Mosquito Netting vs Isenglass

[HotDirk01]

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82 36' SRV has full canvas enclosure, but it's old and hazed. I was about to have the Isenglass replaced when I asked myself, how about something more utilitarian. I live in Texas, cold is not an issue, but bugs are. Has anyone considered replacing the Isenglass with mosquito netting?

 

[KevinC]

I know of several who made replacement panels with netting to swap out with eisenglass panels to increase air flow and keep bugs out.

-Kevin

 

[Stee6043]

Do you park under cover? If so I'd consider the bug screen idea. If not, I'd still want full canvas to keep the rain out.

 

[Chris-380]

When I had my isenglass/biminis replaced, I also had a screen enclosure built. It works great. For mine, each piece is interchangeable with the eisenglass. But I love it in the summer. I put it up before the sun sets, and it keeps the bugs out…. It was pretty affordable, I think they charged me $1800, that was with the boat (380) at the canvas

shop

 

[b_arrington]

I had screens bug screens included when I had my camper canvas made. Those were made from a phifertex mesh and permanent (sewn in to the outside of the panel). I also had plastic windows in each panel with a 3 sided zip that were easy to roll up. If I were to do it again, I would have made screens zip so their could either be removed or more easily rolled. Much of the time we rolled up the entire panel, as it was not too buggy for us and we wanted more airflow. A nice thing about the screens was that it shaded the window material and made it last MUCH longer. I rather liked that the screens were integral to the panel vs. separate. That meant I didn't have to worry about storage or installation when I wanted them.

When selecting your screening do consider the size of the mesh. A really tight mesh is going to block a lot of air flow. A true mosquito netting is pretty flimsy, too. You want something durable that can handle a bit of abuse plus the UV exposure. The phifertex I had worked out really well on those counts.

I would not go with screens only. The windows serve to keep out the rain, as mentioned above. But they also help keep the boat clean by preventing dust and dirt from blowing in. Going without the windows is going to increase your cleaning time by alot, unless you enjoy a dirty dusty boat.

 

[ErikE]

When I bought mine, it had screen panels in a compartment that could be swapped out. So far, I have never used them except on hatch openings at night.

I haven't had a problem so far with mosquitoes while in the slip. One downside to mesh is while running, especially with the stern windows, exhaust fumes can be bad if open. At least with my experience.

 

[dtfeld]

Mine has rollable screens on the inside and isinglass glass on the outside…best of both worlds. Quick and easy to switch one to the other as well.

 

[Pirate Lady]

When I bought mine, it had screen panels in a compartment that could be swapped out. So far, I have never used them except on hatch openings at night.

I haven't had a problem so far with mosquitoes while in the slip. One downside to mesh is while running, especially with the stern windows, exhaust fumes can be bad if open. At least with my experience.

We have permanent screens with roll up plastic inside. We never run with the back panel on regardless of weather, one for the fumes and two to exit quickly in event of a major disaster; Fire, sinking, etc.

 

[Korkie]

View attachment 124166 View attachment 124166 View attachment 124167 View attachment 124166 View attachment 124167 View attachment 124168 Just had all new enclosure done. Polycarb front panels with changeable screen panel in the center. Strata glass front side panels and a full camper enclosure. All isinglass panels can be changed out independently for screen panels as chris-380 above. Our first season with it. Sure made the trip around to Solomon from the Potomac very comfortable. The polycarb front panels are awesome. Front panels also have exterior covers to keep the hot sun at bay when moored.

 

[Skybolt]

When I had my 340 it had the camper back and the screens were on the outside and the isinglass were roll up panels on the inside. Worked great, but a little heavy.

 

[Smashpjp]

I replaced my glass on the existing Stamoid camper top I have this winter with Regalite. I also took the opportunity to template those existing pieces and am working on panels with Phifertex panels. I replaced the existing snaps with Gypsy snaps and am going to make it so I have the front windshield and real panels that I can either leave the Phifertex panels on over top the Vinyl windows and snap too existing snaps, or remove the windows and have screens.

It will help with a couple issues. Bow faces West and Stern East at my slip so the sunshades will come in Handy. Plus lake erie bugs...

 

[Chris-380]

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View attachment 124170 View attachment 124171 View attachment 124172 View attachment 124166 View attachment 124166 View attachment 124167 View attachment 124166 View attachment 124167 View attachment 124168 Just had all new enclosure done. Polycarb front panels with changeable screen panel in the center. Strata glass front side panels and a full camper enclosure. All isinglass panels can be changed out independently for screen panels as chris-380 above. Our first season with it. Sure made the trip around to Solomon from the Potomac very comfortable. The polycarb front panels are awesome. Front panels also have exterior covers to keep the hot sun at bay when moored.

I went with Polycarbonate for the 5 pieces in front of the arch, it’s a PITA to store, but I love it, so clear, like the windshield compared to how isenglass would look

 

[Korkie]

We store our polycarb between the mattress and mattress topper with towels between the 3 panels. We normally have it up anytime we go anywhere overnight. Otherwise we are moored at home in boathouse. For our strata and screens we have a Clearstow bag for each set. Clearstow.com Very nice storage that protects your isenglass and screens.

 

[Chris-380]

We store our polycarb between the mattress and mattress topper with towels between the 3 panels. We normally have it up anytime we go anywhere overnight. Otherwise we are moored at home in boathouse. For our strata and screens we have a Clearstow bag for each set. Clearstow.com Very nice storage that protects your isenglass and screens.

I went with the clearstow also, I had one made for the front, and just set them in the aft, we rarely have over night guests. Clearstow is a little pricey, but worth it. I went with 2 standard size (use the rear sides in each), then I had an oversized one made for my 3 rear pieces, lastly I had one made with 5 pockets for the front 5…