I plan on installing a solar vent on my 30 and initially, thought about putting it through the forward hatch above the vee berth (1983 Catalina 30). However, I was thinking this may interfere with the jib sheets when tacking, having left that hatch open once while sailing. Has anybody come up with a better (or best location for a solar vent? Thanks. Mike
Best Solar Vent Spot
- Thread starter primerate84
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I put one in the hatch just aft ...
....of the mast. I could only fit a 3 inch one there. You have to only cut a hole in the smoked plexiglass. It looks good there. It is less astetically attractive on the forward v birth hatch. It is a good place because you normally do not step in that area anyway since the boom is usually right above. It is also the highest place in the cabin.
....of the mast. I could only fit a 3 inch one there. You have to only cut a hole in the smoked plexiglass. It looks good there. It is less astetically attractive on the forward v birth hatch. It is a good place because you normally do not step in that area anyway since the boom is usually right above. It is also the highest place in the cabin.
Thanks...
I thought about that location but I have a vent that needs a 4" hole and I was afraid that it would interfere with the vang. I'm going to the boat this week-end and will look at the clearance between that hatch and everything else in the area. That would be the ideal location, though. Mike
I thought about that location but I have a vent that needs a 4" hole and I was afraid that it would interfere with the vang. I'm going to the boat this week-end and will look at the clearance between that hatch and everything else in the area. That would be the ideal location, though. Mike
Just installed mine and...
I recently installed a 4 inch vent on my forward hatch and have had no problems with the lines getting caught up. The vents are typically lower profile and do not come up as high as an open hatch. It is significantly easier installing the vent on a hatch as you do not have to cut through the thicker deck. Just my two cents.
I recently installed a 4 inch vent on my forward hatch and have had no problems with the lines getting caught up. The vents are typically lower profile and do not come up as high as an open hatch. It is significantly easier installing the vent on a hatch as you do not have to cut through the thicker deck. Just my two cents.
Vent location
My vent is located on the forward hatch, it does not interfer with the sheets. The hatches just forward of the mast, above the head and locker, are a problem, the jib sheets get caught under the aft edge of these hatches. Only solution I have is to be sure they are clear prior to tacking. I recall someone mentioning running a line from the deck "D" loop between the bow and forward hatch back to the mast about 12" above the deck to keep the sheets away from the hatches. I do not know if that works.
My vent is located on the forward hatch, it does not interfer with the sheets. The hatches just forward of the mast, above the head and locker, are a problem, the jib sheets get caught under the aft edge of these hatches. Only solution I have is to be sure they are clear prior to tacking. I recall someone mentioning running a line from the deck "D" loop between the bow and forward hatch back to the mast about 12" above the deck to keep the sheets away from the hatches. I do not know if that works.
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