Ready for the bugs!

[David Morton]

I am no carpenter. In fact, this little screen door project, given the asymmetry of the companionway opening, drove me nuts! But I got it done... and it works!

[Jim Walsh]

David, that's a beauty. Looks professional to me

[RLW]

That's the fun (and challenge) of ship's carpentry. Bevels, radiae, etc. Anyone can build right angles, you got it done. Nice job!

[Sea Hunt Video]

If that is the work of someone who says they are "no carpenter" then I'll hire a "no carpenter" any day.

The screen enclosure looks beautiful Dave. Well done

[swhfire21]

Very nice, looks high end.

We got tired of the gnats getting through the velcro'd on screen in front hatch. Used a sheer curtain, a sewing needle and an old soft piece of rope. So far it works well, also we actually seem to get more air down below. It's a "prototype" that has more or less become permanent, so please disregard the duct tape.

[David Morton]

Thank you all for your kind and encouraging comments. I guess fishing for compliments really works!!

[Vincent]

Please pardon my rude question. I love the hatch screen there, but what is the steel looking pipe just aft of the mast? It looks different. Just curious.

[Skeep]

Vincent, I was wondering the same about that pipe!

[David Morton]

what is the steel looking pipe just aft of the mast? It looks different. Just curious.

My guess is it is a conduit for mast wiring to the cabin.
Steve?

[swhfire21]

It is a 316 stainless steel gooseneck for the mast wiring. Regrettably, a 6 month search for a reasonably priced, pre-made gooseneck like those common in Europe proved unsuccessful. So I made one using materials from McMaster-Carr. One advantage of this gooseneck over the prefab's is that it is strong as hell and can be used as an extra handhold. I keep a small bungie cord around the mast and the opening of the gooseneck to keep the jib sheets from getting hung up (gap of about 3/8 - 1/2 inch). Also, the opening of the gooseneck is sealed from spray/bugs by shoving a small sponge up into and around the wires. You can see the gooseneck better in my project postings from last year.

I did not want to go with a gland type seal on the deck because 1) why fight water & gravity when you don't have to, 2) I've always felt that a lot of maintenance/upgrades/repairs don't happen or get seriously delayed as a result of not "wanting" to mess with gland type seals once they are in place and 3) every maintenance/upgrade/repair task involving a gland type seal is just an invitation for a leak somewhere down the road.

I'll probably upgrade it to a nicer looking premade unit down the road when I get some serious deck fiberglass work done. I've recently met a fellow sailor through work that is based in the Netherlands. Goosenecks are used commonly there and are much less expensive.