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Post by Chris Meyer on May 11, 2022 14:58:51 GMT
Seems like there are mixed reviews on solar powered air vents. Some say these only last a couple of years. Others say they're noisy.
Our 389 has a static vent which likely doesn't operate well since the thru hatch hole is small compared to the 3.5 inch hole for a solar powered Marinco.
Not crazy about trying to cut a bigger hole a hatch, but will if it is worth it.
Would appreciate any comments.
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on May 11, 2022 16:44:42 GMT
I had two on my last boat, they looked identical to all the other vents but with a small solar panel in the middle.
They do work, and move air, but if you would be pleased with them depends on how much whoosh you are expecting, a full on household kitchen extractor they are not, but they do help.
Life , well I had to replace one rechargeable battery once, as with all rechargeables things don’t last forever, and if it stops working you are just back to a normal vent ….. they are just a fan assisted normal vent.
I thought they were worth having, and mine made no noise ….. I might revisit them for this boat when everything else is done.
CB
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Post by Chris Meyer on May 11, 2022 16:51:57 GMT
I had two on my last boat, they looked identical to all the other vents but with a small solar panel in the middle. They do work, and move air, but if you would be pleased with them depends on how much whoosh you are expecting, a full on household kitchen extractor they are not, but they do help. Life , well I had to replace one rechargeable battery once, as with all rechargeables things don’t last forever, and if it stops working you are just back to a normal vent ….. they are just a fan assisted normal vent. I thought they were worth having, and mine made no noise ….. I might revisit them for this boat when everything else is done. CB Thank you CB! Now i have to get the courage to cut a large hole (3.75" for Marinco) in the plexiglass! Chris |
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Post by Don Reaves on May 11, 2022 21:13:14 GMT
I have had several on my previous boat. They are very quiet, and as CB says, they don't move a lot of air, but definitely help. My experience was that they lasted only a couple of years, with the big problem being the motor bearings (or lack thereof). They got stiff, and no amount of current was really going to help, though I tried replacing the battery in one.
I would expect that my experience is not really relevant any more. Battery technology has improved immensely in the 20+ years since I bought mine. Hopefully, the manufacturers have improved the bearings as well.
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Post by Chris Meyer on May 11, 2022 22:22:25 GMT
I have had several on my previous boat. They are very quiet, and as CB says, they don't move a lot of air, but definitely help. My experience was that they lasted only a couple of years, with the big problem being the motor bearings (or lack thereof). They got stiff, and no amount of current was really going to help, though I tried replacing the battery in one.
I would expect that my experience is not really relevant any more. Battery technology has improved immensely in the 20+ years since I bought mine. Hopefully, the manufacturers have improved the bearings as well.
Thank you Don! |
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Post by rene460 on May 12, 2022 11:58:51 GMT
Hi Chris, I am interested in why you feel you need the solar vents. Are you finding the current ventilation inadequate? Or trying to circumvent issues that others around you are experiencing.
Certainly good ventilation is essential to keep the boat free of moisture and mould and smelling fresh. It is definitely worth paying some attention to how your boat is vented and whether it needs any improvement. Certainly climate is also an important factor.
Our boat has a passive vent in the main cabin hatch, always open as it has no way of closing it. In addition, there has to be ways for air to come in to replace what is vented. The gas regulations in this country require vents in the washboard, and this was achieved with a pattern of 10 mm holes drilled at a slant so dripping water does not enter. We also have a vent under the dodger which is also always open. The engine compartment vents also provide a path to the outside and any air flow over the boat creates pressure differences which encourage a small flow.
The only problem we had was in the bow under the v-berth, where water accumulated, basically due to condensation on the hull side which trickled down. It seemed to accumulate there rather than evaporate. I replaced one of the inspection hatches in the anchor locker (which provide access to the fixings for the pulpit rail bases) with a closable vent, normally left open. This allowed enough air movement right at the bow to solve the problem.
Some will question this location, but the anchor locker makes a very effective dorade box, and we do wash the anchor line regularly and make sure it is well dried out after use or rain. Never any sign of the predicted odour problems.
These measures work in our temperate climate (38 degrees south). They would not work in a humid tropical climate, where continuous active moisture removal may be required to avoid mould. Possibly in conjunction with closing off vents so you can dry out inside without a lot of further moisture entry. Also I’m not sure what problems occur in colder climates.
If you already have a problem, I would certainly agree with trying the solar powered vents. In fact why bother with inadequate fan bearings and batteries if you have solar power - you could use a better quality low power fan powered by your house battery. This could be located in the transom area near the engine vents so not requiring making holes in your hatches.
I think ventilation problems are quite common, hence the various vents available at most chandlers. We haven’t often discussed ventilation in much detail on this forum so perhaps my experience will help expand the discussion.
rene460
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Post by Chris Meyer on May 12, 2022 15:06:11 GMT
Hi Chris, I am interested in why you feel you need the solar vents. Are you finding the current ventilation inadequate? Or trying to circumvent issues that others around you are experiencing. Certainly good ventilation is essential to keep the boat free of moisture and mould and smelling fresh. It is definitely worth paying some attention to how your boat is vented and whether it needs any improvement. Certainly climate is also an important factor. Our boat has a passive vent in the main cabin hatch, always open as it has no way of closing it. In addition, there has to be ways for air to come in to replace what is vented. The gas regulations in this country require vents in the washboard, and this was achieved with a pattern of 10 mm holes drilled at a slant so dripping water does not enter. We also have a vent under the dodger which is also always open. The engine compartment vents also provide a path to the outside and any air flow over the boat creates pressure differences which encourage a small flow. The only problem we had was in the bow under the v-berth, where water accumulated, basically due to condensation on the hull side which trickled down. It seemed to accumulate there rather than evaporate. I replaced one of the inspection hatches in the anchor locker (which provide access to the fixings for the pulpit rail bases) with a closable vent, normally left open. This allowed enough air movement right at the bow to solve the problem. Some will question this location, but the anchor locker makes a very effective dorade box, and we do wash the anchor line regularly and make sure it is well dried out after use or rain. Never any sign of the predicted odour problems. These measures work in our temperate climate (38 degrees south). They would not work in a humid tropical climate, where continuous active moisture removal may be required to avoid mould. Possibly in conjunction with closing off vents so you can dry out inside without a lot of further moisture entry. Also I’m not sure what problems occur in colder climates. If you already have a problem, I would certainly agree with trying the solar powered vents. In fact why bother with inadequate fan bearings and batteries if you have solar power - you could use a better quality low power fan powered by your house battery. This could be located in the transom area near the engine vents so not requiring making holes in your hatches. I think ventilation problems are quite common, hence the various vents available at most chandlers. We haven’t often discussed ventilation in much detail on this forum so perhaps my experience will help expand the discussion. rene460 Thanks Rene! We plan to do some longer term cruises (more than a couple days) including several days at anchor which we have never done. Just trying to see if we need to improve the ventilation before going. I will we will try with what we have and make improvements if needed. I am not crazy about trying to drill a 3.75" hole in the plexiglass hatch! |
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on May 12, 2022 19:42:55 GMT
A sarrette hole saw is the weapon of choice (accept no imitation) but don’t go too fast or the plexiglass melts on the cutter, apart from that it isn’t a huge job.
CB
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Post by fimacca on May 15, 2022 15:53:01 GMT
I had a solar vent on the last boat. worked fine. I was considering for the latest boat.
I do for now leave the cockpit small hatch vent open for extra air (temperate climate) , as this has a cockpit cover over it creating warmish air to circulate between the wash board vents and the small hatch to the rear cabin.
every boat i have had, creates condensation worst at the v berth (where most of us keep our precious sails) I found my spare sails mouldy last week so now have them spread across the house !
I like the anchor locker idea - but as I pour fresh water in there after each trip to wash the anchor chain (usually an anchor lunch stop) - probably not best for me.
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