To screen or not to screen?

[nknowland]

We are replacing the full cockpit enclosure on our Bayfield 40 sailboat. We currently have a full set of screens that we have used just a few times in 6 yrs. We primarily cruise the Bahamas but also spend time on the Atlantic coast.

Are new screens worth the cost b/c when you need them, you really need them????

Looking for opinions to push me off this fence.....

Thanks

[zboss]

Love our screens:

1. We often shower in the cockpit so appreciate the privacy.
2. We do adult things in the cockpit so like the privacy
3. We like using them at the dock to keep eyes off.
4. We use them to keep the cats in and still allow them access to the outside.
5. When the weather is really blowing, it helps keep the spray down.
6. Sun shade

I saw so many people in the bahamas this spring that did not have screens but instead kept their plastic up all year. That seems pretty hot to me.

[JPA Cate]

nknowland,

Anywhere the flies are bad seasonally, the screens allow you access to the "great out of doors". We carry screening to enclose our cockpit, but rarely have had to use it. So, I'd say it depends on whether you're going somewhere with a May fly or Marsh fly problem, or like the Solomon Is., where the screens keep the malaria bearing mosquitos away. If you're going where there is malaria, dengue fever, or chikungunya, you need the screens-- health requires you keep from being bitten. But if you've not used them much so far, perhaps you could just keep on storing and using the old ones, and not build new ones?

Ann

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy.

By "screens" I take it you mean "bug screening."

Here is a low cost idea for an alternative that may help others who don't already have a Bimini.

A boat owner can purchase a "screen pavilion" (like a party tent) that then can be suspended over the cockpit from the boom or from a lightweight hoop or structure (rods). Because the net allows the wind to go through it, there is no need for heavy structure to support it. This can be a very low cost but very effective "bug screen" that encloses the entire cockpit. When not needed, stowed. Can be purchased at many outdoor stores including Walmmart.

[Lepke]

As soon as the screens are gone you'll need them. There are bug cycles everywhere. Some day your places may have a great year for bug births. Try Alaska. Military Grade Bugs.

[sailersteve]

Like Steady Hand said , i bought an 8' x 8' screen house; White (Gazebo) with 4 zippered walls to put over my boom. Bought it last year it about this time at menards on sale $ 34 or 36 bucks. There were two different brands at that time. (Guidesmen Brand) is the one i got, seems to look of butter quality . ON SALE ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR .Just saying.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by sailersteve

Like Steady Hand said , i bought an 8' x 8' screen house; White (Gazebo) with 4 zippered walls to put over my boom. Bought it last year it about this time at menards on sale $ 34 or 36 bucks. There were two different brands at that time. (Guidesmen Brand) is the one i got, seems to look of butter quality . ON SALE ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR .Just saying.

That price will be hard to beat! I know if I was going to some place buggy, I would consider that a small bite (in my wallet), and certainly less painful than those of the bugs.

Do you have a photo showing it in use? I would like to see if you do. You can send it via PM or post it here if you have one.

Thanks.

[sailersteve]

Sorry i'm not tech enough to send pictures even if it was out of the box .
Its a Menard Inc. sku; 272-0630 10' x 10' at Base , 8' x 8' canopy dimensions .
When i seen it i just knew it was something i would need for my liveaboard
sailboat project .
If you google , menard inc sku; 272-0630 , ( Images ) its the first picture on the screen
in the first row . I see the online price is $59.99 from menards
with a picture .
Even not on sale would be worth not being eaten alive !

[socaldmax]

That exact same screen canopy is sold through numerous marine distributors for only $300.


Just kidding!



But I wouldn't be surprised...

[BandB]

One time needing it would be enough to make me curse myself for not getting it.

[RPFleming01]

If it was me I would just have new Sipper installed on my old screens to fit the new incloser. Save big bucks for just cost .

[tstano]

We made our own with phifertex from Sailrite. Just copy the vinyl pieces.

All U Get

[dearmstr]

I use the netting for a four poster bed. king size. Amazon.com. Make sure that you get the nylon one not cotton. 39.95

[hellosailor]

If the screens were mainly stowed...Maybe the new tentmaker can take your old screens, and just add some new zippers (or Velcro) to the new tent to let them still be used?

[jreiter190]

Sailor Steve and Steady hand have got it right. Any Army Navy store have them for $50 bucks. K.I.S.S.