H26 solar vent placement

[Mergatroid]

Where would be the best location for a power vent? I hate the idea of cutting holes in the boat and hate even more the idea of cutting a hole in the v-berth window. But, oh well.

How about cutting into the foredeck into the v-berth? Or cutting into the v-berth window, or cutting into cabin above the table near the mast? Any other ideas welcome.

Also, Should I also use a PVC vent in the stern to provide flow or is the sucky hatchboards and ill fitting companion slider enough?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Cutting holes is always a challenge. Here's my 2 cents: Don't cut through a hatch lens. Chances of leaking are higher. Don't know if you can stand on your hatches, but having something there could get in the way of your feet. Higher is usually better for extracting hot air, it still rises , so the top of the cabin is always a good location. If you have slits in your companionway boards that should be enough.

You could also check the Nicro website or any WM catalog or the WM Advisors on ventilation: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...Id=11151&catalogId=10001&page=Climate-Control

There's only a little there, they used to have the entire Nicro writeup, check the catalog pages in print or online. Good stuff.

They recommend one in each compartment, but the V berth only location wouldn't cover your main area of the saloon, so I'd go with that.

Your choice of two, but you could start with one and see how that works for you.

Good luck.

 

[xcyz]

Mergatroid, I'm with you on this one... I would ONLY consider cutting in to something I can replace in the event I needed or wanted to.

Also, a perspective buyer will often walk away from a boat that has been modified to that extent, I did. I passed on several boats due to various mods such as the one you're thinking of doing.

-Robert

 

[twodzusfittings]

"Here's my 2 cents: Don't cut through a hatch lens. Chances of leaking are higher. "

I will disagree with this statement. If you cut into the body of the boat, your done forever, fix or not. Cutting though the clear plexi glass of a hatch is my recommendation. I did it and with the use of the supplied gaskets on a nicro solar ventilator, I have no leaks. If there should be any reason to go back to what I had before, a hatch costs far less and is a better finished product, than trying to fix a 4 inch hole through two layers of fiberglass.

What ever you decide, think beyond your ownership, you will be happy when you go for the bigger boat.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

A solar vent is an investment contrary to some as it helps to keep the boat dry inside when you are gone for a long period of time. There is a plastic shell or stainless shell shell which I only recommend the stainless shell for durability. I chose the 4 inch and placed them on the cabin roof/coach house forward of the mast and a foot away from center. The new ones have a trim ring to hide the hole. The key is to also apply some caulking when installing even though there is a seal ring provided. My customers were happy and that was not an issue when selling the boat if done properly with the stainless one.

crazy dave

 

[John23883]

In the front hatch

I put my vent in the front hatch for the reasons given earlier. A flat piece of plexi is way easier to cut and replace than fiberglass. As for a seperate intake, the air moves so slowly, it's not needed.

I cut the plexi using a sabre saw. I have a blade that has bits of sharp carbide on it instead of teeth so it won't crack the plexi.

 

[Lucky Day]

I put my vent in the front hatch for the reasons given earlier. A flat piece of plexi is way easier to cut and replace than fiberglass. As for a seperate intake, the air moves so slowly, it's not needed.

If you don’t want to drill or cut your deck then then install a clam shell or louvered vent in your top or second from top hatch board, I found it was plenty of ventilation and I did not have to compromise my deck with holes.

 

[twodzusfittings]

The only thing is with a clam or louvered vent is that you dont have the solar powered fan to keep air movement in the boat. My solar fan is a puller and draws air through the cabin. It prevents the musty smells from occuring. The fan is not strong, but it is sufficient while I am not on board. For fans while on board, when using shore power, I use a small ocilating fan. When overnight in a bay, I have fans which plug into the 12v power and work really well.

 

[Mergatroid]

The only thing is with a clam or louvered vent is that you dont have the solar powered fan to keep air movement in the boat. My solar fan is a puller and draws air through the cabin. It prevents the musty smells from occuring. The fan is not strong, but it is sufficient while I am not on board. For fans while on board, when using shore power, I use a small ocilating fan. When overnight in a bay, I have fans which plug into the 12v power and work really well.

Where do you locate the solar fans?

 

[twodzusfittings]

If you mean install them, as being mentioned in this thread either through the plexiglass of the hatch or the body of the boat, the latter not being recommended by most and myself.

If you mean purchase them, then there are many sources and a few worthy brands. I like my nicro in stainless. I got it on sale at West Marine, thinking I paid $80 or $90. It came with two fan blades so I can choose the direction of the air flow. Has an on / off switch as well as I can close the vent hole. A screen is also included.

 

[Mergatroid]

If you mean install them, as being mentioned in this thread either through the plexiglass of the hatch or the body of the boat, the latter not being recommended by most and myself.

Wow, sorry.

I will try and be more verbose next time.