Solar Vent Installation

hank clow · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2015 8:38 am Post subject: Solar Vent Installation

I plan to cut a 3 3/4" hole in the center of the forward hatch to install a solar vent. I did this in a sailboat 20 years ago without a problem. I was told the hatch might shatter.....any comments?

Hank Clow

mccml · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2015 11:00 am Post subject:

Hi Hank! Glad to see you are working on the boat projects. Here is a link to how other people put their solar vent in the v berth hatch.

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=999&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

Mark

journey on · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2015 1:13 pm Post subject:

I've cut acrylic, which is what Bomar hatches use, a number of times and it all came out well. Bomar doesn't use Lexan, according to their catalog. Here's a web site on cutting acrylic: Acrylic cutting. Nothing new, except at the bottom is a note on how to anneal the cut. New to me.

I did have a Bomar hatch on a Catalina sailboat that crazed without cutting. Sold the boat, though not because of the hatch.

Boris

tsturm · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2015 7:01 pm Post subject: Re: Solar Vent Installation

ssobol · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2015 8:32 pm Post subject:

Might not a hole saw meant for cutting ceramic tile work better than one for wood/metal?

Dreamer · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2015 12:55 am Post subject:

Run the hole saw in reverse for the initial cut. It breaks the surface without causing a crack. Then just go slow.

hank clow · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2015 8:39 am Post subject: Solar Vent Installation

Thanks everyone for your input. One of the many joys of C-Dory ownership is the helpful response from other owners. A shake-down cruise on Lake Superior is coming up followed by the actual installation of the solar vent. Wish me luck.

By the way, we are planning an extended visit to Isle Royale in mid-July and look forward to being joined by any C-Dorys in the area.

Hank Clow

Sunbeam · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2015 7:14 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you won't need it, but just so you know (presuming you have the same Bomar/Pompanette hatch as on many 22's) Pompanette does sell just the replacement lens for the forehatch (and gasket too).