Window Covers for 21EC

[SGIDAVE]

Hello All,

I've been experimenting with sewing sunbrella and phifertex to make hatch and window covers.

I bought my materials at Sailrite.com. They have a lot of videos to show how to do canvas work.

I have no prior sewing experience.

I wanted covers for the roof and V-berth hatches. Something that would snap down and when the hatch is closed and also provide some shade when the hatch is opened. I looked at the kind that go INSIDE the boat but wanted something on the OUTSIDE to also protect the hatch itself from UV, heat, etc.

Here is what I came up with. I made the depth of the cover 1 1/2 inches. There are 2 snaps along the hinged edge of the hatch. I can leave those 2 "snapped" and open the hatch when I want shade. These covers will be REMOVED for trailering.

I've seen Phifertex (a weather resistent mesh material) made into window covers on the bigger Rangers. Phifertex comes in TWO weights. I used the lighter weight material. Here is my effort on the front windows. I used the sunbrella cover from the factory as my template.

That went so well, I made covers for all the windows. Here is the port side window cover

One yard of Sunbrella made the 3 hatch covers. Three yards of Phifertex made the 5 covers for the windows. I mounted the front and port side covers then ran out of snaps. More are on the way from Sailrite.

Fair winds,

/david

Disclosure: I have no financial interest in any of the products or businesses mentioned. I have ordered several times from Sailrite and they have provided exceptional service on all occasions.

 

[captnmunro]

You have a great talent. Wonderful ideas. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Lone Star Ranger]

David,

Wow, you ARE very talented...if you ever have a "hankering" to take on a bigger project...say a 27 model, let me know... 😀

 

[Gin]

David, nice job! Worthy of someone with years of experience sewing.

Sailrite is a great source. I like to buy from them. Prices are reasonable and buying from them helps support all their great (and mostly free) how-to videos.

But where phifertex is concerned, you can also get a great deal buying fixed length and width rolls from Home Depot. Just FYI.

I look forward to seeing what else you make.

Gini

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Gini, John, and Captmunro,

Thanks for the kind comments.

I didn't know Home Despot sells Phifertex!

Sail rite seems a great resource. I'm watching their video set on "How to make a canvas enclosure." I can see it would be a lot of work, but I think I could save a bundle making my own Camper back. I may just try it!

Fair winds,

david

 

[Just Dreamin']

David,
Great idea.
Question. Did you use the Phifertex Vinyl Mesh or the Phifertex Plus Vinyl Mesh? I wonder if the tighter weave of the Plus would darken the cabin interior to much. The admiral likes cabin to be bright; however, at the same time trying to think of ways to reduce radiated heat and reduce load on a/c while dockside.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[SGIDAVE]

David,
Great idea.
Question. Did you use the Phifertex Vinyl Mesh or the Phifertex Plus Vinyl Mesh? I wonder if the tighter weave of the Plus would darken the cabin interior to much. The admiral likes cabin to be bright; however, at the same time trying to think of ways to reduce radiated heat and reduce load on a/c while dockside.
Thanks,
Mike

Hello Mike,

I used the standard Phifertex Vinyl Mesh. It may be that using the standard Phifertex on the vertical windows (like front and side windows) would give the "light" the Admiral wants whilst using the PLUS version on the "Overhead" windows or hatch covers (applied from the inside OR outside) will block the pesky heat better. From what I could tell the common Phifertex colors all come in both standard and PLUS versions, so you could order some of each weight, then sew them accordingly.

I got my snaps in so now I can go to work getting the rest of the mesh covers mounted. yippee...

/david