Installing Solar Vents
Date: May 4, 1999 Does anyone have any ideas on installing those little solar powered vents in the hatches???? I could use about 750 cfm on a regular basis just to keep the air moving when not there.
Date: May 7, 1999 Tom,
Date: May 10, 1999 Paul,
Tom,
Date: May 13, 1999 Hey Skipper, I installed a solar vent two years ago. It does make a difference, but not like a twelve inch fan in the galley that I leave on all of the time. As for installing the vent. First you locate a safe place where lines and foot traffic will not be a problem. I placed ours in the overhead hatch in the galley. It is protected by the boom and mast. After you have made your selection, you can either drill or cut a hole for the vent. Usually 4" diameter will do. Be sure to do a dry fit before you finally drill the required screw holes and apply 5200. There should not be any major problem other than the normal "How much you want to spend". Let your wallet and credit cards be your guide. Good Luck
Date: May 14, 1999 I have used solor vents for years, on several boats. Cannot remember the CFM. If you are going with one unit go for the four inch variety, and install the exhaust blade not the intake. One has a blue dot the other red, instructions say which is which. They work quite well in that the interior of my boats have never been higher than 3 deg. above ambient. If you are thinking of two units have an intake and an exhaust. We prefer the solar without the battery/recharge feature (We don't like the whirry noise during the night). The units do work reasonably well even without the battery if you have almost any kind of breeze. All of the holes for installations that I have done have been with a sabre saw, except for the hatch which was a hole saw at a relatively slow speed. You mention installation in hatchs, many people and some manufacturers have done exactly that there is no real difference in installation except that you normally through bolt & nut rather than screw. My only advise would be NOT to use a poly sulfide sealer (IE: "Lifecaulk") Assuming an installation in fiberglass, and a Nicro unit. (They will even rent you the hole saw if you desire) If you feel that you want to trim off the inside using the trim ring (plastic), use the instruction suggested hole size. If you cut out just what the vent itself needs, and want to add the trim later its a pain. The optional teak ring (with screen) fits either way. Assuming an installation in a hatch, and again Nicro, they once again have the items to finish off the interior. Good luck
Date: May 16, 1999 I have two solar powered vents on my Endeavour 32 - "Inspiration". They had been installed prior to my purchasing the boat in 1976. It appears that the installation was pretty simple. Simply saw out a circle the size of the lower unit of the vent, caulk, and install. Both vents work really well in keeping the interior vented - no mildew, dampness, etc. One word of warning though - the cutting of the circle in the lexan hatch will significantly weaken the structural integrity of the hatch so you should avoid sitting or standing on it - otherwise it might crack. Good Luck
Date: May 17, 1999 I do not have solar-powered vents. Therefor, I have no experience with the installation procedures. However, I have installed two Beckson porthole vents that allow air through into the cabin when in port. When the boat is closed up this works quite well even in a heavy rainfall. Would be interested in any information you receive in answer to your question.
Date: July 12, 1999 Tom,
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
I put one in the deck to vent the head. I've been afraid (really just hesitant) to drill any more holes however. Especially in the hatches as I don't want to block out the light. I would like to place an exhaust over the galley and a fresh intake forward somewhere. If I could only get sometime to work on the boat. Sounds like you've been busy!
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
Does the vent work as predicted? Over the galley sounds really good. I'll think about it. Very busy here........ Tom
Date: May 11, 1999
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
It's helped the head a lot. The only problem is that for it to exhaust efficiently, there needs to be a fresh air intake. Solar Vent people recommend either placing it in the v-berth or dining area which I haven't done.
From: Luther Carrier Capcarrier@aol.com
From: Carl Hibbard Chgypsy@aol.com
From: Dave Denise Scotian1@aol.com
From: Les Baston Miladi4us@aol.com
From: Don Miller Alcarina@cs.com
I installed a 4 inch solar vent in both the forward hatch, and one in the main salon hatch on my E-33 4 years ago. Both are exhaust fans. I installed two 4 by 6 inch stainless louvered vent plates in the center companionway hatch board, to allow air to enter the boat. I put some fiberglass screening behind the stainless to keep the critters out. The whole system works very well, and I have not had a mildew problem since the installation. The batteries in the vents last about 18 months. Holes in the plexi hatch tops were cut with a saber saw. The plexi is very thick, and I don't believe the holes hurt the structural integrity of the hatches. No leakage, even in white water conditions. Go for it!!
