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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Solar Vent Install - Pics?

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ReluctantRookie
Deckhand

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23 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/17/2011 : 12:50:03

Does anyone have pictures of their Nico Solar Vent installation?

I hear this is a highly recommended route to go to reduce mold and mildew and living in Vancouver we have plenty of both.

I have an existing ~4" whole cut in the for deck with a scoop vent on it that basically just seems to catch rain and create a puddle in the v-berth.

Might this be as simple as using the same whole and installing one of these: http://ca.binnacle.com/product_info.php?products_id=2180

Sorry for asking for such specifics, but i'm having some bad luck with little projects becoming several medium size projects and am deciding if this gets done sooner versus later.

Not sure what I would do without this forum though - a wealth of knowledge.

Thanks!

1984 Catalina 25 SK/SR
"Bungo III"

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2011 : 13:15:21

Paul, are you saying you're going to eliminate the scoop vent and replace it with Nico?

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2011 : 04:09:43

I saw 2 sizes of the nicro vent at the store. 3 inch and 4 inch. Sounds like you could install the 4 inch. If you have a four inch hole it should drop right in. Might need some trimming ( I've been told ) on the inside ring, and that plastic should cut easily with a dremmel.

Sorry, I didn't take any pics, but I think it is one of the best additions I've made for the effort. It was easy and it keeps the interior from growing "things".

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2011 : 06:52:53

I believe the 4" Nicro calls for a 4-3/4" hole (just to frustrate those of us who wanted to use a hole saw).

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2011 : 07:06:58

If your existing hole measures 4" or slightly less, try the 3" vent first. I replaced one of the existing solar vents on our boat, appeared to have a 4" hole, and a 3" new vent dropped right in and provides plenty of ventilation.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2011 : 09:48:03

I'll measure mine tonight and get back to you.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2011 : 14:19:43

According to the box that my 3" vent came in, the 3" model requires a 3 3/4" hole, and the 4" vent requires a 4 3/4" hole.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2011 : 04:10:55

Yepper.. that's what I got measuring... 4 3/4 inch opening for the 4 in size product.

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5379 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2011 : 19:05:29

Just installed the 4" unit on Passage and it works great! I love it and it keeps her dry.

I did not use a hole saw, instead my drill and a sabresaw with a fine-pitched blade.

I measured the diameter of the mounting ring (not the unit itself), transferred the circle to the hatch cover (which I cleverly removed from the boat) and taped both sides with masking tape to prevent a rough edge or cracking/crazing of the skin. I cut pretty much a true hole and fit both pieces together. It was tight.

I found that the ring was too thick (or tall) for the thickness of the material, so I used my razor knife to shave it down to size.

I used some marine silicone (not poly-sulfide) from West Marine to seal the project, screwed all the parts together and thus far, no leaks and no problems.

I wish all my projects -- home, boat and work -- went as smoothly.

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ReluctantRookie
Deckhand

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23 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2011 : 02:01:46

Thanks to everyone for such great input. I would have been back sooner, but I guess I forgot to turn on the 'let me know if anyone responds' function and since i hadn't heard I assumed no news.

Boy was I wrong.

So it sounds like this is a good way to go, so will stay on the top of my projects list.

What about locations. I was thinking of replacing the foredeck scoop. Is that not advised for some reason? If not where. I read hatch cover, which seems to make good sense especially give the removal idea.

Where else have people gone with location wise?

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2011 : 06:30:27

Putting it in the forward hatch has two benefits: It's less likely you'll step on it there, and if you want to make the hole go away some day, you can get a new hatch.

Some put it above the head, which means slightly forward and to port of the mast. It's a little more vulnerable there.

But you already have a hole, and the present vent is causing water problems... Rain has never gotten through my Nicro solar vent, so I'd say you might benefit from replacing the "scoop" with the Nicro. Again, it'll be a little vulnerable, but maybe less of an obstacle to sheets, etc., than what you have. And you'll have no new, large hole in the boat.

Edit: Mine is the white plastic version--I've stepped on it a few times with no adverse effect. It might even be more durable than the SS version.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/26/2011 06:34:08

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2011 : 07:25:27

<< It might even be more durable than the SS version. >>

The SS version is a SS metal cap over the plastic version.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.