Replacing curtains and curtain rods on older sailboat

[ValiantV]

I don't see a place for "interior" furnishing discussions, so I thought I'd try this here. If there's a proper/better place to post, lemme know!

Our '92 Catalina 30's curtains have served long enough! Though they are still "structurally" sound, they are faded and stained to the point that no amount of (very expensive and ineffective) dry cleaning can do them much good.

Also, the "rods" are long past their sell-by date. Being lightweight plastic, they're quite brittle after 25 years of heat, sun, etc. Arguably, they were never great to begin with. Very flimsy and and rough handling would dislodge them.

Just curious what others have done for a retrofit.

I'm thinking that an "old fashioned" pair of 1/4-3/8" brass curtain rods and 3 or more stout brackets would allow us to use an inexpensive to buy or super-easy to make set of "rod pocket" curtains to replace them.

Anybody out there replace their old curtains and hardware? And how?!

[moctrams]

Try this:

Catalina 22 & Catalina 30 Boat Curtain Sets In Stock - Sailboat Interiors

[jstevens]

I replaced my old curtains with hardware from SailRite. I don't remember where I bought the material, but it was Sunbrella Shade. I recognized my limits with a sewing machine and went with a very basic design.
I really like the Shade material for portlight and hatch awnings. It cuts way down on the heat and glare of Florida sunlight, but allows enough light through that the cabin does not resemble a root cellar.
Sails & Canvas

John

[ValiantV]

Originally Posted by moctrams

Try this:

Catalina 22 & Catalina 30 Boat Curtain Sets In Stock - Sailboat Interiors

Thanks Moctrams,

We have seen that site and I may "borrow" the hanging method they use if we don't opt for their turnkey option.

We have friends who are sure they could zip off simple curtains like these in an evening. I guess what material costs would be the big factor.

[JPA Cate]

The fabrics least damaged by UV are fiberglass or acrylic. Of those, I prefer the acrylic (like Sunbrella), but it's heavy for curtains. If you've patience, they're easy to make, and you can just go to any fabric store, and buy something you like on sale, and then replace them after 4 yrs. or so. Seriously, they can even be hand sewn.

People used to make two pocket curtains, and used s/s springs for the rods. The springs looped over a couple of screws that kept the springs tensioned, and the fabric tight to the deck house. Easy to remove. You can buy little finishing buttons, that sort of dress up the Phillips head screws. The curtains should be removed and washed annually, as a minimum, they'll last longer and be less prone to mildew.

Ann

[moctrams]

I bought my curtains from these folks. They were at the boat show">Annapolis Boat show.
*
Constantine Vavolotis
East Coast Embroidery
375 Waterman Ave
East Providence, RI 02914
401-434-9224 Phone
401-447-5957 Cell

[NRbar]

To add to Ann's reply; we use shock cord with an eye splice sewn at both ends and brass cup hooks. We are a traditional boat so brass hooks look good. This is home sewn two pocket, top and bottom, curtains.

[hamburking]

I removed the curtains, rod, and hardware. Nice and clean. No place for the spiders to hide. Lets in lots of light during the day, unobstructed view out at night. Curtains are for at home on land.

[UNCIVILIZED]

I commonly use an eyestrap, or cup hook at either end of the port, & run a line or piece of bungee in between them. And when you sew the curtains, the pocket for the bungee serves the same purpose as it does for a rigid curtain rod.

As to fabrics, it's more about decoration, & controlling light, than making curtains that'll last for 15yrs. And a change (in the curtains) is often nice if/when you move to another locale which has a different amount or type of sunlight.


PS: You can even use plain old screws as attachment points for the ends of the bungee.

[msrcal36]

Bungee cord...OR 3/16 cord worked for us. I used small strap eyes as guides.

[macman4190]

I went with these CloZures. http://www.zarcor.com/index_marine.php

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by hamburking

I removed the curtains, rod, and hardware. Nice and clean. No place for the spiders to hide. Lets in lots of light during the day, unobstructed view out at night. Curtains are for at home on land.

I like the clean port look, too, but when in a marina, I want them covered at night for privacy and in the day, too, too many curious people want to see in.

Ann

[a64pilot]

I have port lights not the big windows of more modern boats, however what has worked well for us is a plastic window covering. You cut it to fit and it stick in place and you just peel it off if you want to.
We got ours on Amazon and like it cause it reflects rainbows of light like little prisms, yet you cannot see through it, think shower door.
Maybe not this exact one, but close
Does a good job of reflecting heat too
https://www.amazon.com/Rabbitgoo-Dec...ds=Window+film

[redhead]

I always get lots of ideas, input and opinions on a Facebook group called "Sewing on Boats - SOBs". Its a very active group and it has a search function too. Good luck.

[alctel]

I used the sailrite tutorial video