Solar-Powered Air
One of the best solutions for getting air
below is the solar-powered mushroom vent
(Figure 14-9). Standard 4-inchers (10.2 cm) de-
liver about 18 cfm (30.6 m^3 /hr.). What’s more,
they do it every day the sun shines, whether
you’re aboard or not, and they don’t even drain
the batteries. Better still are the day/night solar
vents equipped with built-in nicad batteries.
These gizmos store enough juice on sunny days
to keep them going overnight. Indeed, once
fully charged, they can run nearly 48 hours
without sun. High-output solar vents are also
available. Nicro-Fico’s 4-inch (10.2 cm) ventPART FIVE:VENTILATION, AIR-CONDITIONING, AND HEATING
Figure 14-7. Open
hatches and
skylights provide
plenty of vent area
Figure 14-8.
Pilothouse of
Summer Kyle
(Courtesy Starke
Jett)
Figure 14-9. Solar mushroom vent
(Courtesy Jack Hovnor)pulls about 26 cfm (44.2 m^3 /hr.). Although not
inexpensive, a few of these nearly add up to a
cool mountain breeze. Two or three of these
solar-powered vents installed over the galley
and the head will keep yourOcean Breeze
mildew-free and smelling fresh as a daisy. Bet-
ter still, since these vents aren’t tied into the
electric system, you can leave them running all
the time without fear of draining the batteries,
even when you’re not aboard. As a result, your
boat will be fresh and well ventilated when you
open it up for a cruise after a long absence.
For solar-powered vents located where
the vent won’t get direct sun (such as on the