Solar Powered Deck Ventilators - Any Recommendations?

[SAHARA]

I need to replace the aft deck locker ventilator and I am considering a solar powered option. The internet reviews are very mixed and it is difficult to determine which would be the best option. It will need to be stainless steel rather than plastic.

Does anyone have any experience to recommend any particular model? Alternatively, if you have had a poor experience - that would be equally helpful. Many thanks

 

[MARNEN]

Hi
I have had 4 so far and have now given up. The longest one lived for just over 2 years. I had 2 die befor the 2 year guarantee was up. Both replaced free of charge. Last time I was told the 2 year guarantee is now only for 12 months. Says a lot about the product. At the price they are I would stick with a mushroom vent.

 

[Seajet]

Years ago I bought a then rather expensive day & night ( solar + Nicad ) stainless vent for my fuel locker; within a year the bearing / spindle had gone and it set up a noise throughout the boat, but the makers had gone bust by then.

The salesman at Earls Court had sworn blind it was ' spark safe ', but when a very good electrician friend tried to fix it he reckoned it was more like a spark generator, so it's lucky I'm not in orbit long ago !

All the currently available solar vents I know of are NOT spark safe, so bear that in mind, depending on what's in your locker.

Reliability is still reported as very poor; I use a standard non-solar ECS Tannoy vent, the type which is closeable in heavy weather, with the clear centre painted white to avoid beaming sunlight onto the fuel tank.

 

[SAHARA]

Many thanks for your very helpful comments. You have confirmed my suspicions and I think I'll stick to a non-solar vent!

 

[burgundyben]

I fitted one about 4 years ago, it was brilliant! Made a huge difference in the cabin.

Eventually after a very bumpy trip (planing motorboat)recently it fell to bits, I bought a pair of ebay chapies so fitted the spare. All good so far.

Highly reccommended!

 

[chal]

Have to say my experience similar to first couple of replies: I had one that had been fitted by a previous owner only a couple of months before he sold the boat, and it packed in very soon after I bought it - can't have lasted more than 6 months max but I didn't have a receipt and replaced it with a standard vent.