Dan,
I used the standard black Por-15 thinned out to seal the wood blade. Next, applied the Por-15 High Build primer, sanded, and add another coat of primer. Then three coats of the two part white Hard Nose top coat.
Foam brushes work very well and leave a smooth finish.
The shroud is made from a strip of thick vinyl, the type that is used to create curtains in front of doorways. I like the softness of the vinyl over plexiglass for sound dampening.
Matt,
Yes, that is a safety rope tie to the end of the gin pole. Adds some insurance the gin pole will remain in alignment while lowering/raising the tower. I have never observed the rope become taught moving the tower. It is worth the peace of mind