Having fitted these in the past I have found that drilling the hole is quite easy as long as the hole saw is sharp. the tricky bit is getting a really good seal using Sikaflex or similar to ensure that you don't get rainwater or spray coming in around the edges.
Overall the amount of ventilation that these solar vents provide is not great but certainly better than no vent at all. The solar panel that is incorporated into the vent is really not very big so one can hardly expect it to work like an extractor fan. You get what you pay for.
Good luck with the Origo - I love mine on a cool day.
Ok . Im going to fit my vent uding a tool I shal buy at screwfix. Can anyone advisr what best to usr as sealant and what procedurr for fixing securely to the plastic? There are four holes around perimeter do I assimr thst after cutting the holr I use rounded head bolts with washers and nylocks on inside. Does that sound right?
I hate cutting holes in my boat!
Roly
I used silicone as its more flexible, (as is the hatch is and gets stepped on) and is easy to remove/redo.
I used SS self tappers as they were flush, cut down to length. low profile bolts will work if the vent type will alow it. Make hole first, then dry fit to mark/drill screw holes.
just to let you guys know I managed the vent instalation thrpough the perspex above the heads area on my M. I used the adjustable hole cutter with cowl from Screw-fix ( 39.99) and it worked a treat. The vent came with a foam sealant mat but I added a rim of sicaflex aswell and used bolts through drilled holes in the perspex to fix it tightly. Have yet to properly water-test it !
Ho Roly.
I have made a was hoard from tinted perspex purchased from a firm in Christchurch that used the old washboard as a template and cut a hole in it for a cheap solar vent without internal battery. Vent £30.perspex £70.
Well worth the expense. I would like to put another in over the heads.Where did you get yours from? How much? & might it be possible to borrow your cutter at some point please?
why put a vent in the washboard? its got a big air gap as it is, as does the sliding hatch sides/top. the front hatch its where its needed. You can buy a hole cutter for a fiver, see the link I gave you.
Yes. I am told a ring type hole cutter may be fine. Main advantage of what I used is possibility to get exact hole size so snug fit.
bought from screwfix 39.99. Happy to lend but not sure cost each way of postage.
roly
I inserted a waterproof shutoff Ventlite in the forward hatch some years ago with no problems - I used a jig saw to cut out the hole and then used plenty of silicone sealer when securing it to prevent any moisture access. Apart from the through-flow ventilation all year round, the other major benefit is the amount of daylight now available. I tried to upload a photo, but apparently the file was too big! Anyone interested in seeing photo, just contact me and I will email you a copy.
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Navigation is a series of plots. In fog the plot thickens...
I forgot to mention -
Keep the speed LOW and take your time.
It's better to soar with the eagles than scratch with the chickens
Practical Boat Owner, January 2015, tested 16 ventilators but not solar powered ones.
Well worth a read.
Simon Armitage
Sowenna (26M)
Having fitted these in the past I have found that drilling the hole is quite easy as long as the hole saw is sharp. the tricky bit is getting a really good seal using Sikaflex or similar to ensure that you don't get rainwater or spray coming in around the edges.
Overall the amount of ventilation that these solar vents provide is not great but certainly better than no vent at all. The solar panel that is incorporated into the vent is really not very big so one can hardly expect it to work like an extractor fan. You get what you pay for.
Good luck with the Origo - I love mine on a cool day.
Ok . Im going to fit my vent uding a tool I shal buy at screwfix. Can anyone advisr what best to usr as sealant and what procedurr for fixing securely to the plastic? There are four holes around perimeter do I assimr thst after cutting the holr I use rounded head bolts with washers and nylocks on inside. Does that sound right?
I hate cutting holes in my boat!
Roly
I used silicone as its more flexible, (as is the hatch is and gets stepped on) and is easy to remove/redo.
I used SS self tappers as they were flush, cut down to length. low profile bolts will work if the vent type will alow it. Make hole first, then dry fit to mark/drill screw holes.
just to let you guys know I managed the vent instalation thrpough the perspex above the heads area on my M. I used the adjustable hole cutter with cowl from Screw-fix ( 39.99) and it worked a treat. The vent came with a foam sealant mat but I added a rim of sicaflex aswell and used bolts through drilled holes in the perspex to fix it tightly. Have yet to properly water-test it !
Roly
Ho Roly.
I have made a was hoard from tinted perspex purchased from a firm in Christchurch that used the old washboard as a template and cut a hole in it for a cheap solar vent without internal battery. Vent £30.perspex £70.
Well worth the expense. I would like to put another in over the heads.Where did you get yours from? How much? & might it be possible to borrow your cutter at some point please?
why put a vent in the washboard? its got a big air gap as it is, as does the sliding hatch sides/top. the front hatch its where its needed. You can buy a hole cutter for a fiver, see the link I gave you.
Yes. I am told a ring type hole cutter may be fine. Main advantage of what I used is possibility to get exact hole size so snug fit.
bought from screwfix 39.99. Happy to lend but not sure cost each way of postage.
roly
I inserted a waterproof shutoff Ventlite in the forward hatch some years ago with no problems - I used a jig saw to cut out the hole and then used plenty of silicone sealer when securing it to prevent any moisture access. Apart from the through-flow ventilation all year round, the other major benefit is the amount of daylight now available. I tried to upload a photo, but apparently the file was too big! Anyone interested in seeing photo, just contact me and I will email you a copy.
Navigation is a series of plots. In fog the plot thickens...
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