Engine room vent

[Molly]

My 34T 2006 needs an engine vent. Just like a bunch of you guys. I finally got an email for a replacement. $600.00!!!!
No thanks. I will be making mine. The top and bottom is Star Board and has slots for the blades. I will make new frames and put slots for 3/16 thick white plexi glass. The thinnest star board is 1/4. I think that would be too thick? Maybe even 1/8 would be good. I checked on Amazon and it would cost me less then $50. A table saw and a router table is all I would need. Has anyone done this? I will take some pictures when I start. I keep THINKING about starting, then something comes up. Yesterday I had to clip my toe nails!
Any ideas? Maybe someone has a better idea?

 

[kwmeyer13]

I have a 34’ Pilothouse so I am not exactly sure what you need to fix/replace. If ou can add a picture of it perhaps others might be able to come up with suggestions. I try to think like you about making a replacement when the quoted price seems to be excessive.

 

[Bacchus]

Here's one prior post re the vent.
There have been a few others I'm aware of. Scan through Marlow- Mainship and or search will turn up more.
Sone suppliers I believe will sell the "slats" if you find the correct profile DIY rebuilding these shouldn't be too difficult.
Finding a source for the exact profile is the key.
http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43467

 

[Molly]

I did go to previous posts. The cheapest was $450 and as high as $700. I am not prepared to drop that amount on something so simple. I did remove the vent and it is thicker than I thought. Once I figure out how to repair it, I will have some pix. The blades are 2 pcs. Seems like some sort of design for air flow? It's just a 17" square hole in the side of the boat right now. I think a stainless steel vent would have a nice look.
Pictures to follow.

 

[Bacchus]

Molly
Post some pics of the vanes please....
I had mine out to paint it and didn't think mine were 2 pcs?
If you can trace the curve & extensions on them I would do some research to see If I can find a supplier for the vane material. Rebuilding shouldn't be too difficult if I could find a source for same / similar ones that would fit the outside frame.
Mine is OK for now but will need replacement sooner or later.
Thanks

 

[Dougcole]

I'm watching this thread with interest. I was one of the guys who looked into this, as my vanes are in bad shape. I contacted the company that originally made the vent, they were nice but seemed very confused about what part it actually is. They quoted me $450, but when I saw the specs it looked nothing like my vent and I lost confidence in them.


As Molly said, it's just the vanes, the frame is in great shape. If we could find the right material it would be an easy fix.

 

[Molly]

Baccus
I mean 2 pcs, they are "welded" together. It looks like 1 pc., but there are 2 pcs. I will post some pix in a day or 2. I think I'm going with white plastic replacements. Maybe 1/8 or 3/16 th'k. I will make a separate frame out of starboard and router slots for the vanes. (at least that's today's thought)

 

[Molly]

Finally! I rebuilt my vent. I used a stainless steel mesh. The mesh is made from 1/16 dia. and the square openings are 3/16. I think it looks OK, but you can see inside the engine room. I need to add something to the back side. But, it cost me $50.00 vs. $600. So, I'll deal with it.


I used starboard for the frame. I cut a groove on my table saw for the mesh. They do make a beige starboard, I used white, because I had some in the garage. Still looks OK.