The design allows for privacy even when port is open, no holes, glue, or track.
Our blog shows the old design using dowels for the curtain rod and tacks to secure the bungee to the dowels.



I improved the curtain by using small diameter brass tubing instead of dowels for the curtain rod. ( so no tacks are needed). My parents used lace for their curtains to allow more air flow when ports are open, but still wanted a bit of privacy.

What we did.
Cut tubing with a pipe cutter. We made the tubing(curtain rod) to be a little wider than the port so the curtain covers port completely.

Thread curtain onto tubing. Not sure what it is called, but the curtain rod pocket is about an inch below the top of the curtain. This allows for a little fringe at top to cover top of port better. See pic

Thread small diameter bungee through the tubing ( make sure you buy bungee that is smaller than the inner diameter of the brass tubing).*

Tie bungee back to itself to make a continuous tight loop. I just use a figure eight. Trim excess bungee about half inch from knot. If knot does not want to keep, tape knot.


Attach to port. See pics below.



When the port is closed the bungee is trapped by the port hinges:





When the port is opened, and I want privacy, I flip the curtain so the bungee hangs on the port hinges:

Hope that made sense!
Please post your curtain ideas here on this thread. Be sure to use a buffer post, using the group avatar logo, to keep curtain projects separate. (Like I've done here)

I saw your original design and used it to make my own. They turned out great but occasionally a tack pops off the end of a dowel. I like the upgrade idea and will probably upgrade mine at some point when all other projects are done....yeah right! You can see mine on my blog link below.

~~_/)~~_/)~~_/)~~
Sabrina
s/v Honey Ryder Caliber 40 LRC
Wildcat Sailorgirl: Portlight Shades Completed

Sabrina! I remember you. I promised to get back to you but never did and I'm sorry for that! You will love the upgrade, I got the tubing at the hardware store $6-7, a $5 small pipe cutter, and the black bungee at the marine store $20 (bought whole role). The curtain material was cheap too. I think I'll go lace next time to allow more ventilation.
Cheers, hope to see you out there.
Erika

PS my husband and I are so in love with the Caliber 40

Hi, I recently finished 17 port light curtains with tabs hung on tracks.

I've also used the silver car windshield shades. I cut pieces to fit the port light to keep the heat out. If I get ambitious I might cover them to make them look nicer. I like the lace idea to give a bit of privacy and air flow.
Thanks,
Annette
PS I write about sewing for sailors on the Seamless Sailor blog. The Seamless Sailor