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Nicro solar fan

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henfling
1st Mate

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USA
26 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/19/2005 : 21:48:07

I want to mount a 3" Nicro solar powered fan/vent on my 2001 Catalina WK. The most logical location I can find is aft of the mast step since it seems most out of the way, its not non-skid surface, and its relatively flat. I need to cut out a 3.75" diameter hole but am concerned that there may be structural reinforcement in this area since this area is slightly raised from the companionway to around the mast step.
Does anybody know if it is OK to cut a hole of this size in this area? Are there structural components is place here and/or would a hole weaken the integrity of the deck in this area?
Thanks for any help.
Don Henfling
2001 Catalina WK #521

Henfling

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2005 : 22:44:49

I don't know, but I'd be nervous about cutting anything near the mast (although if you used the bronze deck plate, you might end up even stronger than stock).

I'm getting ready to do the same thing with a 4" Nicro Day&Night 2000, but I'm going to mount it in the hatch over the V-berth. http://www.marinco2.com/showProduct.asp?p=N20504S Having the 800 CFM vent that far forward, together with a couple of passive vents in the stern (location undecided, so far) should give me good ventilation and eliminate any dead air spaces.

Edited by - on

mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2005 : 00:34:54

I have a WB with this solar fan mounted aft of the mast. It was installed there when I bought the boat. As far as I can tell, it hasn't caused any problems. I rather like the center of the cabin location. I'll see if I have any pictures or take a few next time I'm at the boat (Monday if not raining). I had to replace the fan once, and putting in the new unit didn't reveal any structural problems in the area.

The fan can be a little noisy at night ...... and there were some old posts about sticking a rag in it. I never thought this was a very good idea .... tends to stress out the motor. If you can get one with a switch in it, I'd recommend that, or rig up one yourself.

Max

Edited by - on

henfling
1st Mate

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USA
26 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2005 : 01:26:26

Al, I too also considered mounting the Nicro 2000 in the hatch over the v-berth but I thought it would get in my way while anchoring or possibly snag on the jib/genoa while sailing.
Max, The Nicro 2000 fan detaches from the deck mounting plate and they have included a cover plate that is waterproof so I plan on taking off the fan if noise becomes a problem at night and putting on the cover plate temporarily. The deck/cabin roof is approximately one inch thick aft of the mast. Do you have any idea what the filler material is within this space? Could it be balsa wood for structural rigidity?
Thanks. Don

Edited by - on

mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2005 : 01:27:19

I found a picture.

Max

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Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2005 : 01:51:23

I recently fished a coax cable from the mast light/deck connector to the electrical panel. To make things easier, I removed the starboard overhead light, and that area (to the side of the mast) is hollow. I'm going to the boat tomorrow and I'll remove the light again and stick a mirror and flashlight up there, and see if I can tell what's in the area behind the mast (but I'm guessing it's hollow, too).

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2005 : 07:27:14

Yes, the area between the hull and liner is generally hollow but after much effort to snake a vhf wire thru from the galley light cutout forward to the starboard cabin light by the compression post... I gave up and concluded that the the void is somehow choked.

I would see no structural reason not to put a vent there and agree that it seems a better location than the forward hatch for the reasons mentioned. If after cutting the hole, their is any concern, filler pieces of resin painted spacers could be fitted between the hull and liner.

Regarding the use of a rag to stop the fan, I'd think that the low voltage and very minimal current draw of the motor would be such that stalling the motor wouldn't create enough heat to damage it. At any rate, the test would be if several have done it without it frying the shellac on the wire and burning up the motor... I'd think it was safe.

In fact, it could be better than adding a switch that might be a good intention effort that creates a problem, though I don't know the circuitry of the fans. If they use a recharging battery, the switch should not be on the motor only but rather a double pole that also cuts off the charging to the battery, otherwise the battery could be overcharged. The rag shut off would then be better than the switching the motor only.

If the power source for night running is charged capacitor, then it or they won't likely overcharge and a motor switch wouldn't hurt.

Edited by - Arlyn Stewart on 02/20/2005 07:42:58

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2005 : 22:52:43

My trip to the boat got rained out today, so I wasn't able to check whether that area is hollow or not, but it sounds like it doesn't really matter. You could drill a small pilot hole in the deck and watch what the drill flutes bring up, but I don't think it really matters. If Arlyn thinks a hole wouldn't sacrifice any integrity, that would be good enough for me.

If it does turn out to be hollow, Nicro makes a compressible spacer http://www.marinco2.com/showProduct.asp?p=N10863SP that should work well to fill in between the deck and the liner.

Are you planning on installing some passive vents somewhere else on the boat? The Nicro won't perform near its capacity without them. Also consider the location and the efficiency vs. practicality tradeoffs you'll have to make wherever you install it (them). Another thing to consider: my '03 has a water based finish on the table, and I wouldn't want the non-watertight Nicro vent right over it.

Edited by - on

tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2005 : 01:19:05

My Nicro vent only leaks when water is splashed into it from the side, such as when I wash the boat or we get spray on the deck. Then I regret not putting in the plug.

Nicro does make a unit that runs off the battery and is switched. There have been times I regretted not installing that version. At night it would be nice to be able to reach up and turn it off as it does make a slight noise. Also in the winter time it is shaded too much to run all day and night. I have thought about installing a switch but never got to it yet. Thanks for the idea Arlyn regarding the double pole switch, they do have a rechargable battery pack.

Edited by - tmhansen on 02/21/2005 01:21:45

henfling
1st Mate

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USA
26 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2005 : 16:24:08

Thanks for all the helpful comments. I will drill a hole through the deck aft of the mast as soon as all this rain we're getting in California ends. The idea of installing a DPST switch is a good one. I also haven't decided on where to install the passive air inlet vents yet.
Don Henfling
2001 Catalina WK #521
Richmond Marina CA

Edited by - on

mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2005 : 00:26:34

I decided to email Marinco to see what they might suggest for turning off the fan. They said the wiring was completely encapsulated and you couldn't install a switch. They said you could remove the battery to stop the fan. They also said that putting a rag (or whatever) in the fan to stop it wouldn't cause a problem.

So there you go! Sounds like Arlyn's analysis was correct and you can stick a sock in it if it annoys you at night.

Max

Edited by - on

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