Thinking About a Solar Vent

Pcpk said:

Thinking of installing a day/night solar vent on my Oday 30. Any insights, experiences or info on best models, brands would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

I've had a 3" Nicro day/night vent on my boat for about 5 years. Works great, although I did have to replace the battery and lube the motor after about 2 years.

spend the money on a Nicro, not a knock off. They hold up well and work as you would expect. They are more money, but well worth it. Sometimes Jamestown has them on sale.

just installed the 4" nicro about a month ago, has made a big difference with moisture problems and has greatly reduced the mildew smell in the cabin when coming back to the boat after being closed up for a few days or more...easy to install, I used the appropriate sized hole saw had the unit in within 20 minutes or less...

For what the do and what they cost... they are very $$$ but the little they do, works and moves just enough air to keep mildew from forming in the open areas of the boat.
Oday 30? Nice boat! I know someone that has one

If you can find the old style Nicro Solar Vents, that pop into a port and can be removed and replaced with a plug, either at a marine consignment shop or sometimes through eBay, they are much preferable to the new style Nicro vents that cannot be removed and are much bulkier. Even if the old style vents are quite used, they can easily and inexpensively be refurbished as described on the forum at http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/47138-nicro-day-night-2000-solar-vent-repair-3.html. The Stainless Steel cover versions are preferable but the plastic cover versions can easily be spray painted if they are too yellowed and look quite good and the paint protects the plastic.

FWIW...

+1 on Nicro solar vent.

I have a nicro. I'm assuming it's doing something. It seems to. If you put your hand under it it doesn't feel like much but it is nice for the hatch right above the v berth. To not have to have your hatch open but still be getting air.

It's big though. I'm waiting for the jib sheets to catch it and tear it off.