Port Screens

[crazycarl]

Beautiful day today so I'm working on the 19. Okay, working is a strong word for what I'm doing, more like experimenting. I cut an 1/8" brass rod to 12 1/2" and bent it around a piece of 4" pvc pipe placing small clamps around the circumference. Then I cut a square of nylon bug screen and placed it on the outside of a port. Next, using pliers, I inserted the brass rod into the indent that encircles the port. Lastly I trimmed the screen with a razor knife. I'll watch it to see if it lasts. I think the next one I'll install it from the inside and leave an 1/8" of screen sticking out.


Before I experimented using the 4" pvc pipe cut to 1/4" and inserted into the port frame. It worked great, but unsightly. It could be painted before the install to hide it. It also needs to be sanded down quite a bit to fit.

[Amedaius]

Certainly seems functional and minimalist. I spent Saturday capsizing my daysailer in 52 degree water, so it sounds like you had a better day of it, lol. Oh well, lake sailing on a blustery day is never a straightforward affair and the only casualty was my phone. I did wish I was out in the Compac when my back hit the water though.

I was considering fabricating a porthole cover screen with louvers to solve the rain dripping in problem, but I am concerned it would eliminate too much of the light unless I make them able to open/shut which is way too engineered for me. My second thought was something like the hoods that are used for traffic lights, but fashioned from brass or something similar that would be at least moderately attractive.

[crazycarl]

My Seidelmann has "hoods" over the ports. They similar to the ones on my truck. The ports have been left open during some nasty weather and water has never come in.

Years ago, Salty19 came up with a clever solution. He took 4" 45° pvc street elbows, sanded the rim until they fit, and installed them. It allows air flow, but no water. They can also be angled to get the most air.

I happen to have a couple of 90° elbows and used them, but 45° leaves more room.
I also cut a 1/4" piece of pvc with a chop saw and installed screens.