maintenance

The life of your Fastgrass blind depends on your care. The Fastgrass is tough, but will last longer if allowed to dry when it becomes wet. Raise the blind while not in use and being stored. If you keep the blind folded flat on top of itself, it will not dry properly and rot faster. Damaged Fastgrass sheets are easily replaced and can be ordered from us in any quantity.

Thank you for ordering one of the best designed and most effective water fowling blinds made. If you have any questions, please call us! (225)-294-9991