I bough a no name solar vent at my local chandlery. Looks good, has an on off switch, takes a 6 inch hole. Where have you-all installed solar vents on your 26/260s? How about other vents? As far as I can see, there is no ventilation built into the H26.
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forward hatch
Hey Fred, we have the Nicro powervent installed in the forward hatch of our 260. As someone in another thread pointed out, that is some valuable real estate for lounging, etc so it might get in the way. I have seen them mounted on the cabin top starboard or port of the companionway also. The vent does a good job and ran 24X7 for probably 4+ years, but it died this season and I have to replace it. I will probably replace with the same model. It moves a decent amount of air for a solar fan.
Hey Fred, we have the Nicro powervent installed in the forward hatch of our 260. As someone in another thread pointed out, that is some valuable real estate for lounging, etc so it might get in the way. I have seen them mounted on the cabin top starboard or port of the companionway also. The vent does a good job and ran 24X7 for probably 4+ years, but it died this season and I have to replace it. I will probably replace with the same model. It moves a decent amount of air for a solar fan.
Followup
Ashley, I have an H26 also and I am curious if the forward hatch is the same as the hatch on the H260. I bought a Nicro vent solar when it was on sale at WM, but I am a little concerned about compromising the plexigas on the forward hatch since it doesn't seem to be perfectly flat.
Ashley, I have an H26 also and I am curious if the forward hatch is the same as the hatch on the H260. I bought a Nicro vent solar when it was on sale at WM, but I am a little concerned about compromising the plexigas on the forward hatch since it doesn't seem to be perfectly flat.
Ashley, check the battery before you throw away
your solar vent. You may be ablt to replace the battery and get another 5 years out of it. I've thought of the forward hatch/window, and the cabin top, or right aft of the mast (looks structural), or on the cockpit well side opposite the window/vent into the bunk under the cockpit. I hope someone on the list has figured this one out.
your solar vent. You may be ablt to replace the battery and get another 5 years out of it. I've thought of the forward hatch/window, and the cabin top, or right aft of the mast (looks structural), or on the cockpit well side opposite the window/vent into the bunk under the cockpit. I hope someone on the list has figured this one out.
Mine's dead
I replaced the battery a few months ago and it worked for awhile and then intermittently and now nothing. I tried all the troubleshooting tips from the manual and the nicro website. It appears to be DOA. I plan to call tech support before I trash it, but it doesn't look good. Other than the battery, there isn't much to replace. If I can remember this weekend, I will look around at some of the other 26/260's in our marina to see where they put their vents. I think most of them have one. The hatch is different between our models, ours is a 2002 and the hatch is like George's picture. I know for sure there is an Ericson 28 with a solar vent mounted in a plexiglass hatch in our marina, but the hatch is flat...
I replaced the battery a few months ago and it worked for awhile and then intermittently and now nothing. I tried all the troubleshooting tips from the manual and the nicro website. It appears to be DOA. I plan to call tech support before I trash it, but it doesn't look good. Other than the battery, there isn't much to replace. If I can remember this weekend, I will look around at some of the other 26/260's in our marina to see where they put their vents. I think most of them have one. The hatch is different between our models, ours is a 2002 and the hatch is like George's picture. I know for sure there is an Ericson 28 with a solar vent mounted in a plexiglass hatch in our marina, but the hatch is flat...
vent
I have been looking at putting a vent in too. It seems the hatch (on H260) would be the easiest location but then might get in the way a little. I have also thought about the area between the 2 windshields. What have you all used to cut the hole for the solar vent?
I have been looking at putting a vent in too. It seems the hatch (on H260) would be the easiest location but then might get in the way a little. I have also thought about the area between the 2 windshields. What have you all used to cut the hole for the solar vent?
Above the head and just forward of the mast are my
current favorites. I've thought about just forward of the main hatch. I need to see it with the mast up and think about where my feet are when hoisting and lowering the sail. It seems I often have to go forward even though I have halyards led to the cockpit, and always when lowering the main.
current favorites. I've thought about just forward of the main hatch. I need to see it with the mast up and think about where my feet are when hoisting and lowering the sail. It seems I often have to go forward even though I have halyards led to the cockpit, and always when lowering the main.
Unless you have a hole saw
exactly the right size (I need a 6 inch hole) I would use the rotozip or sabre saw/jig saw to cut the hole. Use a fine tooth blade and go slow. I would cut from the top and tape a garbage bag under where the hole will be. Take the time to tape the bag all around so dust won't get in the cabin. Masking tape works well. I still don't know where to cut the hole.
exactly the right size (I need a 6 inch hole) I would use the rotozip or sabre saw/jig saw to cut the hole. Use a fine tooth blade and go slow. I would cut from the top and tape a garbage bag under where the hole will be. Take the time to tape the bag all around so dust won't get in the cabin. Masking tape works well. I still don't know where to cut the hole.
Hatch in windshield
Is there any reason not to cut a whole in the hatch in the windshield on the h26? It has a slight curve to it but the Nicro vent seems to be made to accomodate some irregularity. My concern is developing a weak spot in the plexiglas that then turns into a crack. Like Fred I am curious if anyone has installed a vent in this hatch. I hate to cut through the deck; at least the hatch could be replaced if things went badly.
Is there any reason not to cut a whole in the hatch in the windshield on the h26? It has a slight curve to it but the Nicro vent seems to be made to accomodate some irregularity. My concern is developing a weak spot in the plexiglas that then turns into a crack. Like Fred I am curious if anyone has installed a vent in this hatch. I hate to cut through the deck; at least the hatch could be replaced if things went badly.
Paul, if the hatch is Lexan (polycarbonate)
it should be no problem. the slight irregularity can be taken up by your bedding compound. With careful masking and installation it will look like a custom made gasket/filler. If the hatch is Plexiglass (polystyrene) it will crack much more easily. I will take a look at mine and see if I can identify the plastic. My problem with vent in the hatch is weight and visibility. Will the little arm that holds the hatch open take the weight of the vent long term?
it should be no problem. the slight irregularity can be taken up by your bedding compound. With careful masking and installation it will look like a custom made gasket/filler. If the hatch is Plexiglass (polystyrene) it will crack much more easily. I will take a look at mine and see if I can identify the plastic. My problem with vent in the hatch is weight and visibility. Will the little arm that holds the hatch open take the weight of the vent long term?
My H26 Windshield Cracked
My H26 windshield cracked at my solar vent mounting hole. Someone may have accidently stepped on the vent or windshield. Hunter wants $300 for a replacement piece. When I replace my windshield, I haven't yet decided where I will re-install the solar vent. Ya'll have offered some great options.BrianW
My H26 windshield cracked at my solar vent mounting hole. Someone may have accidently stepped on the vent or windshield. Hunter wants $300 for a replacement piece. When I replace my windshield, I haven't yet decided where I will re-install the solar vent. Ya'll have offered some great options.BrianW
Flat install required?
Does the vent require it be installed on a flat surface? There is a nice spots just aft of the galley port and therefore the head port. Doubt you can heel far enough to get it wet! Also looks like right in front of the mast might work. Photo shows no install, just for quick ref.
Does the vent require it be installed on a flat surface? There is a nice spots just aft of the galley port and therefore the head port. Doubt you can heel far enough to get it wet! Also looks like right in front of the mast might work. Photo shows no install, just for quick ref.
Excellent!
It really helps alot to see the installation on your boat. Thanks for the picture; I think that I'll follow suit. Did you have any special problems in the installation? Any difficulties with the irregular surface of the windshield? What did you use to cut the plexiglas?
It really helps alot to see the installation on your boat. Thanks for the picture; I think that I'll follow suit. Did you have any special problems in the installation? Any difficulties with the irregular surface of the windshield? What did you use to cut the plexiglas?
Hole Saw
I purchased the smaller Nicro and used a 4 inch hole saw. A jig saw used carefully with a plastic cutting blade should also work but I prefer hole saws if the size is available. My hatch is fairly flat and did not require any special install other than standard caulk.(Check for one that is compatible with plastic)
I purchased the smaller Nicro and used a 4 inch hole saw. A jig saw used carefully with a plastic cutting blade should also work but I prefer hole saws if the size is available. My hatch is fairly flat and did not require any special install other than standard caulk.(Check for one that is compatible with plastic)
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