CD-30 cowl vents

[L. D. Scott]

I have recently purchased a 1985 CD-30c. One of the cosmetic improvements I hope to make on her is to replace the plastic cowl vents with stainless steel vents.
If anyone has done this or has info on suppliers of such vents, I would appreciate it.
Thanks.



davidscott@mediaone.net

[Andy Denmark]

Hi David,

I replaced the Nicro cowl vents on Rhiannon with 3" stainless ones made by ABI. There's virtually no modification needed other than to drill new screw holes for the mounting plates and bed with Lifecaulk. These vents aren't inexpensive but they improve the appearance of the boat significantly and provide noticeably better air movement. Mine came from West Marine some years ago. If West doesn't have these in stock they can order them for you. I have just constructed a teak dorade box as a mirror image to the port side one that is standard equipment. When it is installed this additional dorade will further improve ventilation below as it gets pretty hot here in the summer.

When replacing the old Nicro plastic mounting plates on either side of the lazarette hatch I found exposed balsa core and took this opportunity to dig it out and fill with West epoxy thickened to putty consistency.

The ABI vents polish beautifully and with a little metal polish/wax now and then, stay that way a long time.

Hope this helps,

Andy Denmark
C/D 27 "Rhiannon"



trekker@coastalnet.com

[David Scott]

Thanks for the reply Andy.
I have looked at the ABI vents on the net, and they look great for what I am trying to do.
I am concerned that ABI recommends a 3-3/8" diameter opening, whereas the existing openings are approx' 3-7/8".
I think I'll order one and see if the flange is big enough to allow me to drill new screw holes. I can always return it.
Thanks again.

David

S/V "Gosling"



davidscott@mediaone.net

[Olli Wendelin]

I replaced the dorade cowl vent on my CD30 with the 3" brass one sold by West Marine (model 212027). It installed easily and adds to the character of the boat. I left the plastic ones on the engine vents because they get stepped on alot climbing up the stern ladder.

Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC



wendelin@spawar.navy.mil

[Matt Cawthorne]

David,
You might want to consider using the 4 inch brass cowls. They get the same patina as the rest of the bronze and you get more air out of the larger vents. If you prefer the shine of stainless then don't even consider the brass ones.

Another great improvement is to put a solar powered exhaust fan in the dorade box above the head (if your boat has one) and face the cowl away from the wind. I get regular questions about how the head on my CD36 is kept odor free. I seldom use any treatment for the holding tank. I put a half gallon of fresh water in the head and flush it through before leaving for the weekend and that solar fan does the rest.

Matt

I have recently purchased a 1985 CD-30c. One of the cosmetic improvements I hope to make on her is to replace the plastic cowl vents with stainless steel vents.
If anyone has done this or has info on suppliers of such vents, I would appreciate it.
Thanks.

mcawthor@bellatlantic.net

[Larry Austin]

if anyone needs a new solar vent ,i have a brand new (never used) day and night 3" stainless west marine part number 429373 for sale for $50.

Larry Austin
CD30MKII
LAYLA



laustin@us.ibm.com