Gin
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2012
- Messages
- 874
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-31 S
- Vessel Name
- Echo II (2019)
One of the first things I did when we got our Ranger Tug was make some front window covers, and a rear door cover, that attach using velcro glued to the metal frames around the door/windows. That has worked well (although the velcro has to be reglued from time to time). But the door cover can be cumbersome. When I close the boat up, it is tricky to attach the velcro from the outside (easy if you are inside). And if I need to open up the boat for a quick entry and exit (like when I decide to double check something before leaving the boat), I have to unvelcro the cover, duck in, then duck out and reattach it. Not the biggest pain, but sometimes a bit cumbersome.
This year, I thought of a better way. YKK makes snap studs (called "snads") that can attach via adhesive to a range of surfaces, including glass. It is a great way to attach a button snap (used in cloth) to a solid surface where you can't use a screw-in snap stud. It dawned on me that I could make a cover the same shape/size as the glass in the door, and attach it directly to the glass using "snads" in each corner. I cut an opening in the cover for the handle/lock mechanism. It took a little trial and error to get the pattern right, and if I ever do a second one, I will improve a couple of things. But it fits reasonably well. And in terms of convenience, it is great. Now the cover attaches directly to the door. I can open and close the door at will, without messing with the cover. If I want full light through the door when the door is closed, I can take it off. But half the time, I don't mess with it. If I want full light, I open the door. If I want filtered light or privacy, I close the door. Sweet.
This is a photo of the cover on the door with the door open. Click to enlarge. (The cover is sunbrella indoor upholstery fabric, with sunbrella binding around the edges).
- Gini
This year, I thought of a better way. YKK makes snap studs (called "snads") that can attach via adhesive to a range of surfaces, including glass. It is a great way to attach a button snap (used in cloth) to a solid surface where you can't use a screw-in snap stud. It dawned on me that I could make a cover the same shape/size as the glass in the door, and attach it directly to the glass using "snads" in each corner. I cut an opening in the cover for the handle/lock mechanism. It took a little trial and error to get the pattern right, and if I ever do a second one, I will improve a couple of things. But it fits reasonably well. And in terms of convenience, it is great. Now the cover attaches directly to the door. I can open and close the door at will, without messing with the cover. If I want full light through the door when the door is closed, I can take it off. But half the time, I don't mess with it. If I want full light, I open the door. If I want filtered light or privacy, I close the door. Sweet.
This is a photo of the cover on the door with the door open. Click to enlarge. (The cover is sunbrella indoor upholstery fabric, with sunbrella binding around the edges).
- Gini