venting cabin of CD 25

[Isaac]

I leave my CD25 closed/unused for many days at a time. As a result, Im noticing some mildew developing because there is little ventillation. Any ideas on the best way to vent the cabin? Has anyone figured out a way to use the brass port holes as vents, i.e., keep them open but not alow water to come in? Any and all comments are appreciated, thanks.



capedorynyc@aol.com

[Michael Heintz]

Isaac,
On My CD 30 MK II, I have a solar fan in the forward hatch. These fans are great!!!! When closed up for a few days, it at least circulates the air, when it rains hard there is ocationally some very minor leakage, but is not bad at all.
Michael Heintz
"Machts Nichts"
CD 30 MK II 004

[Sandra]

Michael,

I have a very silly question about solar fans. Do the solar panels ever need to be replaced? The reason I ask is that our boat came with what I believe is a solar fan near the forward hatch but it doesn't move, ever..... hadn't really taken the time to check it out too closely but can't see that it works as is.



rosswilli@aol.com

[Jeff Funston]

Solar fans sometimes have small rechargeable battries that when they fail could cause the solar panels to be loaded down, or the bearings could be shot. See if you can turn it by hand and check to see if it has the ni-cad battries inside.



jefff@pinn.net

[sloopjohnl]

sandra,
i have had a nicro solar vent on my ty for nine years, still churning.
does not work on dark,cloudy days or at night. it is the mushroom style that fits a four inch deck plate. they are real quiet and you have to be right on top of them to hear them work.



Michael,

I have a very silly question about solar fans. Do the solar panels ever need to be replaced? The reason I ask is that our boat came with what I believe is a solar fan near the forward hatch but it doesn't move, ever..... hadn't really taken the time to check it out too closely but can't see that it works as is.

[Keith]

Solar fans sometimes have small rechargeable battries that when they fail could cause the solar panels to be loaded down, or the bearings could be shot. See if you can turn it by hand and check to see if it has the ni-cad battries inside.

Solar fans are not very powerful, so their movement is easily obstructed. Recently the screen on mine was pushed up slightly and stopped the fan from turning. THe Nicor, if properly functioning, will operate when the sun is shining on it without the necessity of the battery being installed.

I have left one portlight open at times for additional ventilation in hot weather, and keep the rain out by putting a canopy over the boom and tied to the lifelines. It is best to have drain holes in the canopy, which can be custom made canvas type, or simply a Wal-mart tarp, so that rain does not accumulate.



kwoodlaw@arkansas.net

[Avi]

There are two versions of the Nicro Solar Vent, the original, which runs only when there is sufficient light on it, and the "Day-Night" version which incorporates a NiCad C-cell in a small, gasketed compartment next to the fan mechanism. The solar panels should not require replacement; the NiCad C-cell will. Life expectancy can be as short as one or two years, though I had one which lasted far longer. If the NiCad dies, the fan will not operate even in bright sun; diagnosis is easy. Simply remove the vent and open the battery compartment (two Phillips-head screws). Remove the battery and aim the panel at the sun. With the dead battery removed, the fan should spin. The unit can then be used as a daylight-only solar vent until you get a new battery; Radio Shack sells suitable replacements. The replacement should should have at least a 2000 mAmp capacity. (There are a few NiCad C-cells marketed w/ a lower capacity of about 1400 mAmps; these are not, according to Nicro, sufficient.) Both Radio Shack NiCad C-cells currently sold suffice, the standard w/ 2000 mAmp capacity and the high capacity w/ 2200 mAmps. There is no problem replacing the battery; the compartment cover is marked to indicate the + and - contacts.
Two additional notes:
1)I read an opinion, can't remember where, that day-only operation is preferable as it only circulates air during daylight when the air drawn into the boat is likely to be least humid. My own experience, tho, has not confirmed that circulating air at night, when it's likely to be damper, is a problem.
2) The Day/Night units were originally supplied with two interchangeable fan blades, one for exhaust applications and another for intake usage. I suppose the ideal arrangement would be to install one of each, and providing a carefully considered airflow. On my small boat I use one exhaust unit over the head compartment and it seems to work well.



avilewis@yahoo.com

[Sandra]

Thanks to all for the detailed info. I happened to look at it today, before reading this note I should say, and cannot see any sort of battery compartment etc. So I tried just taking the fan blade out to clean it, a little dust, and wiped off the solar panel on top. Guess I'll see if it's just dirt in there..... The boat has been stored for 3 years so we haven't cleaned all the nooks and crannies yet. It didn't work while I was there this am but we'll see .....

Ours is also in the head/v berth area - only one on the boat. So, thanks to all. This site has been great for us - new Cape Dory owners and all!!



rosswilli@aol.com