[C320-list] Installing Solar Vents in Hatch Glass

[Rick Smith]

I installed mine just to the left of the sliding hatch cover on the deck 
many years ago -- the Marinco version -- they have had problems over the 
years with the motors working for a few years and then dying...but they've 
been good at replacing them until recently when they said "too many years 
out of warranty" which I understood and no argument here -- so bought a new 
version of the old vent and installed it -- similar to but not the same as 
prior -- happily the same size hole as before (there are two versions -- be 
careful what you order if you're replacing)

One vent keeps my boat fresh and dry -- with the help of a small heater that 
sits in the cabin and set to kick in when it gets cold enough (often the 
case) and the combo prevents moisture build up especially during change of 
seasons when it's chilly and night and turns warmer during the morning/day.

Rick Smith
Layla #136
Lake Lanier, GA, where we sail ALL year round!



-----Original Message----- 
From: Ian Neale
Sent: Monday, December 28, 2020 1:46 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Installing Solar Vents in Hatch Glass

Thanks everyone, I was hoping this would be a straightforward job.

Happy New Year, Ian.

Hull #1122, Solutions.

Sent from. my iPhone

> On Dec 29, 2020, at 7:19 AM, Christian <ccaper at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I have installed solar vents in my v berth hatch and salon hatch, and a
> passive vent in my head hatch.
>
> Very easy to do, you need a circular saw that attaches to a drill, and the
> drill bit the saw attaches to.  The vent you buy will dictate the saw
> diameter.  The drill bit extends past the saw, and centers your saw.  Once
> the circular saw begins to make contact with the lens, you have to keep 
> the
> speed up a little to cut smoothly, but if you go too fast you'll generate
> enough heat from friction you can melt the lens. Also, don't press too
> hard, or the saw will bite the lens and kick back.  If you feel it
> generating too much heat, stop the drill, let it cool.  Each lens, the 
> hole
> was cut in under 10 mins.
>
> The solar vents have a little weight to them, so I set the hole slightly
> back offset, towards the hinges, to distribute weight some when opened to
> less prevent slamming shut.
>
> I kept the lens circle cut out for coasters in my office.
>
> Here's some pics.
> V-berth:
> https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSovBUjQkm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
> Salon: 
> https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb5VyzyDfX4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
> Head: https://www.instagram.com/p/BbQsafhjaMB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
>
> Christian Caperton
> 1994 C320 #138 "Cancuk"
> Monroe Harbor, Chicago, IL
>
>> On Sun, Dec 27, 2020 at 7:53 PM Ian Neale <kiwineales at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I am thinking of installing a solar powered vent in the hatch glass of 
>> one
>> of the saloon hatches.
>>
>> Has anyone done this and if so how did you cut out the hole for the vent?
>>
>> Thanks, Ian Neale.
>>
>> Hull # 1122. Solutions.
>>
>> Sent from. my iPhone
>>