How to Install Web Netting on Catamarans

Webbing nets offer the best combination of properties for larger catamarans and trimarans. They can be woven with a variety of openness configurations to suit the individual boat, and have exceptional strength and stability. In order to insure that strength and stability, the nets must be installed properly. How to install the webbing net depends on the configuration of your boat and the attachment hardware in place.

Webbing Net
1" Webbing Net, 2" Average Gaps, Perpindicular Lacing,
5/8" battens with End Caps

This page describes some of the different methods that can be used, and their applications. These recommendations are based on moderate sized nets for private use; larger nets or those in commercial or other heavy use situations will want greater support (I.e. shorter spacing, larger bolts, larger line).

In order to get a net that will hold weight without sagging it will need to be laced on at least 2 sides. Typically, webbing nets are laced on all 4 sides. Specific lacing patterns are discussed on the lacing patterns page, but the idea is to add up the cumulative tensions of each lacing wrap so that the total tension any one side of the net will be enough to provide firm stable surface.

Webbing Nets are diagonally woven in a continuous weave pattern which results in a series of webbing loops along the perimeter of the net. Each of these loops must be supported to maintain proper net tension. This is a key factor in the webbing nets strength, as 100% of the webbing fibers are supported directly by the attachment system. It is possible to lace each of these loops to the attachment hardware on the boat but a better method is to insert a rigid tube or rod through each of loops and lace that rod or tube to the attachment hardware on the boat. This method supports the net more uniformly and eliminates the chance of the lacing line chafing the webbing. Our nets are woven to accept tubes or rods up to 1" in diameter and can be made to work with larger tubes if necessary.


Battens with End Caps  
1" Webbing Net, 2" Average gaps,
Perpindicular Lacing to battnes overlaped and battens with End Caps

Battens

Round fiberglass battens offer excellent support for the perimeter of the webbing nets. We have round battens in 5/8" and 7/16" diameters. The 5/8" battens can be supported by lacing points as far apart as 12", while the 7/16" battens should be supported no further apart than every 6". We now offer the battens painted with a hard polyurethane coating to prevent UV damage to the fiberglass. The 5/8" battens are also available in connectable lengths so they can be shipped easily and assembled to full length at the time of installation. To provide a finished appearance and prevent movement of the battens after instillation, End Caps can be installed and bolted together at the corners. If End Caps are not used, the battens should overlap in the corners and be lashed together. In some cases it may be necessary to wire the battens together through a drilled hole where they overlap to prevent movement. There are other materials that will also work, such as; 1/2" sch. 80 PVC pipe, 3/8" stainless steel rods, or 3/4" stainless or aluminum tubing.


Webbing net on Cable

Cables

The preferred method for attaching nets to a cable would be to insert the cable through the webbing loops of the net, eliminating the lacing on that side. This will need to be done first before the remaining sides of the net are laced up. If you are supporting a second side of the net with a cable the weight of the net will apply enough tension to the cable to make attaching the fittings difficult. This should be avoided if possible, as the cables do not provide as much support as a solid structure and the net will not be as firm. Cables should always be coated or covered in some way to protect the webbing from chaffing damage

Boltrope

A boltrope border can be attached to 1 side on a webbing net that can be inserted into the Hull or Deck Track. This is not as strong as lacing to battens and it adds to the price of the net but it will eliminate the lacing and the lacing gap on that one side of the net.


Grommets

A reinforced border with grommets for lacing instead of the webbing loops can be attached to any of the sides of the net. This is not as strong as using the battens and usually costs extra, however, in some situations where the net has large radius corners or is unusually shaped it is a better solution as the net can be cut to shape and the border attached to match any opening. This type of border would also be easier to install.