Hatch Screen Velcro Detaches from Window Rim. Ideas?

[hardee]

Hatch Screen Velcro Detaches from Window Rim. Ideas?

Fellow C-BRAT friend is on his SE AK trip and Asked me to post this question for him.

So he is looking for ideas to keep the screen tight, probably because there are things like Moose sqweetoes and NO seeUmms that are pretty persistent. He is using a Thermacell and mosquito coils, but .....

the velcro is not holding.

On my boat I have switched to Gorilla Double stick tape for mounting everything anymore. It sticks and stays. Maybe they have that in Juno.

Any other ideas?

Harvey (for Andy on Osprey)
SleepyC

[srbaum]

Hardee,
Velcro does not do well with extended heat and humidity that our cabins see when closed up. The glue just does not hold up to the "outdoor" environment. Practical Sailor ran a test a while back, showing that Velcro brand was not suitable for use on boats or any exterior job. The only "velcro type" product that worked was 3M brand hook and loop fasteners.

[AstoriaDave]

Agree with srbaum's rec:

The only "velcro type" product that worked was 3M brand hook and loop fasteners.

I've used this for mounting heavy stuff. Surface prep prior to mounting is critical. A little lacquer thinner to degrease the area, soap and water, rinse, and a light sanding with 220 grit wet or dry sandpaper. Wipe clean with water and dry the area. 3M knows adhesives.

[Micahbigsur@msn.com]

We have used the 3M successfully in our boats, you do need a very clean surface and we hang bags only using the widest "tape" that we can find. Finish molded surfaces work out much better than exposed laminate where we have to double up the "Velcro".

[localboy]

We use it in all our patrol vehicles. Hot, cold, wet, dry...it lasts.

[thataway]

We have used Wildwood Contact cement, plus the velcro--carry extra contact cement to use if it comes loose. Have to have very clean--drug store isopropyl alcohol will also help to de grease.

We had 7 years of velcro staying on both the forward deck hatch and our forward opening window--was still working when sold the boat. Velcro to the screen--we used HOT GLUE. Carry one small hot glue gun on the boat. Also great to hold pieces in place until epoxy or 5200 sets up.

[DayBreak]

Hi Harvey,

We bought an economy pack of 3M Command Brand picture hanging strips at Costco. The pack comes in 30 pairs. Extremely strong verticle shear strength when used in numbers. We have used them on multiple items (inside the cabin and outside in the elements) that need fastening without having to drill holes! I try to avoid drilling holes at all costs if possible.

Hope it works for your needs. Gary and Colleen.

[hardee]

When I first started with SleepyC I put up several things with Velcro. Most have been redone using Gorilla brand Double stick tape. It seems to be holding well. The surface prep is important.

On my hatch screen, I used velcro, and recently that is coming apart, I just recently tried the Gorilla tape on that, and then put T-Rex Duct tape on the other side of the screen to cover that side of the double stick tape. Will let you know in about 10 years how that is holding up.

Thanks to all the posts. I will pass the link and info on to Andy.

I agree, no drilling holes here there and anywhere.

Thanks again.

Harvey
SleepyC

[hardee]

I just talked with Andy, and there is a Home Depot in Juneau. He asked me to say thank you to the C-Brats for their prompt and helpful replies.

What a great community this is. You all are great.

Harvey
SleepyC

[Micahbigsur@msn.com]

Dana says she is also using industrial strength adhesive outdoor Velcro brand wherever it needs to be sewn to bags, as it is not as stiff as 3M hook and loop and that the two brands don't marry that well. (Grabs to hard).

[Pandion]

Thanks for all this great advice, friends. I’m in Juneau for a few days, changing crew, cleaning the boat, restocking the larder, and hopefully posting some pictures (if I can find sufficient bandwidth).

Getting the Velcro “hook” strips attached around the inside rim of my forward hatch is today’s priority. The 3M products sound like the way to go, combined with double-sided Gorilla Tape if I can find it. First, I will thoroughly clean the area with lacquer thinner, alcohol, soap and water, and a light sanding.

Horseflies, hundreds of ‘em at my last anchorage, are the latest test of my insect countermeasures. For proper ventilation that front hatch screen is a necessity. Unfortunately, all of my screens have proven worthless against no-seeums. Hopefully there will be fewer of those nasty little bloodsuckers in Glacier Bay, my next stop.

Thanks again for everyone’s help. This site is the best!

[Micahbigsur@msn.com]

In the "old days" we used to spray various things on our screens from bug spray to kerosene to repel no-see-ums. Dana uses "natural bug spray" made from essential oils ( hers, lemon eucalyptus) that is somewhat less obnoxious after spiders in the house and the screens on the boat that you might try on your screens. Good luck, wish I was there!

[anchorout]

I gave up on velcro. I removed the screws around the windows, one in each corner, and replaced each with snap screws. Some windows require six snaps. I put correspondent snaps in the reinforced border of the netting. Then I sewed 1/4" widths of felt between snaps, to seal out crawling insects. I used the same method around the front hatch and cabin door but had to drill the fiber glass to screw in the snaps. I use no-see-em netting. No bugs and no glue pulling loose.