awnings and bug screens

[skylark]

I would like to mod my sailboat to add a big awning and bug screens that roll down.

Anybody have any advice on how to add a sunscreen that covers the cockpit or more of the boat, and bug screens that roll down?

I'd like to DIY but may hire it out.

[Frank]

I had them made on my 23. They zipped onto the bimini top. I spec'd sunbrella for the lower 12 inchs....when button'd down it not only kept out bugs, but blocked most of the wind from your body when sitting....that was really nice on cool windy days. It gave a feeling of some privacy as well while at anchor. It would be beyond my abilities to make this set up...but it sure worked nice

[s/v Faith]

I use a double "cot cover" purchased from REI.

It is just a large rectangle of net, with tiedown points.... 

http://www.rei.com/product/729007/mombasa-outback-travel-net-double

I just drape this over Faith's Bimini and dodger and it keeps the bugs at bay....  I also have a small square of screen I put in the foredeck hatch.

One other trick I use for just keeping them out of the cabin is called a "baby carrage net".  They are hard to find any more, but you can get them off of eBay.  It is a square of net with elastic all around, it stretches over most companionways and is nice when you want something simple and fast to keep the bugs out of where you sleep.

I am not a fan of screened hatch boards just because of the space they take up.

[Frank]

Great link Craig!

[skylark]

I don't have a bimini yet, is that a DIY project?

[skylark]

Here is another type of screen that might work:

http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Creations-JB5678-Outdoor-Umbrella/dp/B003IR1TKM/ref=pd_bxgy_lg_img_z

It is open at the top with a drawstring.

I was thinking of mounting an umbrella in the cockpit but that would interfere with sailing.

[CharlieJ]

I don't have a bimini yet, is that a DIY project?

Yep- I've made three of them. Well, I bent the tubing for the frames and Laura sewed the covers. SailRite has a CD that goes into DEEP detail on doing it.

I made the first frame from EMT tubing, which was cheap. Lasted four years. But it was a good learning tool. Borrowed a pipe bender to do all of them.

Here's one of them, with a garden shade screen snapped to the back- blocks a lot of sun and heat

[skylark]

Are the fittings from Sail-Rite?

[CharlieJ]

some are yes, some from a local canvas shop, now out of business.

SailRite is nice to work with

Defender industries also has them. 

[Cruise]

I bought a very large mosquito net from a military store but have decided how to rig it yet.