Post your curtains here

kingfisher

kingfisher

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SWMBO volunteered last year to do something for the boat as well (last year was her first year on the boat, so giver here credit). She was going to redo the curtains (what is wrong with mildewed orange?). I removed the curtains and rods, and gave her the measures of the windows. We have found a tissue that we both like, but are now fighting over the rail system. I proposed simple: stick some velcro, remove the curtains when not in use, and you can take them with you for washing. SWMBO wants something with strings and pulleys (FFS, it's a 31 footer with 30cm portholes).

So I need a solution: simple, neat, easy to maintain, cheap. Images of your curtain systems are welcome.
 
This is a very common method, original equipment on our boat.

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Most caravan shops sell the track, sliders and hooks. Rufflette tape on the curtains with little pockets to accept the hooks.

These are our old curtains. Since then Jill has made up some very special ones, with insulating material beneath the decorative upper layer and silver lame reflective cloth on the inside. This is very effective at reflecting Mediterranean heat and contributes to keeping the saloon cool.
 
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Standard fitting on all Dragonflies. Sort of slightly flexible alloy poles. Dunno anything about them, what they are called or where you get them from, but couldn't resist the invitation to post a picture of my curtains!
 
Same as above, but just ordinary wood dowelling, You need a deepish hem though, to allow them to be pushed open. The window "poles" need to be parallel - even if the window is trapezioid.
Excuse the rest of the pic - the alternator was undergoing surgery!
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I've used the curtain track from caravan places at the top and 'stretchy' wire for thr bottom - you just tuck the bottom of ther curtain under the wire and it's nicely contained. You need an eye in the cntre of the track to make the wire lie close to the side. Incidently where can you get Stainless eyes and hooks suitable for the curtain wire? The originals are always zinc plated and don't last long before rusting.
 
I know. There is never a gay decorator around when you need one. Should I do a mouseline lining to soften the light coming in?

This summer there were actually flowers on board. Live flowers. I had a few mint plants before, but never flowers. I discovered a side of me that I had not been in touch with.

Coffee has been replaced with tea. Placemats are a must at every meal (I kept my mouth shut about the use of dogy bowls). The toilet has a brush, the bathroom has a carpet. The bunks have linnen instead of sleeping bags. A weekend on the boat requires two full trolleys of luggage, instead of a small backpack. Towels must be replaced every two days, instead of every two weeks (hence the double trolleys). The fluorescent light above the galley, allthough practical and efficient, can no longer be used, as the light is not "homely".

Odly enough, I am the one whimpering when it blows above F5, while SWMBO revels in it. Go figure.
 
I've just checked & no pics, but I have a simple alloy rail & sliders at the top with a curtain wire across the outside of the bottom of the curtain to hold it against the sloping window/ cabin sides.

Simple, cheap, effective & easy to use. Cords & pulleys are a disaster in houses, never mind boats. BTW, if you don't sleep in marinas or harbours you will probably never need to use them. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I decided that my boat was too small for curtains but still wanted something for marinas so came up with the alternative just visible in this pic.

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Originally two sheets of translucent plastic sold as desk or floor protectors and trimmed to fit the window frames, they are flexible enough to go into the groove and rigid enough not to fall out.
 
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Though I do intend to fit some caravan type rails at some point in the future, but these work. We do use velcro to hold the curtains closed but wires to hold them up. You can just see the velcro squares on the overlaps.

I printed the curtains using a couple of T-shirt packs from Peesee world. I fancy another go I think, but they still look ok in that the pattern has not faded. The logo I worked from the boats own logo which she came with when we got her.

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Dave,
Can you give a bit more information on your source of plastic? I'm looking for something to achieve an approximation of double glazing to reduce condensation on the windows. Does your frosted glass achieve any such effect?
Derek
 
hmmm, I didn't want to prostitute myself here as its against the rules. The "slightly flexible track" looks to be from Silent Gliss. Its what I use for nets etc.

The plastic film is opaque manifestation by the looks of it. Theres a knack to applying it, use soapy water in a garden spray and a stiff squeegy. Make sure the glass is spotless first with a window scraper.

You can get smaller hooks for tight situations. Look for Harrison Drape or Kursch.

I really don't see why people dont use venetian blinds on boats more. I've done a few installations on, ahem, Narrow boats that have looked very "factory fit"
 
Hi Derek,

It was a few years back but I'm fairly sure that they were sheets of translucent flexible plastic about 1m x 50cm x 1mm and sold as desk protectors by Ikea. If this is correct they are now discontinued and the closest article now is a KOLON (no, really) floor protector, however these are 100cm x 120cm and 2mm thick.

I hadn't thought about it until you asked but they do improve the condensation situation. The thicker plastic might be better and it also has a dimpled surface which would ensure a small air gap if this side was against the window.

If you want to have a look next time you're in the area I'll PM you with the secret instructions for getting aboard. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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