Making curtains

[zinahewitt]

Hi All,

My 1975 Dufour 34 has a track for curtains.
I think it was the original track but no curtains as previous owner re-did the cushions and probably threw out the curtains as they did not match.
He reupholstered to solid red and the boat originally had that 70s plaid thing.

Any suggestions as to how to go about and make curtains ?

I am guessing
Split the curtain in half.
use curtain tape to be able to add hooks
add hooks in the back as they would fit in the plastic holders on the track.

Since there is no track at the bottom.
Do I weight the curtain bottom by doubling fabric ?

Any fabric you found nice to work with ?
Thickness?



Thanks

 

[rgranger]

I have not made boat curtains before but I once owned a boat where the bottom seam of a privacy curtain was filled with sand. Did what it was supposed to do.

 

[zinahewitt]

I have not made boat curtains before but I once owned a boat where the bottom seam of a privacy curtain was filled with sand. Did what it was supposed to do.

That is a good idea, I was thinking of using "lead" shot. I guess that would be a "healthier" option.
Now let's hope that Fish and Wildlife agent doesn't catch me stealing some from the beach.....

 

[dlochner]

Take a look at Sailrite.com for curtain suggestions.

 

[kappykaplan]

Take a look at Sailrite.com for curtain suggestions.

 

[Dave Groshong]

I like these, you can get custom sizes. They can be easily taken down to wash, or when you don't need privacy, no more moldy curtains!

CloZures privacy shutters for sailboat portlights and hatches.

Zarcor is a custom manufacturer of CloZures shutters and window treatments for sailboat portlights and hatches. Protects the interior from harmful UV rays.

zarcor.com

 

[thinwater]

Or he may have thrown out the curtains because the make the inside of the boat feel smaller. I think that is more lilkely. My PDQ had curtains, and visited a freind's sister boat without curtains, I took them out that afternoon. We then used external covers, when needed, for privacy. They also protect the windows, reduce solar heating, and keep it warmer in the winter.

 

[sailcapt340]

Our 340 has curtains as well. They do provide privacy and a sense of warmth up on the cooler days. Ours are hung on rods, as normal curtains would be, weighted in the bottom corners of each one, but not a lot of weigh. As they really don’t blow in the wind.
Unlike yours, ours run in the shelf under the window. They do collect some pollen and dust but a quick vacuuming up takes care of that each spring.
I think you will enjoy having them on your boat.
This is the best pictures I have at the moment for you to look at. The same on the other side of the boat as well.

 

[Ward H]

My boat had some Recmar curtain tracks in place when I got it. I purchased what I needed from Defender to complete the curtains tracks, the track slides and webbing with snaps on it that snapped onto the track slides.
Then went on Amazon and bought curtain valances I liked and sewed the webbing straps onto both the top and bottom. This holds the curtains snug to the window area. I made them longer than needed so they would have a pleat and I split them in half for each window.

s

 

[rgranger]

Now let's hope that Fish and Wildlife agent doesn't catch me stealing some from the beach.....

That might smell bad… I’d buy a bag of play sand at lowes

 

[dLj]

I just finished putting up curtains in my boat. They are made so that they can be retracted from the windows and leave the windows looking as if they aren't there. Having curtains such that you can't move them away from the window is not so desirable as mentioned above by others.

My curtains have a double layer, there is an insulation layer behind the visible curtain. The can really help in both hot days and cold days. In the heat, you can pull the curtains and it helps keep the boat cool. In the cold you can pull the curtains and it helps to keep the boat warm... I also find the curtains nice to have when in ports and you just prefer to not have people watching you eat dinner, or whatever...

dj

 

[Ward H]

I also find the curtains nice to have when in ports and you just prefer to not have people watching you eat dinner, or whatever...

Yep, that's the main reason I installed them on our boat, to increase privacy when needed. Easy enough to push them aside when we want more light.

 

[thinwater]

I encourage people to consider external covers. Yes, you have to go on-deck. But they keep the windows clean, protect agains UV, and they keep the heat OUT of the far better than any curtain. The only upside of a curtain is that it is a bit easier. Most day sailing trips we just leave the covers on.

 

[dLj]

I encourage people to consider external covers. Yes, you have to go on-deck. But they keep the windows clean, protect agains UV, and they keep the heat OUT of the far better than any curtain. The only upside of a curtain is that it is a bit easier. Most day sailing trips we just leave the covers on.

I certainly agree, but on my boat, it would be very difficult to install outside covers.

dj

 

[thinwater]

Fittings are required, just as they are for curtains. The fittings can be snaps or even something glued on.

YKK® SNAD® Fastener Adhesive-Backed Flexible Base Stud White 25mm

SNAD studs are alternatives to traditional screw studs for cloth-to-surface uses. They attach to solid surfaces with adhesive – no drilling needed.

www.sailrite.com

Sailrite glue-on snaps by YKK

 

[LaDonaMina]

My wife made these curtains and use a wooden rod to support them. Works very well.

 

[dLj]

Fittings are required, just as they are for curtains. The fittings can be snaps or even something glued on.

YKK® SNAD® Fastener Adhesive-Backed Flexible Base Stud White 25mm

SNAD studs are alternatives to traditional screw studs for cloth-to-surface uses. They attach to solid surfaces with adhesive – no drilling needed.

www.sailrite.com

Sailrite glue-on snaps by YKK

I understand in cold weather, these outside covers are so much more effective than interior curtains both in maintaining heat and notably when it comes to condensation. I've been told you get far less interior condensation compared with using interior mounted protection.

If I ever get to that level, I'll certainly look into fitting insulated exterior covers. Thanks for reminding me...

dj

 

[zinahewitt]

Or he may have thrown out the curtains because the make the inside of the boat feel smaller. I think that is more lilkely. My PDQ had curtains, and visited a freind's sister boat without curtains, I took them out that afternoon. We then used external covers, when needed, for privacy. They also protect the windows, reduce solar heating, and keep it warmer in the winter.

Any link to the external covers or a photo ?

 

[zinahewitt]

My boat had some Recmar curtain tracks in place when I got it. I purchased what I needed from Defender to complete the curtains tracks, the track slides and webbing with snaps on it that snapped onto the track slides.
Then went on Amazon and bought curtain valances I liked and sewed the webbing straps onto both the top and bottom. This holds the curtains snug to the window area. I made them longer than needed so they would have a pleat and I split them in half for each window.

View attachment 216655s

learned a new word today. "Valances".

 

[zinahewitt]

Our 340 has curtains as well. They do provide privacy and a sense of warmth up on the cooler days. Ours are hung on rods, as normal curtains would be, weighted in the bottom corners of each one, but not a lot of weigh. As they really don’t blow in the wind.
Unlike yours, ours run in the shelf under the window. They do collect some pollen and dust but a quick vacuuming up takes care of that each spring.
I think you will enjoy having them on your boat.
This is the best pictures I have at the moment for you to look at. The same on the other side of the boat as well.

Nice maritime theme going there.