Fan lifehack 1:Retrofitted air vent for regulating a passive fan
On our boat, a Dorade fan is installed on the superstructure above the forward cabin. The outlet below deck is located directly at the head of our forward cabin, which can be uncomfortable, especially on windy or cold nights. So far, we have always turned the hat on deck away from the wind. However, we often only realised this when we were already in the bunk. Then going back on deck is an unpleasant task, especially in the rain. That's why we fitted a closable air vent in front of the hole in the ceiling, which is normally used for on-board heating outlets. All we had to do was replace the duct of the fan with a suitably sized hose connection. Any desired type of air vent can now be fitted to this. The connections and inserts are available in a wide range of diameters from all standard parking heater manufacturers.
Sören Berg, Leer
Fan lifehack 2:Forced ventilation at the rear
On our yacht, the seat recess at the stern can be folded up, creating a passage through the open transom to the bathing platform. When the cake stand was set up, this opening was closed with a tarpaulin section. We have now replaced this with a self-sewn insert made of mesh material. This provides permanent ventilation. The advantages of the tarpaulin section are retained. Insects can't get in and even a cup that has fallen over won't roll off the boat.
Markus Theil, Wuppertal
Fan lifehack 3:Use PC fan on board
In calm conditions, it is difficult to provide fresh air below deck. To solve this problem, we use the 12-volt fan from a PC power supply unit. A wooden board is sawn to the shape of the window and a cut-out is made for the fan. The fan is screwed to the board and connected to the nearest power socket with a long cable. The construction can be hooked into the frame of the open hatch using two metal strips. Depending on the direction, it works as a ventilation or extraction system.
Hermann Böhm, Lohmar
Fan lifehack 4:No chance for Spak- Prepare ventilation for winter storage
If the hatches are permanently open - a prerequisite for outdoor storage is a tarpaulin - not only can moist air escape, but it can also penetrate the boat if the weather is favourable. This is why we remove the air scoops and thus prevent permanent ventilation, especially as mould stains often form in the funnels in winter. We still have two screw rings from the old fans. We use these and a suitable metal plate to close the openings in winter.
Carsten Dubois, Elchingen
Do you have any advice for other sailors?
We will honour the publication of your lifehack with50 EURO.Please add photos or sketches. We also need your address and bank details
Submissions to: Editorial office YACHT, Quartier O, Paul-Dessau-Straße 8, 22761 Hamburg; or: mail@yacht.de
More helpful life hacks:
