Permanent Defroster

Bearbait · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 1:59 pm Post subject: Permanent Defroster

Has anyone installed a permanent defroster system on their boat? I don't really like having a couple of fans up on the dash because they impair vision and my dash always has lots of other crap on it. What I envision is a small squirrel cage above the electronics shelf with directable vents (like you have in a car) coming through the plywood. The ductwork from the fan to the vents probably won't be pretty but won't be visible. Does anyone have any other ideas for a permanent defroster?

Alasgun · Guest

A lot of thinking has gone into this item and I am considering using a bilge blower fan(higher CFM) on the upper shelf as you mention and incorporating a "car defroster" set up. I have not gone beyond the thinking stage so cant offer much beyond that.
I am looking into creating a thin duct system reaching all three front windows and just connect it to the outlet on the bilge blower, all these items would be on the top side of the shelf and out of view. Im thinking the shelf could be routed out in three places, one over each window to get the air where it is needed.
Mike

Bearbait · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 2:31 pm Post subject:

It sounds like your plan is just like mine. Hurry up and get past the thinking stage so I can copy yours.

rogerbum · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 2:45 pm Post subject:

I like the idea. I've also thought about buying the tape like defrosters that are used on car rear windows and applying that to the front fixed windows. Doesn't impair viewing much as is pretty simple. What I wound up doing instead is simply buying a 12V clip on oscillating fan from Shucks auto. I clip it onto the overhead electronics shelf and plug it into one of the 12V accessory outlets. If it's in the way on a clear day, I slide it over or take it down. Does a good job, total cost $10.

thataway · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 6:00 pm Post subject:

I have fans on each side of the windshield. I epoxy blocks of wood to the outside piller and then screw the fans to these--fold them back out of the way and don't bother vision. There are small squirrel cage blower which would work also.

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 6:25 pm Post subject:

12 volt hair dryer that plugs into the cigarette lighter slot -- dual purpose Laughing

Plan C · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 11:34 pm Post subject: defroster

I have yet to try it on my boat, but in an electric car I had last winter I found great success using a squeegee on the windshield. They are cheap in the auto department at WalMart. I liked it so well I used one in my car that actually did have a defogger, because it was way quicker.

Dave

oldgrowth · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 12:25 am Post subject: