solar vent placement

[Rick]

I've just bought one of the Nicro brand solar vents to install in my '96 H26 (heat and humidity is top of mind these days). Does anybody have an opinion or suggestions about where to place it (plexiglas panel versus the fiberglas top of the boat). If on the top, should it be as far away from the mast as possible so as to not hurt structural integrity, but still forward of the mast?

 

[BART FORD]

PLACEMENT

I have a 240 and have heard that in the center of the forward hatch is best place. If you screw up installing it, you can always get another hatch, but a fiberglass patch in the deck would look terrible and probally be weak as well.If I put one in, that's where I plan on sticking mine.

 

[Steve Dion]

Don't know why you would drill thru fiberglass!

Rick:I do not know why you would drill a 4" hole thru you cabin top if you can use a hatch. If you screw things up you can replace the hatch plastic for a few bucks. If you cut a hole in the deck you really do not know what is below and leave the chance for a leak if it is NOT sealed properly. Make sure that you have purchased the largest unit available. There is a lot of difference in the amount of airflow between the 3000 and 4000 solar vents.If you have access to the correct size hole saw it makes this installation a breeze. A saber saw does not make as clean a cut either.

 

[Mike Killian]

Solar Vent on 23.5

I just installed a Nicro Solar vent on my 23.5 in the hatch cover. It was a simple and quick installation. Used a 3 5/8" hole saw.Mike Killian"Papa's Boat"

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

There could be a good reason not to go through

a hatch, especially if it renders the hatch useless as a hatch: there are specific standards for deck hatch sizes in some areas of the boat because they provide escape routes in the event of fire. Boat builders are required to install a minimum number of escape hatches. If installing a vent in one makes it impossible to use for that purpose, go through the deck.

 

[Sean Coerse]

Use the hatch

I installed a nicro vent on my 240 this summer. Use the hatch. It does not effect the function of the hatch in anyway.

 

[Mike Pajewski]

In the hatch

Rick,I installed a Day-Night Solar vent in the opening plexiglas hatch. It has no effect on the hatch operation and it does not seem to be in the way when working up forward to deploy my cruising spinnaker.It does do a great job ventilating the boat. Humidity is down and there is no mildew. I have been trying to figure out how to get one in the aft berth.Mike PajewskiH26 "Loon"