interior color on dorade vents

[njl]

Why do I see red on the interior of dorade vents so frequently?

I see other colors occasionally, but just wondering if there's some reason red seems to be the standard.

 

[Ross]

It was probably red lead to start with and became tradition.

 

[njl]

It was probably red lead to start with and became tradition.

Seems strange considering they've only been around since the '30s from what I understand.

 

[Ross]

Dorade vents are boxes that the turned trumpet style horns are mounted in. I believe that the ventilators are much older.

 

[Maine Sail]

Dorade vents are boxes that the turned trumpet style horns are mounted in. I believe that the ventilators are much older.

If my memory is any good I believe it was Rod Stephens, Olin's younger brother, who invented them and the name came from the race boat they were installed on. She was named Dorade and built in the late 20's or early 30's.. Don't know why some are red, ours is white on the interior..


Image Courtesy The Landing School

 

[gpd955]

One theory is that the cowl vents used to let light out and the red color kept the white light from affecting night vision.

I've also seen them with green, white (the plastic ones) and the red. Most of the colored ones I've seen are the stainless versions and the colors set them off nicely so it may just be a matter of aesthetics.

 

[zeehag]

my COWL vents placed on the dorade boxes are red inside but are also cast bronze and very big and very heavy. i have seen white on less heavy bronze cowls, and i have seen natural brass/bronze on some cowl vents for dorade boxes. i dont know if color has to do with anything.
btw--the boxes are called dorade and the vents are called cowl vents. a dorade box is a baffled box for placing a cowl vent and is spozed to keep water from coming inside boat.