Hey folks-
I'm wanting to replace the thru-cabin lights that the PO installed in the dorade vent holes with solar vents. See pics attached. These lights leak, so they have to go, and I need ventilation below. I've heard good things about the Marinco solar vents sold on CD so seriously looking at that product. Issues are: 1. the inside diameter of the vent hole is 5", but the product description for the Marinco 4" vents indicates you need a 4.75" dia hole. Will that 0.25" difference cause a problem? One main reason for doing this is to stop leaks. Don't want to introduce something that may leak.
2. Seems the overall outside diameter for these vents is 10". I have an 8x8" square of raised deck where the dorade used to sit. Am I missing something or am I SOL as far as using the Marinco 4" solar vent? (the 3" unit is 9" dia so same problem)
Haven't had much luck finding anything smaller either. Anyone with experience installing solar vents at this location?
Thanks,
Jeff D
Island Time
'84 MK-I SR/FK #273
Kemah, TX
Jeff: My solar vent is in the head hatch but seems like it might be a good solution for your problem. My vent extends down several inches and has an internal slide to open and close it. I don't have any pictures and my boat is 500 miles away (in the snow) so I won't be much help there. I wouldn't think that the hole being oversize .25" would be an issue but that depends on how tight the mounting is to that diameter. As far as being oversize on the overall diameter - could be an issue since the riser for the traveler is so close to that box. There are several choices on Amazon that might come in with a smaller diameter and easy to return if they don't work out. There is a Nicro Minivent on defender that is smaller and says it can retrofit up to a 6" hole.
Good Luck.
_____________
Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP
Any thought on just replacing the original dorade vents?
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
think i'd rather have active vs passive venting, especially in this texas heat.
Jeff D
Island Time
'84 MK-I SR/FK #273
Kemah, TX
Due to space constraints going to try the "eco-worthy" unit for sale on amazon. It's a little over 8" diameter so hoping for the best.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I1D4S9C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s...
Jeff D
Island Time
'84 MK-I SR/FK #273
Kemah, TX
Jeff: Your call but I would go with a Marine Rated vent. This looks a little like a bathroom vent thing that they show on a boat.
I wouldn't want water pouring in on a bad day on the water.
Also 18% 1 rating on Amazon is a red flag for me also.
Although - easy to return with Amazon if they don't work out.
Just my 2 cents worth.
_____________
Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP