Circulation cabin fan for Winter?

[nzmal]

Hi everyone,
As winter approaches in Southern New Zealand I'm looking to fit a circulation fan into the cabin space of my Cavalier 39 yacht to inhibit mould and condensation.
I'm looking for something with low current draw, and preferably something that operates on a timer so it isn't running 24/7 but big enough to make a difference.
Has anyone found a product that fits this criteria?... or is there a simple solution that I'm overlooking?

We'll be visiting the boat every couple of weeks but we're not hooked to shore power and I'm reluctant to put a drain on the house batteries if possible... the solar panels won't be giving the batteries much of a charge over Winter.

I was thinking of rigging something independent to a small gel 12v 7a battery that I can swap over at each visit.

I know I could plug into the house batteries... but I hate having draw on them (other than automatic bilge pump) while I'm away from the boat just in-case...

[S/V Illusion]

A solar powered fan might get enough light independent from your solar panel (s). Works here.

[Davo1404]

Do you have Dorade Vents?

[nzmal]

Yes we have dorade vents..

[Captn_Black]

Maybe try a 12v computer fan, add a low voltage cut-out circuit to avoid it drawing too much power.

[Davo1404]

Originally Posted by nzmal

Yes we have dorade vents..

Great. The Dorade Vents do move a surprising amount of air if you are on a mooring. We face 2 forward and one to the stern. They need to be of reasonable size.

[nzmal]

Thanks Davo, that's something worth trying, I'll swing them so they face NESW

[Captn_Black]

Originally Posted by nzmal

Thanks Davo, that's something worth trying, I'll swing them so they face NESW

They are also designed to suck if you face them away from the wind by creating a low pressure area like an aerofoil.

[model 10]

We use an 8" AC Turbo fan set on med, and a timer set to 4hr on and 8 off in the Jungle of Guatemala. After 6 months away it's fine inside.

[Davo1404]

We fitted a gas Force 10 cabin heater many years ago in New Zealand. Now made by Dickinson. It is vented so no condensation. This dries the whole boat out in no time. Bought it from Oddies. Marine in Waikawa. If you were visiting the yacht every 2 weeks, then give it a run for a couple of hours. Unbelievable but we even use it in the Whitsunday Islands here in Queensland when it has been raining for a few days. One of the best investments.