Summer is here and the bugs are out. What have you found to be simple, easy to
use, and stow insect screens, for your main companionway, skylite, scuttle
hatch ,dorade and mushroom vents ?
Douglas
Voyager came with a one-piece companionway dropboard that is 85% screen. The screening is divided into four sections and strengthened by vertical and horizontal cross members.
I made a simple screen for the interior dimensions of the skylite and added strips of velcro tape to the skylite frame and now simply stick it over the interior opening.
I have a screen that fits over the entire scuttle hatch. The profile of the netting gear matches that of a fully-opened hatch and hatch base.Three sides are netting and the top and forward side is Sunbrella. It has shock cord around the bottom (at deck level) and is tightened under the hatch hinges to keep it in position. Works like a charm.
Hi Doug, you have a good question. I know that this is not a serious problem for those who live in the US but for those of us to cruise in the tropics, it is a serious issue especially if you are in a malaria area. Rather that write my method here, I made a word document with what I have that does work. If you have any questions, do hesitate to contact me directly.
Roger
Hi Doug, you have a good question. I know that this is not a serious problem for those who live in the US but for those of us to cruise in the tropics, it is a serious issue especially if you are in a malaria area. If you have any questions, do hesitate to contact me directly.
Sorry, I tried to attach the word document but it did not work. Thanks to John and Rod, I changed it to a PDF file but even that did not attach so I simply copied and paste below.
Roger
Mosquito Netting for a BCC
On Nereus, I use a cloth type netting that can be rolled up and left in place for regular use or rolled up, removed and stored away until needed. Most camping stores have this type of netting like they use on tents. All nettings will somewhat obstruct air flow so on my own boat, I made two separate nettings; one for mosquitoes and flies and the other for no-see-ums.
The netting was installed using Velcro. I used 1/2" black Velcro with the hook side glued to the inside of each hatch just above the teak trim. I originally used contact cement to glue this in place but found that it pulled off in time. A good glue like Goop or and epoxy glue will work best. The glue that comes on the back of some Velcro will not hold up as long as you might like. However, since it is easy to install, one might want to go simple first to see if you like it. If you do, you will eventually glue the Velcro more permanently. I make the mosquito netting so it snuggly fits the inside of the hatches. I then hemmed the edges and sew the soft side of the Velcro to the edges. When I install my netting it is a tight fit without any wrinkles and looks good when fitted in place.
Each opening must be done a little differently. I will explain below.
Companionway: This netting must be held in place firmly yet easy to pass through quickly in an emergency. I used 1/4" fiberglass rods sewn into the netting that fit across the opening snuggly. When the netting is in place these rods are slightly wedged between the sides and will have a slight curve. In an emergency, you can shove it out of the way in an instant without any damage.
I have one rod at the opening on top between the guides for the drop boards and another at the bottom of the companion way where the drop boards would rest. I do not install any Velcro in this area but make the front panel a little wider with hems on the side so the netting sets inside the drop board guides. This front flap is sewn to the horizontal top piece that fits across the top of the companionway. I normally roll this netting up from the bottom of the flap to the upper rod, then back to the back of the companionway. If it is rolled up tightly it is held in place by the back Velcro and the rod that is installed at the front wedged across the sides. Note, if you have a cat, this flap can be made of any cloth with a heavier rod on the bottom that is not wedged in place but is held in place by its weight. The cat can push this flap open from either side of the companionway.
Skylight: I glued the netting to the inside of the skylight opening just above the trim but under the hatch brace. I sewed one fiberglass rod on one end. I install the netting with the Velcro sewed to the edges inside this opening. I like to use the rod because it makes it easier to roll up and keep in place when not being used. This rod is not necessary for this hatch.
Scuttle Hatch: The scuttle hatch is a little more difficult because of it design and the hatch braces. I glued the Velcro to the top of the opening, all the way around. The netting had to be made with a flap where the braces are installed. I did this by making a notch in the netting about 6 inches long and an inch wide to allow for different settings. I then sewed more loose netting to the edge of this notch all with Velcro on the other end. This piece is a bit sloppy because it has to wrap around the brace and still Velcro down to the other Velcro.
For the drop board, I use the same method as I used on the companionway. That is, I sewed a rod across the top and one at the bottom.
Using the above method permits the netting to be kept in place when you use it regularly.
Dorade Boxes / Cowl Vents: I found that not only can mosquitoes enter the boat from this vent but other animals as well. So I installed some metal netting to the bottom of the cowl vent permanently. I used metal netting cut in a circle, just a little larger than the opening at the bottom of the cowl vent. I forced it just inside the bottom so it set inside by about 1/4". I then glued this in place using Goop.
Roger Olson
The forum cannot accept word documents as they can contain viral scripts. If you want a word document posted, please e-mail it to me and I will turn it into a PDF document.
Regards
John
Roger:
You can download PDF Creator from the web. It is “free.”
The beauty in a pdf document, it can not be changed whereas anyone can open a word document.
Rod
P.S. Just want to say thanks for everything you taught us when you were in Baltimore. We just completed a 350 nm trip on the bay and I thanked you each time I put in a reef - there were many thanks. Lenora thanks you for teaching us how to use the reefing lines on the main as gaskets, as well as for the whisker pole setup.
To John and Rod, Thank you for reminding me that I have to change it to a PDF file. I know that but I am getting old and forgetful. I will attach the file now.
Roger
I tried to attach the word document and as you can all see it did not work. Thanks to John and Rod, I did change it to a PDF file and will attempt to attach it here.
Roger
Doug,
The mosquitos love me! I have found that simple mosquito coils work very well. We have to worry about Dengue fever here. Once I light the coil I have no more mosquito problems. I have the boat wide open so they can leave 
I use the Raid brand.