Question on installing solar vent on '81 Hunter 30

[John Mutrux]

I would like to install a 4" solar vent on my 1981 Hunter 30, probably between the mast and the forward hatch. However, I am unsure of what material is between the deck and the inside cabin roof, etc. Should I just drill a hole, then use a jigsaw to cut out the hole? Is there anything I should know or take into account before proceeding?

 

[Steve Dion]

Why not in the hatch?

John:Why not put it in the hatch it self? Are the cross bars too close together to cut the hole?It is really best to find the correct size hole saw to cut these holes. Very clean cut.

 

[Rip Edmundson]

Nicro 4" vents use 4 3/4" hole

Nicro 4" vents use 4 3/4" hole. Marina will loan you a hole bit if you buy from them.My '87 Hunter 31 has plywood between mast and hatch. so I would second Steve's suggestion to put it in the hatch.

 

[John Mutrux]

Will install in forward hatch . . .

Thanks for the advise. There is space between the bars on the forward hatch, so I'll install it there - much easier. At first I thought it would block too much light, but it doesn't. I can't find a 4 3/4" hole bit, so I plan on using a Rotozip with a center hole gauge. Then use 3M 5200 polyurethane to glue the deck ring into place.