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The Doctor · 09-07-2010, 23:02

We are refitting The Doctor ready for a trip to the tropics and we are looking at installing cabin fans. We have had them before and they do a great job, but the ones we had before were really noisy and weren't very energy efficient. Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts? Looking around you can pay anything from $25 to $180AUS.
Cheers

MarcW · 10-07-2010, 03:20

HI Doc we went with the Hella brand a little over $150 aus on special Keoghs Marine. Only draw 0.6 amp on high speed . Special on Hella 12 volt Turbo fan Only $155.00, Save $123.00 on Hella Turbo Fan

**Tellie** · 10-07-2010, 04:33

I buy the basic O2 fans at Walmart. Cut off the 115V/12V transformer and splice in a 12V plug in adaptor. Usually find them there for about $8 last time I bought them. Out of the 10 that I bought only one has failed after three years of constant use.

imagine2frolic · 10-07-2010, 05:31

At Home Depot for half the cost of Worst Marine you can get Caframo fans. Effecient, and quiet too.......i2f

Bash · 10-07-2010, 07:21

I've recently switched out my Hella fans for Calframo Sirocco fans, and couldn't be happier. Better ventilation, less noise, and they have their own timers. Perfect in every way except that they're pricier than the competition.

scotte · 10-07-2010, 07:25

We have a number of Hella fans aboard. I've replaced a couple of them with Caframo Bora. The Caframo fans are newer, so maybe not a fair comparison, but they are much nicer than the older Hella fans. Quieter and you can't accidentally jam your fingers into the fan at 3am.

I didn't know they were available at Home Depot though, thanks for that tip, I'll have to check that out as we have more to replace.

AnchorageGuy · 10-07-2010, 08:02

We have used this Caframo
Sure Marine Service, Inc. * Since 1972 * Marine Heating, Air Conditioning, and Galley Equipment
for years and they really last. They are running continuously 24/7 when we are in the tropics. They are super quiet and draw less than 1/2 amp. We use the permanent mount that comes with it and hardwire them.

Therapy · 10-07-2010, 08:17

I had an old salt tell me about the overpriced Hella fans (which I have 4 of) and he went with the Caframo and has been happier.
I don't know the actual current draw or the actual amount of air that is moved though.
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forsailbyowner · 10-07-2010, 08:28

o2 fans here. low draw cheap good air movement. Ours have lasted for years full time liveaboard.

Therapy · 10-07-2010, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by forsailbyowner

o2 fans here. low draw cheap good air movement. Ours have lasted for years full time liveaboard.

What dat?

speciald@ocens. · 10-07-2010, 08:41

I buy $9 110v. fans at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. They clip on so you can place them where you need them. They last for years in a salt water enviornment.

Astrid · 10-07-2010, 09:03

Quote:

What dat?

O2-Cool 10" Indoor/Outdoor Fan : Target

svcambria · 10-07-2010, 09:51

Another vote for Cafalmo, the "Ultimate" fixed base model:

Caframo- Innovation and Excellence

I have 8 of these and in 10 years have not burned out a motor; the blades must be replaced every 4 years or so, they just pull off and push on and cost about $4 US. Also carry a couple of Caframos on clip-on bases to move around below or use in the cockpit.
Checked out the Home Depot reference, couldn't find them there. I got mine at "end-of-summer" sales at chandleries for about $20 each when the opportunity arose. The Hellas imploded after a couple of years...

Michael