Installation process:
Step 1 – Prerequisites
Before installing or stretching your custom catamaran net, ensure that you have constructed a peripheral frame, which will serve as the supporting structure for the living net.
Creating a supporting frame is a key step in effectively supporting your future living net. Please note that the design and installation of this frame are not performed by NetMates.
Consult our guide on frame sizing or seek the help of a professional to ensure the sturdiness of your structure.
Is your frame ready and sturdy? Great! Here are the steps to properly install your catamaran net:
- Check the contents of your order:
- Ensure that your custom net has no visible defects.
- It is normal for it to seem small before being properly stretched.
- The net installation is done gradually, stretching it evenly from all sides.
- For your safety:
- Secure the area where you are working.
- Take measures to prevent fall hazards during installation.
- If possible, use a harness and a helmet, especially if working at height.
- A bottom installation is recommended, with a secured installer to avoid any risks.
- Never step on the living net before its final installation or before completing all installation steps up to step 6.
- Responsibility:
- There are no specific standards for the installation of a catamaran net at home.
- You are responsible for its installation and maintenance.
- To ensure the sturdiness of your frame and net, have the installation validated by a professional or control organization if necessary.
- Document the Installation :
- Take photos at each step of the installation. In case of any issues, these images can provide essential clues to identify the sources or reasons for an unsuccessful installation.
- These photos will also enable our team to analyze the situation and offer you tailored advice to help complete the installation successfully.
- If you request a return, refund or similar, we unfortunately cannot approve this request without these photos as proof of a proper installation attempt.
Step 2 – Anchoring the Fixations
Install anchors every 15 cm around the inner perimeter of your supporting frame, including at the corners. Use our Inox A4 hooks of 80 mm / 8 mm, drilling Ø7 mm holes every 15 cm, starting 6 cm from the corners.
For optimal fixation:
- Drill the holes as high as possible on the frame while maintaining sufficient wood thickness for a good anchorage (minimum 3 to 5 cm).
- Then screw in your hooks completely until the eye is flush with the wood.
- Typically, the heads of the closed hooks are positioned horizontally for comfort if someone were to walk on them.
- Each fixation must be able to support 200 kg of force for a maximum distributed load of 500 kg. Consult our guide for more information on maximum load.
Ensure that each anchor is securely screwed in and completely in contact with the wood. Also, regularly check the stability of the fixations to prevent any loosening over time.
Step 3 – Pre-positioning the Net
Stretch the net from the corners and the centers of your supporting frame in a centered manner.
- Identify the top side of the net (the flattest and most comfortable side).
- Secure and stretch the corners of the net to the corner fixations of your frame using appropriately strong cable ties, a thin rope and a knot or similar.
- Secure and stretch the centers of the edges of the net to the nearest fixations on your frame using again – cable ties, thin rope or similar.
Step 4 – Stretching with the First Lacing
Create a first peripheral zig-zag lacing around the net by skipping every other fixation.
- Make a starting knot on a fixation (a bowline knot is recommended – YouTube Tutorial).
- Lace the first cord by making back and forth movements between fixations and edge mesh, skipping every other fixation.
- At the end of the round, pass over the starting knot and make a stop knot on a fixation or mesh of the net.
- Return to the start and begin to stretch your net by resuming lacing all around the net.
- Undo and redo your stop knot at the end while maintaining the tension of the cord recovered through the stretching.
- Repeat this process until your net is well stretched.
Step 5 – Stretching with the Second Lacing
Repeat the same lacing process using the second cord, this time on the remaining fixations. This will provide even tension and a perfectly stretched net.
Step 6 – Inspecting the Living Net
Once the net is well stretched, check the strength of the knots and the overall condition of the net. Carefully inspect for any broken meshes or visible defects.
To ensure optimal tension:
- You can add weight to the net to loosen it, then retighten.
- Before use, test the strength of the net and frame with a maximum load of 500 kg, placed securely.
- Ensure that the space between the edge of the net and the frame is less than or equal to 10 cm. If necessary, adjust the tension to achieve this gap.
The net is well stretched and the knots are firmly anchored? Your living net is now installed and ready for use, just like on a catamaran!
Step 7 – Usage and Maintenance
Enjoy your net safely! If you want an even tighter net, feel free to adjust the tension a bit more.
To ensure durable and safe usage:
- Consult and follow the advice on our guides website.
- Regularly inspect the condition of your net and frame.
- Check the anchors to ensure they are still in good condition.
- If you have any doubts about the installation, or for added safety, consult a professional to inspect your setup.
For any questions, our advisors are available via our contact page.