Solar Vents

[p424owner]

Hello!

I have questions for those of you have mounted solar vents, Nicro or similar.

1. What size did you go with, 3" or 4"? Westmarine has a special on them right now - $100, normally $130, so I am keen on picking up a couple.
2. How many did you install? Nicro recommend two, one pulling air in, the other blowing it out.
3. Where did you mount them? Nicro recommend one forward, and one aft, to maximize airflow through the cabin. I would like to avoid my traveler (not installed yet, sized for mid-boom), fouling any halyards I run to the cockpit and materially affecting the structural integrity of my cabin-top.

Thoughts and comments are most appreciated.

Ewan

[Jim S]

We installed two 3" sloar vents on Phantom replacing the dorade cowls.  Both exit air.  We chose 3" because the 4" overhung the dorade box too much.  We have been pleased.  I suppose you could remove the dorade box and mount the vents directly on deck.  Phantom has a passive air vents on the stern that has a large hose to the bilge.  The previous owner had a bilge blower installed on the stern when he installed the generator.  This active blower is on only when the generator is runnung.

[dougcn]

I've got a Pearson 386, so the layout's a bit different.  I've got a small hatch in the head right over the shower.  I drilled a hole in the hatch (which was hazy anyway) and installed a vent their set on exhaust.  I works REALLY well.  No mildew in the shower anymore.  I chose the hatch because if I ever decide to remove/replace the vent, it's much easier to replace a hatch and a large hole in the deck.