Bavaria Yacht Info

Member Forums => Modifications & Equipment => Topic started by: HappyAfloat on January 02 2020, 09:33

Title: Cabin ventilation, solar?
Post by: HappyAfloat on January 02 2020, 09:33

Any success stories to share with regards to installing a solar extraction vent?  Or tips to increase ventilation?

Title: Re: Cabin ventilation, solar?
Post by: IslandAlchemy on January 02 2020, 12:57

Yep.  I replaced the dorade vent on the coachroof with a solar vent set to extract, and I leave a couple of the aft cabin hatches on vent, and since then have had no black-spot at all and the boat doesn't smell musty when you first open it up any more.

Title: Re: Cabin ventilation, solar?
Post by: HappyAfloat on January 02 2020, 15:43

Which make and model? Did you need to alter the coach roof?

Title: Re: Cabin ventilation, solar?
Post by: IslandAlchemy on January 02 2020, 21:42

Chinese vent from ebay. About £40.  I had to enlarge the hole in the coachroof as the solar vent is slightly larger than the dorade vent.

Taped a plastic bag over the inside of the hole and then used sanding wheels on a power drill.

Title: Re: Cabin ventilation, solar?
Post by: geoff on January 03 2020, 08:21

I have mounted a computer fan on a rectangle of acrylic plastic the same shape as a rutgerson  opening port. This just slips into the galley/ cockpit  port when the port is opened. It is connected to the solar panels that I use for battery charging. It uses diddly sqat of power and runs all daylight hours . I have used it now for 15years and it is very effective for the long suffering cook. Geoff

Title: Re: Cabin ventilation, solar?
Post by: Sitesurfer on January 03 2020, 20:09

Quote from: geoff on January 03 2020, 08:21

I have mounted a computer fan on a rectangle of acrylic plastic the same shape as a rutgerson  opening port. This just slips into the galley/ cockpit  port when the port is opened. It is connected to the solar panels that I use for battery charging. It uses diddly sqat of power and runs all daylight hours . I have used it now for 15years and it is very effective for the long suffering cook. Geoff

Blowing in or out?

Title: Re: Cabin ventilation, solar?
Post by: geoff on January 03 2020, 20:22

Generally blowing out , but if wanted just pop it in the other way round. Geoff

Title: Re: Cabin ventilation, solar?
Post by: MarkTheBike on January 24 2020, 18:59

Quote from: HappyAfloat on January 02 2020, 09:33

Any success stories to share with regards to installing a solar extraction vent?  Or tips to increase ventilation?

Yes, I put one in (https://www.force4.co.uk/force-4-solarvent-300s.html) and it worked really well, keeping the inside musty-free. However, after a couple of years the seal around the solarpanel started leaking and destroyed the electrics so I wouldn't buy another without sealing it with an extra layer of goo. Recommended, with that caveat.

I like your idea, Geoff.