quiet 12v fans?

jimmalkin · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

Anyone found a relatively quiet 12 v cabin fan? Slept on board last night - typical humid, foggy Indian Summer night in NYC area - and woke about 0200 scratching from all the "no-see'ums" that invaded through the open ports to sample the Aussie red in my blood stream. Turned on the cabin fan after 3 sleepless hours of tossing/turning couldn't decide whether the whirring fan blades or the 12 volt motor was the more loud of the whole bloody noisy unit. (Im)Practical Sailor rec's Hela - anyone have any practical experience? I've never been shipmates with a Hela.

Sapperwhite · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

I have three of the two speed Hellas, and one of the single speeds on my boat. I LOVE them. They are quiet, pivot in all positions, and have a pretty low power draw. I always sleep with one pointed directly at me, and the sound doesn't bother me at all. It has a low hum sound, not a loud whirring sound like other fans have. My only complaint with them is that the blade guard doesn't cover the back of the unit, so you can stick your fingers in there by accident. It doesn't hurt becasue the blades are plastic, but it sure is a surprise.

tdw · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

We have Hella in the main saloon and they are the best we've yet to find. Quiet, low power draw seemingly last forever. Will be fitting one into the forward cabin before summer sets in.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

I have both Caframos and Hellas aboard. The two are designed slightly differently, and where you will be mounting them makes a difference. The Hella Turbos work better on bulkhead mounts, where the Cafamos are better mounted on counter tops or partial bulkheads.

jimmalkin · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Thanks very much - I will be mounting 5 of 'em - all on bulkheads and the Hella Turbos seem the choice (or in Australian - "the go.") Sailing until early Dec in NYC area, so they're good for moving some heat around the cabin as well as for chasing mozzies away. Best and thanks to all.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Glad to help...

labatt · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

I'll also recommend the Hellas... good fan... wish it had a wire channel through the swivel though...