ideas for an alternative to the traditional washboards?

[prv]

In reality laziness and lack of cash will probably see the washboards reign supreme.
If I can afford to buy or make a cockpit canopy that keeps the majority of weather (when i plan to be aboard, not hurricanes) from going straight down the companionway when in the marina then that would be a big improvement.

Our first boat reused the washboards as the bunk infill for the double berth. To close off the companionway if needed when the bed was made up, there was a double-layered curtain that clipped into a track on the aft edge of the sliding hatch. The inner layer was flexible transparent plastic and the outer was fairly heavy canvas - you could roll up or down either or both as required. Going in or out through it was easier than removing and replacing washboards, though admittedly not quite as neat as just swinging a door open.

Something to consider as an alternative?

(Our current boat has standard washboards, in polycarbonate. We don't have the fancy double-curtain, but I do sometimes hang a towel over the opening if the conditions warrant something but not full closure.)

Pete