Hello again everyone... So I have a question for those of you who have put shades over your boat's portlights. I have a 340 Hunter (2000 model) which is nicely designed with many portlights all around the interior. These windows are great as they give lots of sun during the day, but at night should I want privacy for any reason (crazy thought I know) they give lots visibility to those around me. The solution to my problem: shades. The dilemma: Shades appear to cost a lot of money. Due to the nature and design of my boat (curved inner haul) the only shades that will work are the "fan" type (they sell them at the store here on this site and they are custom made to the length you specify) but for reasons I can't imagine they cost around $40-60 per shade. As I will need 8 to cover all my portlights that is a lot of money (almost exactly $400 when I priced it out the other night). Basically I was hoping that someone either could suggest a less expensive alterative, or could suggest a cheaper website where I could purchase these same shades for a reasonable price. They don't seem complicated to make (when pulled down they look like one of those fans you folded for yourself back in elementary school... and simple velcro cicles hold them open) but so far everywhere I look charges an arm and a leg for them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks... -Levin
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welcome to the boating world Levin
The main difference between prices of parts and supplies for cars/houses and boats is the quantity. A part maker for a car can make a profile by charging say %20 over material cost because they sell a lot of them, but a boat part maker doesn't sell nearly as many (just not nearly as many boats as cars) so they have to charge %80 over material cost to make a profit. That's why BOAT = Bail out another thousand. Everything on a boat cost a lot more then you are used to paying. Because you're on military pay, I would suggest to think of something you can build yourself. I'm sure you could come up with something by using material from walmart and some velcro and some tieoffs. On my boat, between the haze on the port lights and that is almost always brighter outside (even at night) then inside, there isn't much chance of seeing inside so I leave mine uncovered.
The main difference between prices of parts and supplies for cars/houses and boats is the quantity. A part maker for a car can make a profile by charging say %20 over material cost because they sell a lot of them, but a boat part maker doesn't sell nearly as many (just not nearly as many boats as cars) so they have to charge %80 over material cost to make a profit. That's why BOAT = Bail out another thousand. Everything on a boat cost a lot more then you are used to paying. Because you're on military pay, I would suggest to think of something you can build yourself. I'm sure you could come up with something by using material from walmart and some velcro and some tieoffs. On my boat, between the haze on the port lights and that is almost always brighter outside (even at night) then inside, there isn't much chance of seeing inside so I leave mine uncovered.
Wife Sewed Curtains for Ours
For curtain rods I streched bungee cord across the top and bottom of the window and secured it with plastic eye straps. Getting married to get some privacy is probably not worth the effort. Another thing to try might be the plastic that serves as covers for flouresant lights. Cut to fit and secure with velcro an advantage of this is you loose very little light.
For curtain rods I streched bungee cord across the top and bottom of the window and secured it with plastic eye straps. Getting married to get some privacy is probably not worth the effort. Another thing to try might be the plastic that serves as covers for flouresant lights. Cut to fit and secure with velcro an advantage of this is you loose very little light.
Make your own fan fold blinds
If you are into it, and if you think you can do it, try to make your own. It is not too hard. Go to some stores like Target, Walmart, etc, and buy their fan fold blinds, for big residential windows. Then, cut it up to size to fit your boat. To give the top and bottom some rigid firmness, either sew or glue a semi-rigid plastic strip to them. Then velcro the top edge to just above the boat's ports. Use some thin bungie on the bottom edge and hook it to a small button to keep it up, or down. Go to West Marine or some other boating supply store and take a very detailed look at how they are made, and copy them. Just 1 big blind should give you more than enough material for all your boat's ports.
If you are into it, and if you think you can do it, try to make your own. It is not too hard. Go to some stores like Target, Walmart, etc, and buy their fan fold blinds, for big residential windows. Then, cut it up to size to fit your boat. To give the top and bottom some rigid firmness, either sew or glue a semi-rigid plastic strip to them. Then velcro the top edge to just above the boat's ports. Use some thin bungie on the bottom edge and hook it to a small button to keep it up, or down. Go to West Marine or some other boating supply store and take a very detailed look at how they are made, and copy them. Just 1 big blind should give you more than enough material for all your boat's ports.
Home Depot....
They stock a vinyl pleated (fan type) blind made of vinyl which are pretty tough. A 36"W x 72"H is 5 bucks and change. I have picked one up and plan to experiment for blinds on my H31. I'll post results....Gary
They stock a vinyl pleated (fan type) blind made of vinyl which are pretty tough. A 36"W x 72"H is 5 bucks and change. I have picked one up and plan to experiment for blinds on my H31. I'll post results....Gary
Use a track system
similar to the one displayed in the link. Go over to Downwind Marine in Point Loma and ask one of the guys for some local sources for these type products. They might even be able to direct you to someone who can build the whole system. If you like to sleep late make darker curtains. If you just want some privacy and still have light in the cabin, get lighter curtains. http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.html?cat97.htm
similar to the one displayed in the link. Go over to Downwind Marine in Point Loma and ask one of the guys for some local sources for these type products. They might even be able to direct you to someone who can build the whole system. If you like to sleep late make darker curtains. If you just want some privacy and still have light in the cabin, get lighter curtains. http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.html?cat97.htm
One additional note on home made fan fold
If you plan to making your own by cutting up a big residential one, here is an additional note. Because the boat's ports are small, try to find pre-made blinds that have small or thin or narrow folds. If the folds are wide, then you end up with only 3 or 4 folds per port, and they will almost lay flat again the window. If they are small folds, you will get 8 to 10 folds per port, which is much better for privacy. I am not sure if I know how to explain it correctly, but I hope I am getting it across.
If you plan to making your own by cutting up a big residential one, here is an additional note. Because the boat's ports are small, try to find pre-made blinds that have small or thin or narrow folds. If the folds are wide, then you end up with only 3 or 4 folds per port, and they will almost lay flat again the window. If they are small folds, you will get 8 to 10 folds per port, which is much better for privacy. I am not sure if I know how to explain it correctly, but I hope I am getting it across.
The same problem
has been driving me nuts on our boat. I really like the look of Thermal Shades which can be purchased on this site, but feel they are too expensive. I am looking at the possibility of buyin some aluminum sun screen material like you use in your car's winshield and sewing/glueing it to an appropriate thickness of nylon poster board--the stuff that looks like corrugated board but is waterproof. Also trying to decide if I should have my canvas expert sew on an inside layer of canvas that matches all the other canvas on the boat. http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detail.htm?fno=400&cart=1136506760107991&group=188
has been driving me nuts on our boat. I really like the look of Thermal Shades which can be purchased on this site, but feel they are too expensive. I am looking at the possibility of buyin some aluminum sun screen material like you use in your car's winshield and sewing/glueing it to an appropriate thickness of nylon poster board--the stuff that looks like corrugated board but is waterproof. Also trying to decide if I should have my canvas expert sew on an inside layer of canvas that matches all the other canvas on the boat. http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detail.htm?fno=400&cart=1136506760107991&group=188
Exterior application?
Levin: Have you considered Sun/Solar Screen? This material is used to filter sunlight on patio covers. You would have them made to snap over the "sky lights" You can use white (help to cool), it allows you to see out (lets light in) but still give privacy. If you and/or yours can sew, you could make these yourself. I think it is called Pfipertex (one trade name). It only costs about $12/yd. 54" wide.
Levin: Have you considered Sun/Solar Screen? This material is used to filter sunlight on patio covers. You would have them made to snap over the "sky lights" You can use white (help to cool), it allows you to see out (lets light in) but still give privacy. If you and/or yours can sew, you could make these yourself. I think it is called Pfipertex (one trade name). It only costs about $12/yd. 54" wide.
Peek a Boo
Take a look at Peek a Boo Shades from Zarcor. They attach to the ports themselves, easy to install, work great. We have them on our Cata;ina 30 and love them.
Take a look at Peek a Boo Shades from Zarcor. They attach to the ports themselves, easy to install, work great. We have them on our Cata;ina 30 and love them.
i sold blinds
Best buy is American Blinds on the net. Next best buywoudl be to dumpster dive at the local blind shop. Or ask them for goofups. There is a blind made that slides on tight string. These were popular for conversion vans. You might try a junk yard or three to get enough. You didn't mention if the ports were fixed or opening. If fixed, I've seen blinds on slides, the slides similar to a old style traveler, one on top, one on the bottom. Or, you can try using dowel rod held in place with...hard to explain this...bimini top pieces? Then you have to make your own shades out of cloth. Don't forget to use white on the sunside. Back to the blonds...hit your search for blinds on line and look for skylight blinds for a house. And any blind is easy to redo to what you need. I did it every day. ANy problems let me know tho52mas@netscape.net
Best buy is American Blinds on the net. Next best buywoudl be to dumpster dive at the local blind shop. Or ask them for goofups. There is a blind made that slides on tight string. These were popular for conversion vans. You might try a junk yard or three to get enough. You didn't mention if the ports were fixed or opening. If fixed, I've seen blinds on slides, the slides similar to a old style traveler, one on top, one on the bottom. Or, you can try using dowel rod held in place with...hard to explain this...bimini top pieces? Then you have to make your own shades out of cloth. Don't forget to use white on the sunside. Back to the blonds...hit your search for blinds on line and look for skylight blinds for a house. And any blind is easy to redo to what you need. I did it every day. ANy problems let me know tho52mas@netscape.net
Don Casey's Book
Casey's book 100 Simple Projects for Your Boat (or something similar to that) had a really good curtain/shade idea. The bungee cord was mentioned earlier, and Casey had a similar suggestion. Use four oak drawer knobs, two each for top and bottom, and string a shock cord (shock cord is the stretch cord that is used for bungee cords) between them. Use this for a "curtain rods" for a simple piece of cloth. I liked the idea of two piece, so you can "open" it by sliding/bunching each one to the side.
Casey's book 100 Simple Projects for Your Boat (or something similar to that) had a really good curtain/shade idea. The bungee cord was mentioned earlier, and Casey had a similar suggestion. Use four oak drawer knobs, two each for top and bottom, and string a shock cord (shock cord is the stretch cord that is used for bungee cords) between them. Use this for a "curtain rods" for a simple piece of cloth. I liked the idea of two piece, so you can "open" it by sliding/bunching each one to the side.
My solution
I subscribed to the KISS theory for this one. It's also the cheapest by far. I cut out inserts from a sheet of translucent drop-ceiling light material available at Home Depot, et al. Slap on a velcro stick-on disk into each corner and you're done. I added the little string loop on one side to assist in pulling it off. It allows light in when they're installed and aren't in the way when the port is opened. I made a second set for the stateroom and painted them black to darken the space during the day for sleeping. Total cost for 8 ports? Maybe $20.
I subscribed to the KISS theory for this one. It's also the cheapest by far. I cut out inserts from a sheet of translucent drop-ceiling light material available at Home Depot, et al. Slap on a velcro stick-on disk into each corner and you're done. I added the little string loop on one side to assist in pulling it off. It allows light in when they're installed and aren't in the way when the port is opened. I made a second set for the stateroom and painted them black to darken the space during the day for sleeping. Total cost for 8 ports? Maybe $20.
Every color, as long as it's white
Rick: Great idea. But does that lighting material come in any colors besides translucent white (or semi-clear)? Red or smoky gray would seem to be good choices, if available. Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Rick: Great idea. But does that lighting material come in any colors besides translucent white (or semi-clear)? Red or smoky gray would seem to be good choices, if available. Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Ummmm, I don't know
It's been a few years since I made these and I don't recall what all the selections were at the store. They had quite a few. We wanted max natural light in the living areas and the white translucent material works great. In fact, it seems to diffuse the light and brighten the cabin(s) even more than the clear lens of the port. A colored lens material wouldn't be my choice for a bunch of reasons but if that's what you wanted and couldn't find it, it probably wouldn't be a big trick to either paint it or cover it with colored mylar.
It's been a few years since I made these and I don't recall what all the selections were at the store. They had quite a few. We wanted max natural light in the living areas and the white translucent material works great. In fact, it seems to diffuse the light and brighten the cabin(s) even more than the clear lens of the port. A colored lens material wouldn't be my choice for a bunch of reasons but if that's what you wanted and couldn't find it, it probably wouldn't be a big trick to either paint it or cover it with colored mylar.
Great idea, Rick
I have never thought of using these sheets, but what a great idea. When our current fanfold curtains dies, I think we may go with your idea. One thing though, I will have to find a place to put them when they are off of the windows, but that is no biggie.
I have never thought of using these sheets, but what a great idea. When our current fanfold curtains dies, I think we may go with your idea. One thing though, I will have to find a place to put them when they are off of the windows, but that is no biggie.
LEVIN! I'VE GOT IIIIT!
Turn negative cash flow into positive. Use your web connect. Learn to be an exhibitionist. Forget the shades, set up a camera and rake in the cash. HUH? Whatyathink? Just don't post your link here. *yks
Turn negative cash flow into positive. Use your web connect. Learn to be an exhibitionist. Forget the shades, set up a camera and rake in the cash. HUH? Whatyathink? Just don't post your link here. *yks
Levin
You might want to consider: A curtain will block most light coming out your ports; a translucent cover will allow light to pass through, but give you the privacy you desire. From a safety standpoint, the translucent covers will help identify a boat lying quietly at anchor on a moonless night because of its glowing ports; much better than just that lone little anchor light at the masthead. Velcro looks like a good fastener, but personally, I'd arrange mine so that they weren't on the (plexi)glass itself, but rather on the frame. If you're really good, you might be able to shape them well enough so that they pop into the frame, if the frame leaves you an edge. Of course, the cover will then need a tab to that it can be pulled out of the frame again. Good Luck
You might want to consider: A curtain will block most light coming out your ports; a translucent cover will allow light to pass through, but give you the privacy you desire. From a safety standpoint, the translucent covers will help identify a boat lying quietly at anchor on a moonless night because of its glowing ports; much better than just that lone little anchor light at the masthead. Velcro looks like a good fastener, but personally, I'd arrange mine so that they weren't on the (plexi)glass itself, but rather on the frame. If you're really good, you might be able to shape them well enough so that they pop into the frame, if the frame leaves you an edge. Of course, the cover will then need a tab to that it can be pulled out of the frame again. Good Luck
blocking light isn't a problem
If it's daytime, you will not be able to see into the boat (boat much darker on the inside then outside) so leave the curtains open. At night time and the lights on inside the boat, then privacy is a concern, except at my marina where they have stadium lights all until 11pm.
If it's daytime, you will not be able to see into the boat (boat much darker on the inside then outside) so leave the curtains open. At night time and the lights on inside the boat, then privacy is a concern, except at my marina where they have stadium lights all until 11pm.
Many ideas...
Hello everyone... Thanks for the many great ideas. I think I might go to Home Depot and see if I can find some of those comerical fan fold blinds and cut them down to size. This seems like the simplest and most cost effective solution... ceritanly much better than paying $400 for eight covers. Thanks everyone for all the help and I'll post a picture once I get the project done. -Levin
Hello everyone... Thanks for the many great ideas. I think I might go to Home Depot and see if I can find some of those comerical fan fold blinds and cut them down to size. This seems like the simplest and most cost effective solution... ceritanly much better than paying $400 for eight covers. Thanks everyone for all the help and I'll post a picture once I get the project done. -Levin
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