| SJ23 Tech Tip C15, (Updated 2001-02-22) Bob Schimmel | |
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Companionway Weather Curtain. |
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 The purpose of this curtain is to keep the rain out
while creating quick access to the cabin in lieu of the drop boards or a
dodger. At night it creates some
ventilation. If the curtain is equipped with a clear vinyl window,
the crew below can keep an eye on the helmsman to determine when the
coffee is low! A major priority if you want to stay dry down
below! HINT - If the window is made from two layers of vinyl, creating a pocket that opens from inside, you have a handy map holder while sailing! Easy to roll up too. This should be very convenient for the helmsman. I haven't tried this mod yet but time permitting I may do it. You could also pin a water proof map to the curtain. Below left is a view of the curtain rolled up, stored at the aft end of the slider. It is held up by a couple of Velcro straps.
CONSTRUCTION - The top of the curtain is attached to the underside of the aft end of the sliding hatch by a thin strip of wood and some screws set into the fibreglass. The dimensions of the curtain are the same as the companionway drop boards and hang inside the drop board guides as shown below. The curtain is made of yacht quality acrylic cloth. A hem is sewn in the bottom, large enough to hold a 1" wood dowel. This makes it easy to roll up straight and adds form to the roll. Two Velcro straps at the top hold the roll against the sliding hatch. The rolled up curtain also nicely seals the top of the companionway boards to keep out most of the mosquitoes. When rolled up, the curtain is totally out of the way and I like the looks and surprises I get from my onboard company when it starts to rain.
This curtain is a great place to attach a note. It
does not replace the safety and security
of rigid drop boards. |
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