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My MKV had huge issues with dampness/humidity this year. I am concerning adding ventilation but do not want to add vents/intake that will get in the while racing. Does anyone have any recommendations on types and locations active or passive air vents.
As always thanks for the info.
Brian
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I can't offer Mk V-specific advice, but here are two thoughts:
A lot of dampness issues stem from leaks (before you say, 'well, duh!' bear with me). Dampness in the boat often is less about the humidity from the air around the boat than the water in the boat. Water gets into the boat through hull-deck, deck or hull/stuffing box leaks, then starts evaporating and condensing inside the hull. So job no. 1 is to find and fix those leaks. They're not always visible, so you have to hunt them actively (didn't notice it during the season, but after removing the cushions for the winter, I now know Towser has a leak near the port chainplates). Get the water inside to a reasonable level and the dampness problem will diminish.
A lesser corollary is to minimize the wet stuff you bring down below after you've been sailing in rain (always a problem when racing). Try to dry or at least reduce the water on your sails before you stow them. If the sole below is running with water, mop it and hang the cloth outside before you go home.
Once you've dealt with the above, Nicro solar powered vents are a nice option. If you have a suitable location, you can leave them on all the time. If the location is potentially in the way, you can pull the vent out for the race and snap in a deck plate. They're not cheap (shop around), but they do keep the air moving inside the boat.
David Weatherston
Towser, Toronto
C&C 27 Mk IV
David Weatherston
Towser, Toronto
C&C 27 Mk IV
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Thanks, I have a list of deck hardware that I plan to remove while she is on the hard. I totally agree with your suggestions. My old boat had some passive vents (one on the bow and two in the stern) that seemed to keep air moving. My MKV is sealed up tight and I know I want to add at least a vent in the companion way cover.
Thanks for the reply
Brian
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Brian, this is Mk V specific. My companionway slide is made of some sort of plastic product, the top of which is inside ( forward of ) the closed horizontal top cover by about 1 inch. That top cover has an athwartship wooden flange across the lower, aft end which goes down to the level of the top of that slide, so wind can blow or suck the air below at all times when the boat is closed up but rain cannot enter that gap.
When she is covered in the winter I leave the forward hatch partially open, and my cover allows the wind to enter (but not the snow ), either forward or aft, at all times. SMOKE is dry below in summer and winter.
I changed rope clutches and primary winches this year, so made 26 new holes, and thanks to guidance from Brent and Marcus I used butyl tape and nothing else. No leaks at all.....
The Mk V is a bare sort of boat below compared to the Mks I to IV, and it seems easier to track down leaks I hope.
Where are you located?
Alan of SMOKE 1984 Mk V 002
Alan of SMOKE 1984 Mk V 002
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Hi Brian:
I have a 4" Nicro solar powered vent mounted in the head area on FLYING CIRCUS. The low profile exterior dome does not interfere with sheets, etc. I'm happy with it.
My forward hatch can be cracked open about a quarter inch but still be locked. I usually leave the hatch opened like this. You may try that if you have the same style hatch.
I strongly suggest you get 4" vents, not 3". They'll move nearly twice as much air. I second your idea of adding a vent to the companionway board.
Good Luck!
Tony
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