I'd like to install a solar/battery powered vent on my boat. The best place to install the unit would be through my deck hatch. Does any know if these vents can be installed through acrylic?
Powered Vents
- Thread starter dreamcatcher3342
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yes they can!
That is really the best place to place them. If you want to put them thru can cabin, that hole is there forever. You can always replace a piece of plastic. It is best to use the proper sized hole saw. I used a saber saw and it was a real pain in the ass. The acrylic melts behind your cut so you need to go around a couple of times. If you use a saber saw be sure that you put some tape over the acrylic so you do NOT scratch it. Also purchase the largest one available. I do not think that they move anywhere near the amount of air that they claim. Depending on the size of your boat (and the number of hatches) you may want to consider a couple or three of them.
That is really the best place to place them. If you want to put them thru can cabin, that hole is there forever. You can always replace a piece of plastic. It is best to use the proper sized hole saw. I used a saber saw and it was a real pain in the ass. The acrylic melts behind your cut so you need to go around a couple of times. If you use a saber saw be sure that you put some tape over the acrylic so you do NOT scratch it. Also purchase the largest one available. I do not think that they move anywhere near the amount of air that they claim. Depending on the size of your boat (and the number of hatches) you may want to consider a couple or three of them.
solar vents
I just replaced two old vents with new Nirco solar day/night vents, vents with solar power and nicad batteries for 24 hour venting. You can purchase a 4 inch hole saw as it makes the job easier. As Steve said use 2 or 3 depending on boat size. I use 2 nicro solar vents for exhaust and have 2 ss vetus mushrooms for the air intake. see the vents at the following link: http://www.vetus.com/products/ventilation/deck_ventilators.cfm www.defender.com has the solar vents at a great price. proper venting will keep the inside of your boat drier. Ed
I just replaced two old vents with new Nirco solar day/night vents, vents with solar power and nicad batteries for 24 hour venting. You can purchase a 4 inch hole saw as it makes the job easier. As Steve said use 2 or 3 depending on boat size. I use 2 nicro solar vents for exhaust and have 2 ss vetus mushrooms for the air intake. see the vents at the following link: http://www.vetus.com/products/ventilation/deck_ventilators.cfm www.defender.com has the solar vents at a great price. proper venting will keep the inside of your boat drier. Ed
ice water
i would keep a squirt bottle of ice water with a little soap mixed in and spray the cutting area often. this will lubricate the cut and flush the cuttings out while keeping the plastic from melting.
i would keep a squirt bottle of ice water with a little soap mixed in and spray the cutting area often. this will lubricate the cut and flush the cuttings out while keeping the plastic from melting.
hole saw
Hello, I just went through this last week! I installed a 4" Nicro solar vent in the main cabin acrylic hatch in my 86 Newport. The hole saw required is something like 4 3/4". Good luck finding one! None of the regular stores carry that size (Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.). I did find one at a local hardware store, it was $50! It seemed silly to spend $130 for the vent, and $50 just for a hole saw. I decided to buy a cutting bit and holder for my dremel. That was $20 at Sears and I was able to use it for other things as well. It was very easy to cut the hole in the hatch, and you don't need to be perfect becuase you install a trim ring in the hole and the vent in the ring. I just traced the inside of the trim ring and in less than 5 minutes I was done. One word of advice, tape a drop cloth under the hatch. The bits of plastic went everywhere! Good luck, Barry
Hello, I just went through this last week! I installed a 4" Nicro solar vent in the main cabin acrylic hatch in my 86 Newport. The hole saw required is something like 4 3/4". Good luck finding one! None of the regular stores carry that size (Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.). I did find one at a local hardware store, it was $50! It seemed silly to spend $130 for the vent, and $50 just for a hole saw. I decided to buy a cutting bit and holder for my dremel. That was $20 at Sears and I was able to use it for other things as well. It was very easy to cut the hole in the hatch, and you don't need to be perfect becuase you install a trim ring in the hole and the vent in the ring. I just traced the inside of the trim ring and in less than 5 minutes I was done. One word of advice, tape a drop cloth under the hatch. The bits of plastic went everywhere! Good luck, Barry
Roto Zip
I used a roto Zip in my hatch. I taped newspaper underneath to catch the shavings. Good luck Marc
I used a roto Zip in my hatch. I taped newspaper underneath to catch the shavings. Good luck Marc
Need how-to info?
Tom: I believe I saved a discussion thread on this very subject from the SailNet ODay list-serv -- how to cut into the acrylic panel on the cabin top. When I get back to work on Monday I'll check on my computer and, if my hunch is correct, I'll send you the info off-list. Unrelated item: Great to meet you and Deb at the rOnDAYvous last weekend. Hope we'll catch up with you again soon on local waters. Pete "Crossroads" (O-322) Little Silver, NJ
Tom: I believe I saved a discussion thread on this very subject from the SailNet ODay list-serv -- how to cut into the acrylic panel on the cabin top. When I get back to work on Monday I'll check on my computer and, if my hunch is correct, I'll send you the info off-list. Unrelated item: Great to meet you and Deb at the rOnDAYvous last weekend. Hope we'll catch up with you again soon on local waters. Pete "Crossroads" (O-322) Little Silver, NJ
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