Mainship 40 Engine Air Intake replacement

[jefndeb]

Anybody repair or rebuild their air intake?

Guy wants $800 for this big piece of plastic and I just spent $2500 on a new tender....

Maybe I can just find some kind of plastic slats of some sort and just cut to fit?

Aluminum or wood might be better but the top and bottom have slots these guide vanes fit into..

Thanks for your suggestions ...

 

[Bacchus]

If you like you can build any knock off you want.
No source for the contoured slats as built other than the source shown in the M-MS section parts sticky.
At least that I'm aware of... happy to post other viable options to my Bacchus website and to TF MS threads

 

[Todd R]

Engine Room air intake

I ended up building one out of PVC board and PVC slats out of a window shade/blinds. I took the slats out of the blinds and cut them to width (between string holes). I Used a miter saw to slot the side pieces of the PVC frame. It’s been in now for almost three years. It does not turn the water spray into vapor like the original, but since this isn’t a direct route to engine intake, I thought it would be okay. The extra gaps in the bottom help with any drainage. I had noticed the original held water in this area. Have been able to wash boat with no water entering engine compartment. Just don’t spray water up slats. $60 worth of parts including the brand new PVC blinds.

 

[Bacchus]

Todd
Nice work!
Not sure what the original plastic was but have to believe UV attack was the primary cause of failure.
I removed my vent and sprayed it with a couple coats of off white paint to try to extend its useful life.
Have to wonder if that would greatly extend the useful life of the PVC replacement?