Solar fan in the forward hatch on my 30 Ultra is non-functioning.. Was it standard equipment? If so, are replacements available? Or do I need to replace the entire cover, or – worse yet! – the entire unit? Any sourcing?
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I also have a shower curtain track, and a custom curtain to hang, but no cars to fit the track. No idea whether it is original. Anyone have a suggestion? Of course I could just replace the track, but I’d rather not.
David Watson
S/V Tajar NS30U #462
Harlem YC, NY
Stamford CT USA
Can’t answer the question of what was standard on N30s, but you might be able to broaden the set of people who can help if you wouldn’t mind posting a few pictures.
In the U.S., I believe that the most popular brand of solar fans were Nicro Fico, newer models of which are now sold under the Marinco brand. Non-functioning could be as simple as the battery needs replacing, or it could be that the solar panel or electronics have died of old age.
The newer replacement models don’t seem to get the same quality reviews as they used to, I’m afraid.
People with N30s might have more and better answers, and/or others may recognize things if you post pictures.
I had some leaking in mine on the forward hatch. A little black seacoflex seems to have solved the problem. Just be sure your sail cover isn’t c blocking the sun too much for it to charge. I had this problem originally but just adjusted the topping lift and all was good.
John SMYTH
Fatal Distraction NS30U #388
Toronto Canada
Had one on my N30 years ago in the fwd cabin. Installed it myself which was scary drilling a large hole in my forward hatch cover. It worked OK and never leaked but I never felt like it was worth the effort and when the recharagle battery lost interest in doing its job I really questioned the value of the enterprise. Never did find a home based C cell recharger so had to rely on the solar cell on the device to keep the battery happy. Bottom line, they are probably good serving as exhaust fans to relive the oppressive heat of a closed up boat in summer but have not made an effort to install one on my N33.
Ed Strazzini
Pelican, N33#36
Deltaville, VA