Recomendations for Ventilation on First 285

[Ivan Edwards]

Considering how to set up good ventilation for my 1990, First 285, both while on board, and while away.Problems:- Aft cabin has no ventilation, other than one opening lewmar port light. And this cannot be left open while away.Considering replacing the current 8" round fixed portlight in thetransom with a 8" square lewmar "medium profile" hatch, with screen. And/Or considering a cowl vent on top of the transom to provide this ventilation.- Need active exhaust vent above galley, to vent heat from stove, and provide away ventilation.Considering solar, or combined solar/12V in cabin roof, above galley.Or, 12V fan with exhaust ducted to the companionway side wall.- The main cabin fixed portlights (long/thin) do not allow cross-ventilation while in dock. Considered opening portlights, but haven't found a good fit.Any recommendations on any of these?

 

[David Walters]

On my list of to-dos too

The 285 at least has the opening portlight in the aft cabin (to the cockpit?). That is the first thing to add on my 235. The second is a solar/battery powered vent installed in the center of the forward hatch. Third on the list is installing 4" X 10" portlights in the fixed plexi windows port and starboard one over the head, the other over the galley. To vent the aft cabin better while away I'd use a simple deck vent on the port aft deck like <img src=http://www.sailnet.com/store/prodimage/160x160/marn10873.gif> with a screened and closeable dorade type tube mounted in it.For the aft window to opening port conversion, first check with your ins. co as they might have a problem with an opening port so close to the waterline. If you still want to do it, there's a short article at http://www.beneteau-owners.com/library.nsf/2c72b48d71625b17852566fb003c3e99 (PDF file) on how to install a round opening port.Good luck, post pics if you can.