Window Privacy covers

[CatyMae n Steve]

Great ideas here. I picked up fabric and snaps from JoAnne's Fabrics (the snaps can be used with a #8 1" stainless flathead screw -- but the shank will have to be cut off just a smidgeon) and screws from Home Depot. Time to dig out the sewing machine and get busy

[Minnow]

When Nanci and I made the curtains, we wanted to be able to leave them in place, for a homier feel. We used the snap tape made by Recmar, (from WM), and made tracks to fit the CD. Very happy with the results.

[matt_unique]

I realize this is an older thread but I'm in the process of rigging my Tomcat with curtains.

It seems the options are velcro, snaps in place of some window screws, or a snap track system of some kind. Here's the snap track system from West Marine:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?resultCt=1&jspStoreDir=wm51&catalogId=10001&productId=73184&keyword=118943&y=0&x=0&storeId=10001&ddkey=SiteSearch

I need to decide between curtains that would stay up but pulled out of the way vs. those that are removed and stowed (such as would be the case with velcro or snaps). I think I'm leaning to a track system that would keep the curtains up - create a more comfortable feeling in the cabin. Of course for the front windows they would need to be velcro or snaps and removed.

In terms of the track system above, I know it's sold in 3' lengths. Can it be cut to desired lengths and "end capped" to look nice? I'm probably not going to spring for Sunbrella. They would be nice but I just don't prioritize the cost for curtains. I want something to keep the sun and curious eyes out and if I need to replace the fabric every few years that's OK.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Captains Cat]

Matt, if I ever get to it, I'm gonna just have covers made for each window that snap on the corners. I don't like the idea of the tracks and leaving them there all the time. I've got ones for the head already and one that covers up the bunk area forward. Replacing the corner window screws with the male canvas snaps seems the easiest way to go.

Charlie

[Minnow]

Matt, you can see the tracks I made in the picture above. They are made of Azek plastic lumber, cheap and easy to work. Just takes several passes on a table saw. Caulked to the hull with hot melt glue in spots to hold it till the caulk sets. Don't forget the masking tape. There's a few more shots in my album.

[drjohn71a]

If you're anxious to get out on the water, my "Bachelor Curtains" setup is quick and easy. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a great "sewer"? , I mean "One who sews...", so I just figured out a way to keep the window covers up and out of the way, but handy so you don't have to figure out which one goes where, etc, in a pinch.

Here is a link to Tom-a-Hawks 'curtains':

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album526&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

John

[Ashley Lynn]

I have never sewn before in my life. well, mabye a button or two.

I loved the way the curtains were on "Foggy Dew".

I copied their setup.

ordered the matching sunbrella material online...it was fairly cheap.
I think I ordered through http://www.sunbrellacentral.com/

I bought enough to cover all windows and the entire full length door..including making an exterior cover for the front windows and I paid under 100.00 for material and shipping. I also used the 3/4" binding for the edging.

Bought a cheap sewing machine from wm....and off I went.

Turned out pretty good.

Check out foggy dew's album here: http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album250&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[cemiii]

both wally mart (sewing dept.) and ace hdw. carry the brass snaps very inexpensively, with the tool to pound em together.

[ccflyer]

I got mine from King Marine Canvas - he had them "on the shelf" in the color I wanted and shipped them with enough Velcro to install them. I embroidered the logo on them.
Kinda pricey though

[damason]

Here in Florida and in the Bahamas it gets mighty hot and the velcro with the sticky back in the heat turns loose. It will not stay stuck to the inside gelcoat. For boats in the South I would recommend using the snaps.

My CDs name is CHARITY cause that is where all of my money goes.

[squidslayer]

They wanted almost $1000 for custom made sunbrella at King in Wash for my 255 Tomcat...and they never returned my e-mail!
so.....in the mean time 10 gunny sacks hung by plastic adhesive hooks...put NO holes in my boat and NO hole in my pocket!!!...... $20 total..they give it a rustic look...work fine...can be replaced and used as needed!!!

Dick
Orinda, CA
255 Tomcat "Shirley Mae"

[Blindbaybob]

We made our covers from a light weight fabric, snapped on to the frame, so when they are rolled up they take up very little room over the windows. So even though we can remove them we usually leave them in place. Strips of "stick to itself" Velcro hold the rolled-up curtains in place. There are pictures in our album under "interior".

Lori and Bob, on Grey C'Lune

[matt_unique]

Those are some great ideas! I think I'm leaning to the notion of fabric cut/hemmed to the size/shape of the window then fastened with snaps. I would add a few snaps to the existing window screws to avoid drilling or glue.

Thanks!

[Dreamer]

Ron & Matt,

Here's Sunbrella cut to fit with piping and reinforced corners. From Janet's canvas shop (sewing room). The snaps have a 1/2" screw and replace some window screws.

[Roscoe]

We're just now in the process of having a camperback made, and the company is throwing in matching window covers as well. They're going to be attached by extra snaps and will roll up and down with upholstery tape tied at whatever height it's needed. I wanted to avoid velcro because we travel with dogs and velcro plus dog hair can equal a real mess. I'll post pictures when the project is done.

I decided not to have curtains made for the aft windows and the door, because the camperback will be back there. It's not too late ... can anyone present a good case for having them versus not having them?