Boat Vent 3 Install

[oba97]

i bought 3 boat vent 3’s to install in my snap on bow and cockpit cover. I will have to cut the holes out and am a little apprehensive. Does anyone have any tips?

 

[GA_Boater]

Yep - Ya gotta cut holes.

Got the instructions? http://www.triden.com/downloads/BoatVent_3.pdf

 

[oba97]

I’ve read about adding an additional piece of canvas for reinforcement but the video’s I see don’t. Have you installed any? Did you use a reinforcement piece?

 

[GA_Boater]

No - Just answering your question about cutting a hole. Are you having mildew problems? Maybe you don't need the vents.

 

[oba97]

No, I was thinking it would be a good idea to install because I will most likely be covering my boat when it’s wet on occasion. Haven’t yet at this point.

 

[GA_Boater]

I cover my boat wet and haven't had mildew or mold. My boat sits out and the sun heats up under the cover and probably cooks the little microscopic beasties.

 

[oba97]

Maybe I’ll hold off on installing until I see if I have an issue.

 

[ahicks]

I'd install them. Getting rid of a mold issue once it starts can be difficult. Much easier to do what you can to make sure mold doesn't get started.

I get why you're hesitant to install w/o reinforcement. Have you considered a non hardening glue - like silicone for instance - to use when installing the vents? Between the glue, and drawing the vent up as tight as you can when installing, I think you'd be good to go.

WORST cast, the vent would not hold, and you could take the canvass to a shop to be reinforced. My thoughts anyway, FWIW.

 

[oba97]

I was reading conflicting reports on if I need to add backing to the boat vent 3. I ended up calling the manufacture and was advised that for the boat vent 3 you should not add additional backing material because it could make the cover too think for the teeth. My cover already had backing built into it so I decided not to install the boat vent 3 and ordered and installed 3 boat vent 2's (advised to be used with additional backing). I was nervous when I made the first cut but all ended up well ( I hope). Here are a few pics of how I did it. I will post an update once I have a good rain to see how it holds up.