Wooden Washboards - Vents

[Roach1948]

I am making my boat to do list for the weekend and the wooden washboards is the next step. I can make those no problem, the issue is ventilation. I used to have a hit and miss vent, but these are very costly - so I have seen that some people have routered vents, but routered at a 45 degree angle to stop the weather running in.
How do you route at 45 degrees? I can't see a router with this option and mine certainly has not got it.

 

[Guest]

Make up a wedge block and fit it to the router base plate? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Mirelle]

I'm not a router person, but why not make up a louvred insert?

I would try to keep in mind Ian Nicholson's dictum that a ventilator with a clear cross sectional area of less than six inches is useless.

 

[Roach1948]

Answer: Time - but tempting! (could always add at a later stage)

 

[Porthandbuoy]

For effective ventilation you really need a through flow of fresh air. If you have opening portlights/portholes you can leave them open, but then the rain drives in. My solution (think I read it in Classic Boat) is to use tight fitting plastic flowerpots. Rammed in from the outside they keep the rain out and let the wind whistle through. I've even got one with an electric cable threaded through so I can run an anti-condensation heater.
If I'm leaving Mariposa unattended for any length of time I also leave the engine box open, and lift the cabin sole and bunk boards.

 

[Peterduck]

On my old ketch 'Swallow', there are two washboards. The upper one covers about 2/3 of the area of the companionway. It was made by purchasing a louvred wooden cupboard door from a hardware store and cutting it down to suit. Q.E.D. [Quite Easily Done].
Peter.

 

[Searush]

For over-wintering, why not make up a spare set of washboards from builders ply with plastic louvre vents (as used for inside ventilation bricks in houses) Ok so its not that "classic" but it is strong and allows you to take proper boards home to keep out of the weather & for a leisurely revarnishig if necessary.

 

[Mirelle]

I feel a raid on my wife's gardening kit coming on...as I'm leaving Mirelle afloat in commission on her mooring, as an experiment.

Presumably you cut the bottoms out to get enough airflow. V. neat idea.

 

[burgundyben]

Indeed I leave my cabin sole boards up, and the engine hatches up, plus the cabin door open.

The tonneau cover pants in the wind and this keep air moving nicely.

 

[burgundyben]

That concludes a point for me...

I need a bigger vent in the heads door!

 

[Roach1948]

I was thinking of something like this. Since I am using solid wood - as opposed to panelled solid wood - I think I have the luxury to router. I know louvres look great, but it would take a lot more time and effort and not being plywood I think routering looks good, and had the advantage of stacking dead-flat.

 

[Guest]

Looks good to me! Like I said in a previous post, if you fit a wedge shaped block to the bottom of your router you will be able to cut out the grooves at an angle, strong double sided tape works quite well, the stuff they stick car trim on with, you local car body shop should let you have a bit to do that, if you say pretty please with sugar on! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You could even route out the backs (inside surfaces) a bit to accept a bit of brass gauze (fly screen).

If you are not sure of how to do it this way, just pm me with you email or phone number, and I will be quite happy to explain it to you /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Best, Charlie.

 

[Roach1948]

Thanks for the tip Smiffy - I think I am with you.

Needless to say no work was done this weekend due to a certain Mr. Adnams - after which I did not feel very competent/safe on a power tool! Next time at the boat will try you technique out on some pine!