Deck Mounted Exhaust Fan - Can't Seem To Find

[SF Bay Dude]

Looking for a couple replacement units that are on my boat. One is in the galley and they other is in the head. They are both operated by an on/off switch and are DC powered. Can't seem to find anything online. I forgot to take a real good look at them when I was down in Mexico last time, and have no idea of the make and model.

They look like this. The plastic inside is shredded, and I am sure it aides in keeping water out. Wonder if the builder made this with a separate fan down below coupled with the stainless deck cap for a custom job, or were these sold as a unit? I suppose I really only need the plastic, but doubt I'll be able to buy "just" that. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[UNCIVILIZED]

I installed a couple of Nico Fico solar exhaust vents on one of my boats ages ago, & was quite happy with them. They didn't have any water traps in them, but definitely pulled the moisture out of the galley & head. And with some ingenuity, it's be possible to add means for keeping out everything but solid green water over the deck. As well as adding manual on/off switches to them. Though I don't think that switches are truly needed.
Defender.com Search Results: nicro solar vent

[ronbo1]

Last I researched, Nicro no longer makes a solar/12v fan. Since my fan was in a shower ceiling I needed ventilation when required not just while the sun shines.

I installed a new Nicro solar vent, then piggie-backed a Vetus electric fan underneath. It works fine with no issues.

VETUS electric ventilator, type FAN, 12 Volt, 2 speeds - Electric ventilators - Ventilation

Ronbo

[SF Bay Dude]

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

I installed a couple of Nico Fico solar exhaust vents on one of my boats ages ago, & was quite happy with them. They didn't have any water traps in them, but definitely pulled the moisture out of the galley & head. And with some ingenuity, it's be possible to add means for keeping out everything but solid green water over the deck. As well as adding manual on/off switches to them. Though I don't think that switches are truly needed.
Defender.com Search Results: nicro solar vent

I saw those, but I am not looking for a solar option. The fan is under the range hood over my galley stove. Really nice in dissipating the heat down below. I need on demand power, which I have. I just need to find a dome top like the one in the picture, although they seem to be in short supply.

I guess I could use the solar style in conjunction with my fan. I am sure the fan motor has enough power to blow through the solar option. Hmmm….

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by ronbo1

Last I researched, Nicro no longer makes a solar/12v fan. Since my fan was in a shower ceiling I needed ventilation when required not just while the sun shines.

I installed a new Nicro solar vent, then piggie-backed a Vetus electric fan underneath. It works fine with no issues.

VETUS electric ventilator, type FAN, 12 Volt, 2 speeds - Electric ventilators - Ventilation

Ronbo

Ronbo, There are several Nicro solar vents at Defender via the link which I provided.

Originally Posted by SF Bay Dude

I saw those, but I am not looking for a solar option. The fan is under the range hood over my galley stove. Really nice in dissipating the heat down below. I need on demand power, which I have. I just need to find a dome top like the one in the picture, although they seem to be in short supply.

I guess I could use the solar style in conjunction with my fan. I am sure the fan motor has enough power to blow through the solar option. Hmmm….

Guys, what I said in my other post is that it's usually possible to disassemble these solar vent fan units in order to add wiring for a switch, or a different power supply, etc.
Since, several years back, I took more than one apart in order to install a new battery. As the original one would no longer hold much of a charge. So I doubt that these are super complex to do surgery on either.

[SF Bay Dude]

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

Ronbo, There are several Nicro solar vents at Defender via the link which I provided.




Guys, what I said in my other post is that it's usually possible to disassemble these solar vent fan units in order to add wiring for a switch, or a different power supply, etc.
Since, several years back, I took more than one apart in order to install a new battery. As the original one would no longer hold much of a charge. So I doubt that these are super complex to do surgery on either.

If I would only read at a slower pace I guess I'll get ready to operate.

[ronbo1]

Uncivilized,
Like I said I bought a new solar Nico vent, from Defender, and piggy-backed a 12 volt Vetus fan underneath. You can't simply convert a solar vent to operate off 12 volts because the solar panel provides only a couple volts. You need to build a little circuit to reduce 12 volts to operate the fan without burning it out.

[Lepke]

I use bilge blowers for ventilators. I add a reostat to control speed. They can move much more air. Bilge blower about $25, Vertus about $85.
I use a couple at slow speed for bilge vents and each head and range hood for venting at full speed.
They can be plumbed into plastic or stainless pipe and fittings. Or flexible vent hose.

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

Ronbo, There are several Nicro solar vents at Defender via the link which I provided.




Guys, what I said in my other post is that it's usually possible to disassemble these solar vent fan units in order to add wiring for a switch, or a different power supply, etc.
Since, several years back, I took more than one apart in order to install a new battery. As the original one would no longer hold much of a charge. So I doubt that these are super complex to do surgery on either.

You are correct. Probably any electronics shop(a real shop, not radio shack) can rewire to brand new condition. Or if you are handy with tools, do it yourself. Parts are available at almost any electronics shop. Think Popular Mechanics had an article about building your own solar fan a while back.

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by Lepke

I use bilge blowers for ventilators. I add a reostat to control speed. They can move much more air. Bilge blower about $25, Vertus about $85.
I use a couple at slow speed for bilge vents and each head and range hood for venting at full speed.
They can be plumbed into plastic or stainless pipe and fittings. Or flexible vent hose.

Are these available in a low profile? My trimaran came from B.C. where everybody has a propane heater. The P.O. installed one in the forward v-berth complete with chimney and top above deck. I'd like to rip the entire thing out and need to put something to cover the good sized hole that isn't too god awful to look at on deck! Oh, and it must be able to keep the water out!

[knockabout]

ufo vent from whitworths

[svJasmine]

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1%7C6880%7C2290139%7C2290143&id=1648765

[LeeV]

Thanks for the link!

[UNCIVILIZED]

This link (above) may work better, I hope. Vetus UFO Deck Vent with Transluscent Top


On the keeping water out idea. Usually for vent fans, Dorades, etc. You'll need to install some type of water trap in addition to the vent. As most vents are splash proof at best, & aren't to be trusted to keep water off of a bunk or electronics below them. And "low profile + waterproof" is an oxymoron. Or it it isn't I'd love to hear about it, including links please.

Water traps, & Dorade boxes, etc. are better when it comes to keeping Neptune out of the boat, but aren't 100%. So you have to watch where you put holes in your deck, so to speak.

For things like over bunk applications, remove the ventillator when going sailing, & insert the proper gasketed plug. Though ideally, you'll want to glass over the hole, & re-drill it somewhere less critical.

[ronbo1]

BTW, the latest Nicro solar vents are permanently mounted; however, they can be sealed below by pulling down on the fan grill. Supposed to keep out green water.

Ronbo