Solar Vent on a head hatch.

[Justin_NSA]

Which model?
Post some pics.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I’ve had 2 Nicro solar day and night fans, first one was original to my ‘82 boat, still going strong when I replaced it 2 years ago with a newer model (early version could not close, new one does). New one works perfectly but I put a higher capacity battery in it (mine sits about 2 feet below the boom, in shadow for a lot of the day). Runs non stop 24/7 even when cloudy for days on end. I close the fan when it’s snotty out, taken waves over the bow no leaks.

Not sure why people say they are bad, I haven’t seen any competitors model that’s nearly as good. Whether you want passive vs active ventilation is another issue.

I've had a Nicrro Day and night solar vent on my boat, on the hatch over the head, for 12 years or more- has never stopped working

 

[Justin_NSA]

.... New one works perfectly but I put a higher capacity battery in it (mine sits about 2 feet below the boom, in shadow for a lot of the day). Runs non stop 24/7 even when cloudy for days on end. I close the fan when it’s snotty out, taken waves over the bow no leaks.

Was it much trouble to upgrade the battery? A second Nicro on Bella would have the same shade concern.

 

[odaydokay]

I installed one about 20 years ago in the forward Bomar plexi hatch. Replaced the unit once when it cracked, replaced its batteries a couple of times. In the beginning it seemed to me it really could not get air from anywhere, so I had the plexi main hatch (2 piece) louvered (on an angle to prevent rain penetration). This gives the fan somewhere to get its air from. Now....how well does it all work? It does not pull much air, let's be honest, but something is better than nothing I guess and my boat does not stink unless I forget to close the fuel cock and then it might a bit in certain weather. Overall glad I did it.

 

[capta]

A bit off-thread, but wondering: what is people's long-term satisfaction level with solar vents?

When I bought my boat it had two, in both main overhead hatches. They were ugly and no longer worked. I replaced the NiCd batteries in them, still nothing. I read up on them, there was no longer any support from the manufacturer, and folks had gone to great lengths refurbishing them with quite a dose of MacGyver. I ended up replacing the Lewmar hatch lids at a cost of about $900. Now I have beautiful, clear hatch lids! So, my long-term satisfaction with them is very low.

I would be more interested in servos that would keep my Dorade cowls pointed into the wind! (We're on a mooring and the direction of the boat is determined by the current in the river, not the wind.)

We are slowly replacing the plexiglass on our Lewmar hatches and that only costs about us55.00 each. How did you get to $900.00?

 

[jviss]

We are slowly replacing the plexiglass on our Lewmar hatches and that only costs about us55.00 each. How did you get to $900.00?

I checked, it wasn't quite $900:
1. I didn't want to do it myself;
2. Hatchmasters quoted about $800 plus shipping both ways;
3. new hatch lids at Defender came to $738, and installed in under 1/2 hour.

I ended up with brand-new hatch lids, including gaskets, handles, latches, etc.

 

[capta]

I’ve had 2 Nicro solar day and night fans, first one was original to my ‘82 boat, still going strong when I replaced it 2 years ago with a newer model (early version could not close, new one does). New one works perfectly but I put a higher capacity battery in it (mine sits about 2 feet below the boom, in shadow for a lot of the day). Runs non stop 24/7 even when cloudy for days on end. I close the fan when it’s snotty out, taken waves over the bow no leaks.

Not sure why people say they are bad, I haven’t seen any competitors model that’s nearly as good. Whether you want passive vs active ventilation is another issue.

I looked them up online but couldn't find one that closed. Could you please give me the model number?

 

[heritage]

Capta, Marinco/Nicro calls it a shutoff damper. https://www.marinco.com/en/~/media/inriver/382600-41402.pdf

 

[capta]

Capta, Marinco/Nicro calls it a shutoff damper. https://www.marinco.com/en/~/media/inriver/382600-41402.pdf

Thank you.

 

[Mr Fox]

Which model?
Post some pics.

This is the model I have currently. I don't have any closeup images of it on my boat. It's mounted in a hatch on the front of the cabin, right under the boom (you can juuuuuuuuust see it in my avatar- little white sliver under my catboats long boom).

The feature I was interested in was

• Complete air and green water shut-off from below

Also definitely follow the instructions in regards to fully charging the battery before you use it! I put in a higher capacity battery from EBL, and I have a charger at home so I will charge it fully before I launch, you can also just make sure the fan is shut off (there's a button to turn it off) and let it sit for a couple days in the sun.

Day/Night Plus Solar Vent, 4" White | Marinco

Day/Night Plus Solar Vent, 4" White

www.marinco.com