hatch screens

[bill j]

I have a 26ft Cutwater with 3 different sizes of Jim Black boat ceiling hatches that have bug screens but no shades (privacy screens). I am trying to find shades but neither the manufacturer (HMG) nor the distributor (Great Lakes Skipper) claim to have the correct sizes. I have tried the 18" by 18" and the 12" by 17" shades that they advertise and sell but they are 1/2 - 3/4" too small. Any suggestions? I appreciate any help - Bill

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

Bill,

We have the Diamond Sea Glaze hatches so this may not work for you. We cut out pieces of some geotextile fabric and just laid them on top of the bug screens and stuck them back in. Some folks have cut out the shades from auto heat shields that you would insert in your windshield. The geotextile we used breathes a bit but it won't work for ventilation.

Pat & Carolyn, Ladybug, Too

 

[knotflying]

We did the same thing, cut windshield sun screen to the shape and laid it up over the removable screen. Works like a champ.

 

[glthomas]

I found this while searching for shades.

http://www.ahoycaptain.com/oceanair.html

You can see pics of these installed on a 2009 R25 at:
http://texaspoweryachts.com/inventory/
They are also a Cutwater Dealer.

I opted for these below and they fit perfect. I measured the top of the hatch while open and added a half inch on each side of the 15X20 hatches for the R21 and ordered one inch height. I can still open the hatch with the covers on. You can see out through them so may not work for privacy.

http://www.skylightsolarshades.com/

 

[bill j]

Found the perfect solution. I went by an auto tint shop and had the windows tinted to the darkest shade. Great protection from the sun and the interior must be at least 10 degrees cooler during the summer day - bill

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Bill, great idea....can we ask what kind of price for how many hatch windows this ran?

Jim

 

[bill j]

about $220 for 6 hatches plus an 8" "eyebrow" across the front windshield. Well worth the price considering all options - Bill

 

[baz]

In the PNW we need all the light we can get into the cabin during at least 6 months of the year. For me, tinting the hatch glass was not in my interest. I use separate sunscreen, semi privacy screens that are correct dimensions for attaching to the top of the bug screens with corner elastic straps. We install them only when needed and usually when docked for periods of time when the sun is out during hot spells. They do a marvelous job in keeping sun out of the cabin and keeps the cabin quite cool along with a small fan spinning slowly to move some air about.

 

[Tug@myHeart]

We had some made. Sunbrella on the inside and solar mirror bubbles on the top with a band sewn around the edge. Then we applied velcro around the parimeter of the hatches to hold the 90% sunscreen that hold up the 100% solar block outs. The nice part here is if you need 100% blockage or 90% or use the existing bug screens....or just open. Options are the key to a great voyage or hang'n out on the hook in the heat or sun. Take a look at my photo album for some extra help.

 

[Nellie Too]

I made some hatch screens for the Nellie Too and Cascadia. I used Phifertex and it comes in a variety of colors as well as shade factor. There is Phifertex that provides 70% shade protection and Phifertex Plus that gives 95% shade protection.

On both boats I used the Phifertex Plus and bound the edges with a Sunbrella binding.

Our screens sit above the bug screen which holds them in place. We use no Velcro and they look very good.

Nita
Nellie Too

PS: If you want to see them, we will be at the Ranger Tug Rendezvous in Anacortes. I also have a few for sale, left over fabric that I needed to use.