ventilators

[spud]

Hi all,I wonder if any of you have installed solar vent/fans if so are they any good?Would they help with a bit of a condensation problem.
I have a couple of old vents that are pretty tatty and was thinking of replacing them.
Do the panel think new vents and dorades would be a better bet?
Any thoughts on the above would be much appreciated,Cheers,John.

[Gordonmc]

I had a solar vent on the boat and didn't think it was much cop. The passive vetus style vents without the electronic gubbins allow more air through and, because there is no photovoltaic panel, some light.
The main problem is that when you need the ventilation most when there are bodies breathing moisture and cooking. there is no sun to power the little fan.
Dorado ventillators with funnels that swivel are more efficient, mainly because you can set the funnel to suck stale air out of the cabin or push fresh air in. They do clutter up the deck, though.
I have forward looking portholes in the cabin coaming which are left open with flower pots bungeed in place on the outside. The pots stop rain and critters getting in but allow air in through the drain-holes. Because the boat is on a swinging mooring there is normally a forced air flow.

[aquaplane]

If you do fit solar powered ones, make sure they have an off switch. They start to work at dawn, and aren't silent, or the one I heard about wasn't, it was removed and put in a skip PDQ.

[spud]

Hi folks,Thanks for the replies, I did sort of think the solar vents were a bit hyped but would welcome any other comments on this.Cheers John.

[Telo]

it was removed and put in a skip PDQ.

Sorry, which skip did you say it was in, please?

[claymore]

We have one in the aft cabin and it works fine - keeps the place fresh when we are not there. Recommended.