Installing solar ventilator H26

[Larry Caillouet]

Has anyone installed a solar ventilator in front of the mast on a Hunter 26? It seems to be the only place where it is not likely to be kicked or stepped on, but I wonder if cutting a 4.5 inch hole so near the mast will weaken the cabin roof and cause problems. I talked to an engineer at Hunter, and as you might expect, he would not commit to saying yes or no. Has anyone found a better place to install it?

 

[BrianW]

The previous owner of my 1994 H26 cut a hole into the front hatch of the "windshield" and installed a Nicro solar fan there. BrianW

 

[Charisma]

Front Hatch . . .

I recently saw a H26 with a solar vent in the front hatch. But my concern would be the Jib sheets getting caught under it. I know I have to watch when tacking if we have the front hatch open as we have almost had the hatch pulled off by the Jib sheet. I have thought about putting one even further up front, aft of the anchor locker. Chris

 

[Larry Caillouet]

Not on front hatch

Several people have suggested mounting the ventilator on one of the fixed windows or the opening hatch window because it would be easy to cut through the plexiglass and it's not a structural element, but I'm afraid it would either snag the jib sheets or get stepped on. There is room immediately in front of the mast where it would be out of the way, but my concern is for the structural integrity so near the mast step plate. On the other hand, there is a compression post under the mast and a molded in beam in the cabin roof just behind the mast. Do you think this would be enough to adequately support the pressure of the mast if I cut a 4.5 inch hole in the cabin roof by the mast?

 

[dewhunter]

the p/o of my h26 installed the solar vent on the port side and ahead of the mast on the deck. Ive had no problems with the jib tacks or leaks, I walk over the vent when on the foredeck and have not broken it. When I installed my solar panel behind the mast I had to drill a 3/4" hole for wiring and found that the mast area is 1 1/4 thick glass fiber and resin. gary.

 

[Mike Pajewski]

Mounted mine in the opening hatch

I mounted mine in the center opening hatch. It has been installed there since 2000 and I have never snagged a sheet on it. I never step on the windows or hatch so that hasn't been a problem either.