I have two concerns: First, is it advisable to put a nicro solar vent in the forward hatch (the one over the v-berth)? Second has anyone done it successfully (without cracking the lens)?
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Plan on doing it.
Dick: I have already installed one in the main salon. It was one of the older day/nite vents and the battery has given up the ghost. I am going to get a newer model with a replacable battery. I am planning on adding an additional vent in the v-berth. I will tell you that if you do this it is much easier if you have the correct size hole saw. The plastic in the hatches are not very easy to cut with a saber saw. They run at too high of a speed and the plastic will melt behind your cut. I think you will find that a hole saw will cut a much cleaner hole too.
Dick: I have already installed one in the main salon. It was one of the older day/nite vents and the battery has given up the ghost. I am going to get a newer model with a replacable battery. I am planning on adding an additional vent in the v-berth. I will tell you that if you do this it is much easier if you have the correct size hole saw. The plastic in the hatches are not very easy to cut with a saber saw. They run at too high of a speed and the plastic will melt behind your cut. I think you will find that a hole saw will cut a much cleaner hole too.
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Paul Akers
Some water leaks in
I have seen some of these older vents leak some water (not much) when deluged with water. Hopefully, this has been corrected. If your boat is accustomed to plowing thru wakes or large waves then I would advise some caution. Frankly though, I don't think I would give mine up because it also helps keep mildew away when everything is buttoned up.
I have seen some of these older vents leak some water (not much) when deluged with water. Hopefully, this has been corrected. If your boat is accustomed to plowing thru wakes or large waves then I would advise some caution. Frankly though, I don't think I would give mine up because it also helps keep mildew away when everything is buttoned up.
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Rich Macal
Did it
I have an 85 28.5 and added the Nicro vents 9 years ago. As indicated a hole saw probably would have worked better, but i did it with a variable speed saber saw and a lot of patience. I put one vent in the forward hatch cover and a second in the small hatch cover directly over the table. The only time I end up with any water inside from those two sites is when a direct stream is applied, such as in washing. I have had my boat out in 8 foot seas and the ride was not comfortable, but I did not take on any thing through the vents. My obvious suggestion is go for it. Good Luck SV "Harmony"
I have an 85 28.5 and added the Nicro vents 9 years ago. As indicated a hole saw probably would have worked better, but i did it with a variable speed saber saw and a lot of patience. I put one vent in the forward hatch cover and a second in the small hatch cover directly over the table. The only time I end up with any water inside from those two sites is when a direct stream is applied, such as in washing. I have had my boat out in 8 foot seas and the ride was not comfortable, but I did not take on any thing through the vents. My obvious suggestion is go for it. Good Luck SV "Harmony"
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Eric Lorgus
I have a Nicro cut through the deck on my 87H285
It is forward of the hatch over the v-berth. It was already on the boat when I bought it. I also have a plug for the hole, so that I can remove the Nicro in heavy weather and plug it to avoid water intrusion.
It is forward of the hatch over the v-berth. It was already on the boat when I bought it. I also have a plug for the hole, so that I can remove the Nicro in heavy weather and plug it to avoid water intrusion.
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Tom Lukas
28.5 solar vents
I put 1 in each hatch last year. Mark your hole in the center of each hatch and use a 1/8" bit, let the heat of the bit cut through. Move aroung the line cutting the 1/8th" hole. Put tape on each side of the line to protect the lexan(?) and use a jig saw to finish the remaining plastic between each hole. Worked great for me. Use the sealant, have not had any leaks.
I put 1 in each hatch last year. Mark your hole in the center of each hatch and use a 1/8" bit, let the heat of the bit cut through. Move aroung the line cutting the 1/8th" hole. Put tape on each side of the line to protect the lexan(?) and use a jig saw to finish the remaining plastic between each hole. Worked great for me. Use the sealant, have not had any leaks.
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Bryan C.
Hatch vents
I put one in the forward hatch of my 35, and I put a passive vent in the cockpit at the aft berth so air would be pulled thru the interior. Makes a huge difference on mildew in the summer. If I leave thevent closed, get mildew growing thick in just a few days. With the vent open, none at all. Nicro may have updated their models, but I got the biggest (square shaped) one for two reasons, one its a little more powerful, and two, you can close it to green water by just sliding up a built in ring. With the round vents the green water seal is a separate piece I was afraid I'd lose. Hint on installation -- spend the $15 and buy a round drill bit (4" or whatever size they recommned) as opposed to cutting the hole with a sabre saw. Cutting the acrylic with a sabre saw is a pain in the ass as it melts and reseals, and invariably you won't get it quite right.
I put one in the forward hatch of my 35, and I put a passive vent in the cockpit at the aft berth so air would be pulled thru the interior. Makes a huge difference on mildew in the summer. If I leave thevent closed, get mildew growing thick in just a few days. With the vent open, none at all. Nicro may have updated their models, but I got the biggest (square shaped) one for two reasons, one its a little more powerful, and two, you can close it to green water by just sliding up a built in ring. With the round vents the green water seal is a separate piece I was afraid I'd lose. Hint on installation -- spend the $15 and buy a round drill bit (4" or whatever size they recommned) as opposed to cutting the hole with a sabre saw. Cutting the acrylic with a sabre saw is a pain in the ass as it melts and reseals, and invariably you won't get it quite right.
Hole saw for $15??
Bryan: Where are you getting a 4" hole saw for $15? I have looked for one and they are about $40-60. Please get us a source. I think that the actual hole size is 4-1/8" or 4-1/4". Thanks
Bryan: Where are you getting a 4" hole saw for $15? I have looked for one and they are about $40-60. Please get us a source. I think that the actual hole size is 4-1/8" or 4-1/4". Thanks
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