Solar Vents

[Dave_Knowles]

As this posting seems to be getting no comments on the motor boat forum I thought that I would ask here.

As winter aproaches my mind turns to the black mildew. I was wander if solar vents worth having and is it worth lining the ceiling with loft insulation to help stop condensation? The Vetus catalogue seems to say they are a waste of time.

<hr width=100% size=1>Take care.

Dave

Dave Knowles
Southampton - UK

http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Anything that increases ventilation should be better than nothing.

I would beware of sticking too much on deckhead though. Maybe normal headlining would be better I think. Insulation is insulation - not moisture barrier.......... but may help.


I have actually considered solar-vents m'self ...... but even though my boat stands for long periods between use - I don't get much problem.

One area to make sure about ....... NEVER let anything touch the deckhead when stowed on bunks etc. such as sleeping bags in plastic liners etc., hastily stowed life-jackets etc.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Dave_Knowles]

Nigel,

I have been thinking about the vents for some time but due to the price I have put it off. The other day though I managed to pick up a couple of brand new vents at one of the boat jumbles for £25 each. It is interesting though that Vetus say: "Ventilators powered by solar cells are, in our opion, not useful in keeping the humidity down, because they will start to operate when it gets warmer during sunshine and the air can absorb more vapour. They should in fact operate at night when the air is cooler and condensation takes place; but they do not!"

As for the roof maybe a headlining would be better. Maybe I can find a self adhesive one foam backed.





<hr width=100% size=1>Take care.

Dave

Dave Knowles
Southampton - UK

http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk

 

[timevans2000]

I fitted a solar vent on my last boat. It lasted less than a season. Made no noticable difference to the condensation problem, whilst it worked. It leaked in rough weather, even when closed, probably due to taking a wave over the coach roof. Salt water finally killed it. It corroded to bits internally. The manufacturer sent me a new one for free but I didnt install it for all the above reasons.

I now have 3 large Dorade vents. I put these on last winter. These must move 10 times as much air as a solar vent. Two have screw on caps so you can unscrew the dorade and screw a water tight cap on from the outside. One has a dorade box so doesnt ever need sealing. One is over the sink in the heads. If it rains in it lands in the sink. One is over the galley. When we are not onboard or it looks like rain, we hang a small container under the vent to catch any rain. This works fine.
My boat has never been do dry. I left the bedding on all winter and it was dry every weekend when I went to the boat. Who needs dehumidifiers/heaters to keep the boat dry??

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Dave_Knowles]

Your comments make me wonder if I should bother with the vents especially as I will have to do a reasonable amount of work to fit them.

<hr width=100% size=1>Take care.

Dave

Dave Knowles
Southampton - UK

http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk

 

[dickh]

I had two my boat when I bought hert 5 years ago. Neither seemed to work, even though they had a rechargeable battery which should have kept it going at night. The one on the hatch I got rid of 2 years ago, just left the translucent centre and SS surround - just acts like a standard ventilator now.
The second was vertical on the side of the cockpit, just a few inches above the sole, presumably to ventilate the quarter berth; I also removed the innards and refitted the surround and translucent cover to just give light - and lo & behold, my quarter berth doesn't get wet now!!
I should have done it when I bought the boat.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Guest]

Actually reading Vetus - it makes sense ....... I have to agree. Maybe using them you would draw more 'wet' air into the boat in daytime and then have more condensation at night when it cools.

As another postee writes ...... his recharge battery ones didn't work and in fact after removing and leaving a plain vent he had less trouble !!!!

As I said - I am reasonably dry in my boat without them .... so ????

Headlining has been covered in variuous PBO's in Ply panels, etc. etc.

I would go for increasing through air instead of the solar vents - if you can control when they work - so that you use them when inside and need fresh air .... OK go for it, but if uncontrolled .... other post has convinced me to not fit !!


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Guest]

Likewise ----

I leave seeping bags etc. on my boat and they are fine ...... I have a small round mushroom vent in toilet .... I unscrew enough to get passage of air, I have a medium grill in the wash boards .......... that's it, nothing else and all seems OK.

I leave all cabin internal doors latched back open .... except funnily enough the toilet one, but that has reasonable gaps top / bottom to allow airflow.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Guest]

Before first sail of season

Myself and lass take out all and then she sets to with Anti-Mould spray and cleaner. She gets the inside really clean and fresh. Takes all day, but its worth it. I while she does this am checking and cleaning / sorting out outside gear etc.

We have an agreement - I do all the nautical bits - she does the household bits !!!! I have left my boat for more than a year without use before and still OK .... a few black spots here and there that B&Q Mould spray rid ........ but still ok.

One cleaner that we use now is ..... Camping Fabric spray that does cleaning and mildew combined - it is worth the extra pennys for it !! Also we use Fabreeze ...... yep I know its for settees etc. - but it works ........ on all the divans, bunks, carpets etc.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[ccscott49]

Answered my question for me, no solar vents on my boat!

<hr width=100% size=1>