Curtains for our new C-dory

designbug · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:09 pm Post subject: Curtains for our new C-dory

Hi all,

It's so nice being able to ask questions to the "been-there-done-that" folks out there who've already experienced many things with their boats.
My question is about curtains for ours-right now we have the snap-on covers for the windows that came with the boat but the snaps are already popping out. Is there a way to hang curtains and if so, is there a specific website I can go to? It's been a challenge figuring out how to make our cabin feel more homey and inviting when we can't hang things up like we can at home. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Very Happy

Thanks,
Laurie

dotnmarty · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:27 pm Post subject:

When I saw this topic, I thought they pulled the plug on the 29. Embarassed

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject:

Patty here. Check out our curtains in our photo album. If they appeal to you I can walk you through the process.

Dragonfly · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:15 pm Post subject: Curtains...

We just had our curtains made by a friend of ours. I don't sew on a machine very good so she offered to make them for us. We just used the snap kit from Lowe's to snap ours . They work great and they match the seats. I got a really good deal on some sunbrella material that was just the right size . All she did was cut it to patterns I made and add some trim. Good luck.. I'll add some photos later.. lol

Da Nag · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:36 pm Post subject:

DaveS · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:02 pm Post subject:

edwardf · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:09 pm Post subject:

We had very good luck using the curtain hardware from Westmarine.

Just go to there web page and enter "curtains" in the search window.

We used the "Port Curtain Snap Track System" from Recmar. You get all the hardware you need to take whatever fabric you want to make curtains.

You'll need to order Track, Carriers, Tape, and End Caps. The track comes in three foot lengths.

journey on · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:30 pm Post subject:

We bought our curtains after we got the boat, and I had to install them myself. West Marine is expensive, so I went to Defender (www.defender.com , look under canvas snaps, or pg. 56 on their catalog.) I used two kinds: Durable Dot Fasteners and Curtain Fasteners (Defenders nomenclature.) What made the job semi-easy was the purchase of the Grip Fast All Metal Kit, which is a pair of vise-grips, with the proper slide on Jaws to set the snap in the fastener. On the side windows and rear door, I removed the window screws and replaced them with a base that had a thread. Used spacers to space them out. That way I didn't need to drill new holes

Did all the windows, rear door, and installed the front cover on the inside. Works great for sun shade or at night.

Just buying new snaps and the right tools should be enough to salvage your existing curtains.

The Southern Boris

Rob & Karen · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:37 pm Post subject:

edwardf,

How did you mount the end caps? Screws? Glue? Thanks.

Rob

edwardf · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject:

I used small sheet metal screws. Because the cabin wall is thin above the windows, I used a drill bit with a depth limiter on it and I ground the points off the screws to make them stubby and to be sure the points didn't poke through.

A strong glue would work fine too, I imagine. I think it's 3M 5200 that some use.

I think my wife used indoor/outdoor table cloth (from Bed Bath& Beyond) for the curtains. Somebody has to sew the "tape" onto the cloth and put in the pleats or whatever that's called.

gljjr · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 12:19 am Post subject:

We had curtains using the SnapTrack system on my mom's RV. The track was on both top and bottom. They were great! The curtains didn't flop around yet worked great at keeping out the light.

Great system!

416rigby · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 12:25 am Post subject:

Hers are a couple of curtain links...ours are very simple and quick to use.

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=6034

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=4555

Rick

designbug · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject:

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for all your very helpful suggestions. I was amazed at the number of responses and thankful for all of them. Pat, your curtains look great-you've done a wonderful job! I also appreciate seeing all your other pics that give so many other ideas...keep up the good work!

I'm also amazed (I don't know why Question

) at how differently men and women think. I didn't understand Marty's response until my husband, Dick, explained to me what he meant-mind you, I didn't know anything about a 29'er! Thanks Marty!!

Thanks everyone!!
Laurie Very Happy

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject:

OK, those are all fine examples of excellence in planning and execution. Now, here's a link to my "Bachelor Curtains" setup, which involves minimal skills...

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

I mounted small metal cleats above and beyond each window area and stretched some black bunjie cords across them. You could fold up and stick the window covers under the elastic cords, but those inexpensive little spring clips will hold the window covers in place easily, whether up or down.

The larger window covers begin to sag in the middle, so JimTX and others have added center snaps to hold that up. The little spring clips will hold the centers up well.

The cleats also allow hanging those unsightly net hammock storage devices which come in very handy when maneuvering, cleaning and cooking underway at sea.

The cords hold dishtowels, washrags, etc., for drying too.

Pics are in Tom-a-Hawk's album

John