Tag Archives: binding

DIY Screens for Pilothouse Doors

Exterior Projects, Projects, , , , , , , , ,
Magnolia, a 1997 Kadey Krogen 42, has a raised pilothouse with two side doors. Being averse to biting black flies, I wanted screens before going down the Delaware Bay - a known fly habitat.  No one seems to enjoy their visits as they arrive in swarms.  I completed the first phase of the screens before we left the Chesapeake Bay bound for the Great Lakes. Reporting no flies aboard to date.  The screen material is cut the actual size I wanted with a two inch binding top and bottom which I made from Sunbrella and a 1" Sunbrella binding on the sides.  The material is Phifertex white 54".  This is the basic Phifertex which will allow more air flow, but may not keep out any noseeums.  For noseeums, I'd spray the mesh with "Shoo-Fly".  Primarily Read more [...]

Apron On Board?

Crafts, Projects, , , , ,
Aprons bring up thoughts of grandmothers, home economists, and Thanksgiving for me.  My friends know that I am not a great cook though I am a home economist.  I "assemble" ok though.  The Captain is probably the better cook on board. He does great grill and grill bread.   So when I made a simple apron out of recycled sail cloth not too long ago, I got a funny look. "When was the last time you wore an apron?"  Well, it was probably back on land when I made chocolate truffles for a Chocolate Valentines Day Party.  I didn't have one on board anyway.  Maybe now that I have one, I'll wear one. Sail Cloth Apron This is a very easy project taking about 1-2 hours. Materials: --Sail cloth or other fabric with some weight --Binding - 5-8 yards Read more [...]

Screen Out the Bugs II – Companionway Screen

Exterior Projects, Projects, , , ,
In attempt to continue the war against flies, I made a companionway screen to use in conjunction with the plastic mesh inserts I'm using in the portlights and hatches which I wrote about in a recent blog about hatch screens. The mesh may not be small enough for no-seeums, but I am using a bug spray on the screens to address the smaller nuisances. I found black screening at the local marine consignment store and bought 2" black binding from Sailrite.  With a batch of measurements, I came up with the screen size.  This screen attaches to our existing navy blue companionway cover with Velcro.  When I remake the companionway cover, I'd incorporate the screen and better coordinate the color scheme with a more neutral color.         To Read more [...]

Sun Shade Solutions or How to Have a Happy Happy Hour

Exterior Projects, Projects, , , , , , ,
You’ve arrived at your anchorage in the late afternoon.  A great sail behind you.  A great dinner to come.  The barbecue is fired up.  The appetizers and wine come out.  Wait...Blinded by the light...sorry Bruce.  Granted I’m glad that its sunny.  But let’s not bake during happy hour.  Answer – get out the sun shades. Here’s an easy Seamless Sailor sun shade solution. Materials: - Phitertex - Sunbrella - Grommets, snaps or fasteners of choice Measure area where you want to block sun, like across the back and side of an enclosure.  Determine how you will attach shades.  Do you have handles to tie to or snaps on the enclosure you can use? A shroud or stanchion to attach to?  We made a sun shade for the Read more [...]