what brand of fore hatch wind scoop works the best?

[centerline]

I want to either buy or make an easy to use wind scoop for the fore hatch. I have never used one or even saw one in use other than in photos.....

I have always propped the hatch open to catch what it can but this summer I would like to have a bit more ventilation if possible..

what brands are available, and is one brand easier to use than another?
is there a pattern for making one available anywhere? how do they attach to the hatch so they stay in place when the breeze is blowing and what keeps them open so they dont collapse? thank you....

 

[Joe]

There's lots of info with a quick Google search, but you've probably already taken a peek, so I'll share the limited experience I've gained from sailing with friends in Florida. Of course, in San Diego, we don't use them 'cause it's never that hot, heh, heh.

The biggest issues are directional capability, airflow restrictions at the lower end and fitting to the hatch itself. If you will be mostly using your scoop when anchored or moored, then a single direction device will probably suffice... as the boat will always be aligning itself towards the wind. Anchoring fore and aft, where alignment to current is needed, often preferred by larger boats.... the omni-directional style is more practical, rather than going forward to shift the scoop if the wind direction change. Many scoops will be constructed with a column of lightweight nylon, held open by a frame of plastic rods and supported by a harness attached to a halyard. Near the base there will be a heavier, canvas like material to form a rigid "box" to redirect the air into the hatch. Sunbrella is often used but I have read report that it often collapses and restricts the air too much...so a rigid lightweigt panel or thin plywood such as Luan is used for that. Finally the actual hatch attachment mechanism can be fairly creative.... small velcro loops to anchor it from the inside and a weighted skirt around the outside could work. Some strategically placed clamps could work with a base designed to accept them.... there's all kinds of ideas on this...

 

[Tim R.]

We love our Breeze Boosters

http://www.breezebooster.com/

 

[sesmith]

We have one that we made. It's basically a rectangle (although I believe the forward end is wider than the rear end). There is a channel sewed into the forward edge that we inserted a small fiberglass or nylon rod into. A web and buckle (like you'd find on a backpack strap) goes between the 2 front corners (so tension on the strap bows the rod and opens it up). D-rings are attached to short nylon web straps at each of the 4 corners. We just use small bungees to hook the 4 corners to 4 points on the boat. We used a tyvek fabric to make it, though I'd use nylon if we ever do another one. Works great except when the wind pipes up. Then it flaps enough to wake you up. Early t-storm warning, I guess.

 

[Jeff]

I second Breeze Booster. They come in several sizes for hatches and ports. They set up and stow away very quickly. We first saw them on charter boats in the BVI.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

The largest Breeze Booster is $77.00. It would be hard to make your own for less. They are a very elegant design from an engineering point-of-view.

 

[finding41]

I made one like what you can order form SailRight. They have an instructional video on how to do it. Very easy! It cost about $15 in materials.
Her is a picture of mine hanging in the dining room. I haven't had a chance to get it on the boat yet.

 

[Ken13559]

I made one like what you can order form SailRight. They have an instructional video on how to do it. Very easy! It cost about $15 in materials.
Her is a picture of mine hanging in the dining room. I haven't had a chance to get it on the boat yet.

I've just completed sewing one yesterday. Like it so much I'm planning to sew couple more as Christmas present for my sailing friends with boats.