Cabin Curtains (June 1998)

The Columbia 8.3, original cabin curtains were attractive. However, they had some unsightly tracks, were difficult to adjust and keep clean (especially liked by spiders). This is a scan from the Couimbia sales brochure.

 We searched for alternatives, including blinds of all types, and found nothing to be satisfactory. We came up with the idea of inserting translucent plastic panels on the inside of the window lites. We obtained some white, translucent, acrylic material 1/8th inch thick and cut out pieces to fit each of the four cabin lites. We added small, teak blocks at the top and bottom of the window frames. The panels are slid between these blocks and the window glazing. The panels are flexible so they easily slip between these blocks and the window glazing.

These pictures show the panels during and after installation. We use a small suction cup, shown in the picture, to pull the panel from the frame so that it can be slid back.

Later, we cut a small slot in the top edge of each panel, a couple of inches forward of the center and

wide enough to clear the block. This allows the panel to be set against the window and reduces the sliding to this dimension.

These panels reduce the sun load, cabin temperature and fading of interior components. They also maintain privacy while docked. If vision is desired, they can be removed in few seconds. For stowage, we keep them between the v-berth cushions and the hull.