Dorade Vent

[Spcharby]

This photo was taken immediately after a good clean up. The material used in construction gets rotted out and begins to loose it's luster even after only three seasons.

Has anyone replaced the stock dorado vent with something more attractive/robust? What did you do? Can you share a photo?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Les]

We had a Hunter 380 that had two of those Dorade vents and like you I worked to keep them clean and good looking . After several years I bought stainless steel Dorades. Installation was fairly easy--take out the bottom rings and replace them with the new bottom fittings. Size was the same. Then put in the new vents and tighten screw.

Only down side was the expense. They were expensive.

However, in the long run it may have been worth it. I sold my 380 to downsize and it took me only three weeks to sell her. I think walking up to that boat and seeing the two shinning dorade vents was a start.

My best to you,

 

[stephen Penny]

I replaced two cowls from this website on my Hunter 31 and from Vetus on my new Hunter 386 both with red colored interior. They look great and are easy to install.

 

[scottdube]

I replaced mine with a solar powered vent and put the plug back into the other...

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|6880|45749|320600&id=1193016

 

[syoun10]

scottdube - what was your experience with the solar powered vent. Did you notice a difference? Did it fit easily?

Ive thought about putting one of these in a hatch cover like most people do, but am reluctant because of loosing the light coming trrough the hatch.

 

[scottdube]

scottdube - what was your experience with the solar powered vent. Did you notice a difference? Did it fit easily?

Ive thought about putting one of these in a hatch cover like most people do, but am reluctant because of loosing the light coming trrough the hatch.

It was easy to install. I notice the biggest difference when the boat has been closed up. It's not nearly as hot as it would have been before putting it in. It's not a high volume fan, I'd like to add another one actually.

Scott

 

[Spcharby]

It was easy to install. I notice the biggest difference when the boat has been closed up. It's not nearly as hot as it would have been before putting it in. It's not a high volume fan, I'd like to add another one actually.

Scott

Which make and model did you install? Did it fit exactly into the hole? Sounds like a great idea. Can you provide more information and perhaps a photo?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[scottdube]

Which make and model did you install? Did it fit exactly into the hole? Sounds like a great idea. Can you provide more information and perhaps a photo?

Thanks,

Steve

Steve I will take a photo next time I'm out at the boat. Still in storage for a few weeks. The install is very simple, if memory serves me, I removed the old ring (3 screws) and installed the one that came with the unit. then the pop the thing in a couple more screws and your done.

I can't remember the model but it is the stainless steel day/night unit. You need to get the one for the size hole in the dorade box. Very straight forward.

Scott

 

[scottdube]

Steve here's a video on the unit.

http://youtu.be/vU3Nlr6Gjgw

 

[Dan Johnson]

Solar vents...

I replaced the dorade vents on my H34 with Nicro solar vents and have been happy with the ventilation these units provide 24/7. See pic.

 

[Spcharby]

Steve here's a video on the unit.

http://youtu.be/vU3Nlr6Gjgw

Scott,

Very helpful and great idea. Thanks for the video link, it was exactly what I was looking for. I will shop around for one - Defender seems to have the best price.

All the best,

Steve

 

[Spcharby]

I replaced the dorade vents on my H34 with Nicro solar vents and have been happy with the ventilation these units provide 24/7. See pic.

Dan,

Great set up! I like the fact that they provide ventilation 24/7 with the rechargeable batteries. Thanks for taking the time to upload the phot, gives me a good idea of what they look like.

Steve

 

[Dan Johnson]

Steve...

Hunter, in its infinate wisdom, used 5" dorades, a non-standard size, on the H34s. I had to make adaptor rings from Starboard to mount the Nicro 4" rings over the existing 5" vent holes left from removing the old dorades.

 

[scottdube]

Here's the pictures

 

[James10016]

Steve,

After searching the internet for Non-standard 5" replacement units, one of the marina employees told me about an Automotive paint made for plastic. I spray painted mine with two coats of this paint last year and they still look brand new.

If any of you are interested, I'll get the name of the paint and post a picture of the results. The paint cost about $5 a can.

Regards,

James

 

[Spcharby]

Steve,

After searching the internet for Non-standard 5" replacement units, one of the marina employees told me about an Automotive paint made for plastic. I spray painted mine with two coats of this paint last year and they still look brand new.

If any of you are interested, I'll get the name of the paint and post a picture of the results. The paint cost about $5 a can.

Regards,

James

Yes please! I intend on eventually replacing the dorado with a Nicro Vent, but am waiting for a sale before purchasing one. In the meantime, this sounds like an excellent idea!

Thanks James!

 

[artboas]

Did the same thing

Yes please! I intend on eventually replacing the dorado with a Nicro Vent, but am waiting for a sale before purchasing one. In the meantime, this sounds like an excellent idea!

Thanks James!

There is a "marine" spray paint for PVC
They look like new after 3 coats.
Cost $10