Horizontal blinds

C-Dawg · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:25 pm Post subject: Horizontal blinds

At the SBS I was browsing a vendor's booth that outfitted interiors, and noticed a picture of horizontal blinds on some cabin windows. I was thinking this would be pretty nice if there were a way to hold the bottom of the descended blind to the cabin wall so it didn't blow around when the window or vent is open, or clanking around in rough seas.

I did a search in the archives and couldn't find any thread about this. Anyone have any experience with such a thing?

Thanks.

Rick

thataway · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject:

I traded the small slat "horizontal" blinds in my RV for "Day and night Shades"--these are two degrees of opacity--one very lucent, the other almost opaque. They are captive on strings and work well on boats. My problem with horizontal blinds is the noise--also tend to corrode (aluminum)--and sometimes difficult to get coverage of the sloped windows.

We use shades so seldom, we just stick with the snap up canvas. One of the advantages of anchoring out in mostly remote areas!

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject:

C-Dawg-

I've had Venetian blinds in high end RV's and now in my Sea Ray cruiser.

They work best when very professionally installed, and in windows especially designed with recessed areas into which they fit. Odd shaped (non-rectangular) windows are very difficult to fit.

Opening the windows to get wind for cooling requires they be stored pulled up. Best used with air conditioning.

They can be nice, but I'd never attempt to install them on a C-Dory.

Tinted windows and snap on window covers are a much better fit for our boats.

Good Luck!

Joe. Thumbs Up

C-Dawg · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:07 pm Post subject:

Thanks Bob, and Joe. That helps convince Mama Dawg not to go down that road. Wink

Problem is, she's just not happy with the snap-in window covers. She wants more foo-foo. I'm guessing the next thing she'll contemplate is pleated drapes. Rolling Eyes

journey on · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:53 pm Post subject:

Our Catalina sailboat (early 90's variety) had fan-folded window shades. The lasted well, and since they were stiff fabric, didn't rattle. Either up or down, they were held in place by velcro. No lines to tangle. We have them in our house because there's so much sun and they do a good job of blocking it. I liked them, and they stood up to a lot of abuse.

Boris

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:57 pm Post subject:

Hey Dawg, (I feel like I should be watching American Idol)

Some of the C-Brat folks have installed curtains/drapes. I'm sure you'll hear from them with directions to the proper photo albums. We are fans of the Sunbrella snap in window covers - durable, easy to clean, no fuss, fold up flat out of the way, not foo-foo. As the Blonde once said when we discussed window coverings: "This isn't our house, it's a boat. Keep it simple and functional." What a woman!

One of my favorite things about this boat is the view from any place in the cabin. If we are at anchor, we often don't put up the covers unless the sun is going to be rising earlier than we are.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

rogerbum · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:23 am Post subject:

JamesTXSD · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:32 am Post subject:

Ah, Roger, no moon over Miami nor Seattle when we are in a marina. Wink

We generally keep the covers on when we aren't on the boat, just to keep prying eyes out. I like a view when we're on the boat, but the covers do a great job of keeping the sun (and heat) out as needed, too.

If someone is eyeballing us when at anchor or in a quiet cove, they deserve the shock. Mr. Green

Back on topic, when considering window covers, keep in mind that fabric like pleated curtains will also collect more moisture from condensation in the cabin. The Sunbrella is easy to wipe off and less prone to mildew. Joan also made a matching cover for our front hatch that keeps light out of the v-berth.

Best wishes,
Jim

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:20 am Post subject:

We are very happy with these curtains that Patty made. They slide in a track at the top, and are tied back when not in use. The track is held in place with 5200 with little dabs of hot glue holding it while the 5200 set up.

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:50 am Post subject:

Some have attached a thin wooden strip at the bottom of the snap on canvas, but it is wider at bottom than top and can bang around.

I put small cleats on either side of all windows at the very top and hooked some black shock cord to them. I fold the snap on canvas covers in half twice and tuck them up under the shock cord for opening. You can have half tucked in and the other half hanging down. Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to take home and wash out if dirty.

The shock cords come in handy for hanging towels and a host of other things up out of the way.

Here is a pic: and there are more under "bachelor curtains" in Tom-a-Hawk's album