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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Solar ventilation

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kelski0
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/27/2003 : 15:18:29

I would like to put a solar fan on my boat to circulate the air.
Any idea's on models and areas of instillation.
82 swing - redding ca. HOT <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

Kelly Clark

Edited by - on

frich
Captain

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USA
418 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 16:32:05

Hi welcome to the group. On my 84 traditional interior the vent is located foward of the main cabin, in the head area.

Frank Rich
84 c25 sk

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KTwomey
1st Mate

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USA
43 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 17:34:44

Gets hot here in Sacramento too!! 103 yesterday and again today!!!
Out on the boat in the evening and swimmin'!!

Here's a couple pictures of my solar panel fan. Head area, starboard side. Doesn't do much for the 100 degree days, but does circulate the air and keeps the moisture and mildew smell out during the winter.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d806b3127cce8a47fce094f10000001610" border=0>

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d806b3127cce8a470a1f94750000001610" border=0>

Ken Twomey
AKUNA MATADA
C25 SK/SR
Folsom, CA

Edited by - on

Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 19:01:16

Thanks for the pics, Ken... I'm about to install one, too--I just wish I could find a 4-3/4" hole saw for less than $55! I'm thinking of directly forward of the mast.

Kelly... If you're nervous about cutting a big hole in the coachroof, you can mount it in the forward hatch--a common solution. I'm using the Nicro 2000--the 3000 apparently has an on-off switch that some have found useful while sleeping (although night is when it should be running).

Don't expect it to keep the boat very cool... It's real purpose is to expel the damp daytime air during the cool nights so it doesn't create condensation in the boat. It'll also help hold down the head and bilge odors.

Welcome to the group!

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

Edited by - on

eric.werkowitz
Captain

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USA
283 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 19:46:21

Dave,

This link is close, but not quite right! Sure you couldn't go with 5"?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=36222

Eric Werkowitz
C25 #4969

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 20:24:01

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
. . . I just wish I could find a 4-3/4" hole saw for less than $55! I'm thinking of directly forward of the mast.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Dave,
I'd loan you mine but the saw would be toast when you were finished - lot of resin in that area. I recommend sabre saw blades - at least four of them. Have someone hold a box underneath as you are cutting to capture the bulk of the dust . . .

Edited by - OJ on 06/27/2003 20:25:35

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Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 20:35:57

Eric: Interesting! Let's see, 1/8" all around... A bunch of Lifecaulk... Could work! I could also cut the hole with a saw, but I don't have a cordless saw (no power at the boat) and would rather have the nice, even, verticle cut of a hole saw. Home Dopey has 5 inchers, too... I'll have to see whether the mounting screws would get the necessary purchase around a 5" hole.

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 20:39:14

Kelski0,
Just a heads-up; when the motor in my Nicro solar fan failed (and no Val, my model didn't have batteries <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>) they wouldn't sell a replacement. They expected me to spend over $100 for an entire new unit when a replacement motor might have cost $7 at the most.
Hah! and hence, I now have a passive vent where the solar one use to be . . .
Welcome and good luck.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 23:00:56

Redding eh? Heck, you're just over the hill.

Where do you have the boat... Shasta, Whiskeytown, Trinity ?

I used to spend lots of time houseboating on Trinity lake, the best luck we had for keeping cool in the evening was by using 12V fans to move the air around inside the 'cabin'.

As another poster noted, I don't think the vent fan will do much to keep you cool on a 100 degree day.

Before I'd cut a 5" hole in the boat, I'd try a couple battery powered fans or 12V fans and see what they do to keep you comfy. You can position them to keep a breeze on your face when you're sleeping (or trying to sleep)

As far as keeping a sailboat from 'cooking' when you're not aboard, not much experience with that.. over here on the beach we are usually trying to stay warm rather than cool off.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 23:30:06

I like my Nicro unit and when I lost the plastic cover, they sent me a new one for free.
So, be careful not to step on it. And try not to let the sheets get caught on it.
If I had a choice, I'd try to mount it as far aft as possible by the mast and yet not interfere with lines coming down the mast.
But my unit (Nicro 1000 i think,) is quite nice.

Cap'n Dave
Sailing The Blues
1986 C25 sr/sk #5413

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2003 : 08:35:09

Last fall I installed a Nicro solar unit as far forward as I could. . . between the skylight and the anchor locker. I put it there for several reasons: Members of my crew or I enjoy sitting at the foot of the mast while sailing, and placing the vent there would be. . . uncomfortable. Also, that's an area that gets some traffic, and given my gracefulness and weight, I'd be sure to step on the vent and break it there. Placing it as far forward as possible puts the vent in a very low traffic area, and it creates the longest possible airflow through the boat. The result of the placement was absolutely NO mildew through one of the wettest winters and springs we've ever had in these parts.

Brooke

Edited by - brooke willson on 06/28/2003 08:36:13

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Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2003 : 12:22:59

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Last fall I installed a Nicro solar unit as far forward as I could. . . between the skylight and the anchor locker.
Brooke
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Hmmm... Brooke: Doesn't that get in the way for anchoring? I'm still open to ideas...

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

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Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2003 : 20:50:46

Dave: I anchor far less than I sit at the foot of the mast! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> I actually don't think I've dropped the hook yet this year, but it's hasn't interfered with hanking or unhanking the jib, bagging the jib into a sail bag, docking, or anything else at the bow. My son and I decided that the spot between the skylight and the locker is the least obstructive and least ugly place for the vent: after all, sailing is completely about aesthetics!

Brooke

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tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2003 : 02:32:37

Keep looking for a hole saw the right size. I found one at a contractors supply store here in San Luis Obispo. If I can find one here you should be able to find one in Redding. I think I paid about $24. I bet you found one with a carbide blade. They make them also with just a steel blade, that is what I got. I figured I would use it twice tops. The blade seems to last longest if you don't let it get too hot.

Sometimes I would like to be able to shut my fan off but I mounted it in my forward hatch so I could not run the wires easily to turn off and on. I have contemplated installing one myself on the unit but that is way down the list of projects to do.

Todd Hansen
Fior Gra'
San Luis Obispo, CA

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2003 : 09:42:03

Although I've never used this method, could a Rotozip/Dremel with a spiral cutting bit and a hole cutting jig cut this hole?

<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>Don Lucier<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d904b3127cce9f7cd9ffdf1d0000003010" border=0>
North Star SR/FK

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Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2003 : 18:31:54

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
...could a Rotozip/Dremel with a spiral cutting bit and a hole cutting jig cut this hole?
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
The disadvantage of that or a sabre saw is that the rounded deck or hatch cover will tend to make the hole slightly conical--the sides won't be quite parallel. That could probably be corrected with a coarse file. Also, I have no power on the dock and a rechargable drill, but not a rechargable saw, Rotozip, or Dremel. (...Although I could bring the hatch cover home.)

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

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luckystar
Navigator

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USA
236 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2003 : 01:11:18

The no-power situation may be a problem. when I cut my 4" hole for my nicro vent, I had to use a full size 1/2" chuck plug-in style drill to get thru the 1 and more of material. They are right about it being a very high resin area and it smoked a few times while cutting. (that is over the head in front of the mast area) When you get a hole saw that big, they really need the torque to get the job done! Hope it goes well, I know that it has saved my cabin from dank smells and condensation. Good luck.

Patrick Burnett, Little Rock, AR
S/V Lucky Star #2707 1982 SK/SR 
<img src="http://www.proxycreative.com/clients/luckystar/luckystar_0602_sm.jpg" border=0> 
http://www.proxycreative.com/luckystar.html

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arghmatey
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2003 : 11:09:34

I just bought a Nicro 2000 vent with the intention of mounting it in the forward hatch. I read the mounting instructions and it appears I need to buy a Nicro spacer ring since the hatch isn't thick enough. I bought the fan at Boat/US and they don't carry the spacer rings in the stores.

So, for those of you that have mounted them in the hatch, do you really need the spacer ring? And where the heck do you find a 3 3/4" hole saw? I can only find 3 1/2" and 4" hole saws.

TIA

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John Bixby
Navigator

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118 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2003 : 15:15:17

I HAVE THE NICRO. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL. THE PO MOUNTED IT ON THE DECK. I AM CONSTANTLY KICKING THE DARN THING. IF I HAD IT TO DO OVER IT WOULD BE PLACED ON THE HATCH. I PUT A SCREEN ON THE INSIDE AND IT KEEPS CRITERS AND DEBRIS OUT VERY WELL. I REPLACED THE COVER WITH THE STYLE THAT SCREWS IN PLACE. MUCH BETTER THAN THE SNAP ON ONE THAT COMES WITH SOME MODELS.
JOHN ON MS ACHSA #77

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Dan86
Navigator

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130 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2003 : 18:32:45

Does it not state on the instructions that the vent needs to be mounted on a "level" surface? Does it cause any problems mounted on the hatch? thanks,

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Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2003 : 21:26:39

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Does it not state on the instructions that the vent needs to be mounted on a "level" surface? Does it cause any problems mounted on the hatch? thanks,
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
The instructions on the 2000 only warn that the camber (curvature) should not be more than 1/2" over 12" of surface. I think the hatch is just about that. They also warn not to tighten the mounting screws to tightly if there is some camber. I've seen many Nicros mounted in sloping hatches, and may yet put mine there.

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

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tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2003 : 16:19:48

Bob, I mounted my solar fan in the forward plexiglass hatch on my boat (not a cat). I did not need a spacer ring to install but I did buy later a black plastic ring that covered the edges of the port and covered up the bolts. I had to drill out holes in it so that the cover would fit flush over the bolts.

I'll try and take a picture tonight and post.

Todd Hansen
Fior Gra'
San Luis Obispo, CA

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deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 00:27:15

For what it is worth, I distrust solutions that have motors and cells and batteries. I thought about installing the Nicro 3000 in my hatch cover. My boat lives on a mooring. Whenever I leave the boat, I put two small containers (I use cottage cheese containers) with small baskets filled with calcium chloride crystals, one in the main cabin, one in the head. Each spring I wipe very surface with Chlrox (diluted) and oil the teak surfaces. I have no problem with mildew or mold. The calcium chloride acts as a dehumidifier, and the precipitate (water) collects in the cottage cheese containers. You can buy these ready to go at any RV place. Or make your own as I do.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2003 : 09:32:49

the DPO had a 3" nicro fitting just forward of the mast, which leaked. I enlarged the hole with a sabre saw and file. I installed a Nicro powered vent. It doesn't have a solar panel. I have an 11 watt solar panel for my whole system. The fan is two speed and moves more CFM than the pure solar powered vent. It will draw just .1 amp. (I have a digital ampmeter to sense loads, and solar output)

Has anybody measured the current draw of a bilge fan?

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2003 : 04:35:23

i also have a small one forward of the bulhead, it's solar powered and works very well, especially since the head is there. i was exploring the possibility of installing 2 more though. it can get pretty stuffy in there. i would strongly recommend using a good sealant around the vent to prevent any water leakage.

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy
<img src="http://www.websdf.com/logo.jpg" border=0>

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