best places to install vents on a H280?

May 15, 2015
131
Marlow-Hunter 31 Everett, WA
I need to install a couple small passive (or maybe solar) vents on my H280, but--other than the forward hatch--there are few places where one can be placed w/out running into complications.

Are there any H280 owners out there who have found a good location for a vent on the cabin top/ceiling or elsewhere?

Also, someone told me the forward hatch is not a good place to install a passive vent, as it’s too low in the cabin--is this accurate?

Thanks, Matt
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,402
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
Ideally, higher is better, but like the PO of Bella the hatch is a compromise. Much less stress to bore a hole in a replaceable hatch than the deck.
 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
If you do an internet search on "Hunter 280 sailboat vent images" you will find a 1999 (left) and 1996 (right) Hunter 280 and others with a solar vent installed in the forward hatch.
1628603629143.png
 
May 15, 2015
131
Marlow-Hunter 31 Everett, WA
Thanks. I’ve come to the same conclusion--install one on the fore hatch. Lewmar makes a pretty nice one that can be retro-fitted for Bomar hatches (which Hunter used for the 280s).

I also found these portlight rain covers that I might try...would essentially turn the galley and head portlights--when kept open-- into another ventilation source to move air from one end of the cabin to the other.

 
Jan 1, 2006
7,039
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
You should also consider exit vents on the aft end of the boat if one doesn't already exist. That can be a low profile type that will let the air exit there. You need flow to keep a sweet smelling boat. Not just when you are aboard.
They can be something as simple as this:
 
Jan 7, 2011
4,723
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
My H280 had a vent on the front hatch, and there were 2 opening port lights (open inward IIRC). one in head, and one over the galley.

My current boat (O’Day 322) has a solar vent in the ceiling of the head and another in the ceiling of the aft berth. I have a plexiglass window that extends from the ceiling down to the deck…you can see it in this phot…and the vent.

84460C1C-6826-4B92-8A7F-CBACE12367D8.jpeg



Greg