![]() This initial fitting was essential to the template process. When the template was completed, I inserted it into the porthole to assure it fit appropriately and there were no gaps. This uniformity was important when adhering two pieces of the foam frame together later in the process. After trimming the edges to the approximate size, I folded the paper to cut the rounded corners to assure that all four matched. Then, I put the paper in the porthole and made a rough pattern using my hand to press around the edges. So I taped 8×11″ paper together so that it was wider and longer than the porthole. In the video, paper towels were suggested to form the paper template, but I found these were too flimsy for my larger portholes. Without these middle supports, the material was too flimsy to hold its shape and became much larger than originally planned. Thus, I began leaving one to two supports in the middle of the frame depending on the size. I determined after trying to make the first screen following the You Tube video instructions, that my screen was too long to maintain size without middle supports. My largest porthole is about 24 inches long. ![]() Therefore, I had to complete this process three different times. I have three different sizes of oval portholes. Cardboard at least the length of your porthole (I used boxes from above Amazon materials).Cutting board or cutting platform (I used cardboard part of the time).Dritz Sewing Gauge, Nickel with Black Printing and Blue Slider –this tool made the task more efficient.MulWark 16pc Precision Craft Hobby Utility Knife Set- Sharp Razor Knives Tool for Architecture Modeling, Scrapbooking, Felt & Wood & Leather Working- Stencil, Fine Point, Scoring, Chiseling Blades –I used several different blades.Saint-Gobain ADFORS FCS10149-M Small Insect Screen, 36″ x 84″, Charcoal –I used 2 pkgs.The first one I ordered was white, but I found that I preferred the graphite color better 1/4″ x 27″ x 60″ Craft Foam Roll End HiDense Closed Cell Foam UpholsteryĬrafting Foam Supplies Vibration Dampening Sculpting Graphite 1Pcs –I used four of these rolls of foam.E6000 Craft Adhesive 3.7 oz (Pack of two) –I used 3 tubes for this project.So I am sharing with you my process and hope that between Sailing Britican’s blog/You Tube video and my instructions, you will learn to make porthole screens efficiently and that they will be functional for your boat.įor my project I bought the following supplies from Amazon: I also found some tricks along the way that made the project much more efficient. Yet, because I am not the craftiest of persons, I found when making my first screen, that I needed to modify her process especially as many of my screens were much larger than hers. It appeared like a fairly simple project when I watched her You Tube video: I always give credit where credit is due, so during my research, I came across Sailing Britican’s blog where she provided some informative instructions and a You Tube video on how to make porthole screens. If I were to buy these at $80+ a piece, I would have to spend over $1200!! We have very few hatches, but we have 16 portholes of different sizes. ![]() So, I went out of my comfort zone and began researching how I could make screens for the portholes on our boat to keep out flies, mosquitos, and most of all no-see-ums. I knew that once we reached places like Florida and the Caribbean, I would need screens on our portholes if we wanted to sleep with the windows opened. Thus, I had to learn to be more creative. However, once we moved aboard our catamaran, SV Daggers Down, I have found that because of our limited retirement budget or our location, there were times when I could not obtain an item I needed. As a licensed beautician, sometimes I could barter haircuts for items, but mainly I just have some amazing friends. Before I lived on a boat, my phrase would be, “If I have to make it, I don’t have it!” Luckily, I have very kind friends who are creative, good seamstresses and/or craftsmen, that usually get me out of jam when I truly need something made. I must confess up front that I am not a crafty girl.
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