Experience with interior ventilation fans

[DragonflyBob]

Our new to us (built in Denmark where a hot summer day is below 80 degrees F) Dragonfly 32 has no 12v interior fans.

Given where we live and sail (muggy/sticky US Gulf coast) we need them and want to get the best performing and reliable units.

We plan to install four, one each in the V-berth and aft berth and then two in the main saloon (diagonally across the space).

What fans have you had good experience with?

[paulajayne]

we have three of these - Not cheap but very quiet and good airflow.

https://faroutride.com/sirocco-fan-review/

[DragonflyBob]

Originally Posted by paulajayne

we have three of these - Not cheap but very quiet and good airflow.

https://faroutride.com/sirocco-fan-review/

That’s the fan that Corsair Marine uses in their similarly sized Cruz 970. It’s on my short list so thanks for confirmation that it is working well for you.

[IslandHopper]

I'll second the Caframo Sirocco II Fan

[Chotu]

Guest 12v fans are incredible. They move a lot of air. Feels like a much bigger fan. They seem to last forever also. I have been using them in a long time and have them all lined up to install on my boat as well. They’re about $120 each. But well worth it.

[chris mac]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NY...b_b_asin_image
This is what we use. Caframo ultimate 757.
They move a good amouny of air, and are easy to clean. My wife did not like cleaning the cage of the other ones.

[leecea]

Originally Posted by chris mac

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NY...b_b_asin_image
This is what we use. Caframo ultimate 757.

We found the Sirocco too big for our v-berth and went with the Ultimate. Haven't used it a lot but seems great when we do.

Perhaps a Sirocco in the main cabin? Make sure you measure the space - it was bigger than I expected.

[senormechanico]

As a fellow Dragonfly owner, I understand the space considerations.
Most commercially available fans are just too physically big for our boat.

I installed a couple computer fans in the V berth and fashioned a hi/lo circuit using a DPST switch for each fan with a resistor to provide low speed.
They provide adequate air flow in Desolation Sound in the summer.


I did the same for the saloon with two fans mounted on the top of the mast support, but they are marginal in their air flow for the space.
I also mounted one on a hinge in the galley which can direct cooking fumes to the companionway. It is effective, and folds flat on an upper cabinet when not in use.

[sv_pelagia]

We use Caframo "Bora" fans. Smaller than Sirocco. Quiet (if you keep them clean) with good airflow and low power draw.

https://www.caframobrands.com/748cabbx.html

They were essential in Mexico, and lately in hot times here in BC.

[goboatingnow]

I’m a fan of caframo fans also

[c.K.]

Originally Posted by DragonflyBob

Our new to us (built in Denmark where a hot summer day is below 80 degrees F) Dragonfly 32 has no 12v interior fans.

Given where we live and sail (muggy/sticky US Gulf coast) we need them and want to get the best performing and reliable units.

We plan to install four, one each in the V-berth and aft berth and then two in the main saloon (diagonally across the space).

What fans have you had good experience with?

I have 2 solar fans one can be switched off since they make a slight sound
perfect for me 33CSY

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by chris mac

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NY...b_b_asin_image
This is what we use. Caframo ultimate 757.
They move a good amouny of air, and are easy to clean. My wife did not like cleaning the cage of the other ones.

We started out with Hellas, too. One of them has been working for about 25 yrs. But I have to say I agree with Mrs. Chris Mac. And I think he should have let her write why... But I will tell what I don't like about it, though it is almost silent on low, mounted near the foot of the bed to help push in cool night air and moves enough air to help Jim and me sleep when we feel too hot:

1) the safety grill is flat plastic and collects dust, which tends to want to stick to it.

2)Since it is over the bed, I have to get something underneath (often just a paper plate, not wanting to have something extra to wash) and then, with a toothbrush, carefully clean each little compartment thoroughly. It is a major pita, so fussy one doesn't want to clean it each week, and we keep it covered over the season(s) we won't be using it.

Now, we have two Caframos in the saloon, they are open faced. You pull the blades off, wipe with a sponge with most of the hot soapy water squeezed out of it, and push the blades back on. Almost as quick as reading it. The blades are soft and flexible and don't hurt you if you accidentally get one with your hand while it is running. One of those is original with the boat, and on its 2nd blades. Noisier than the Hella, but far more congenial to me.

On our previous boat to this, we tried automotive/truck fans that oscillated. They did not last well in the marine environment: one got rusty the first year; and the other lost some of the "chrome" off the grill, in flakes.

Ann

[goboatingnow]

I fitted. Little remote speed control panels to my fans using cheap Chinese pwm controllers. Turned down low makes the fans silent