Marinco Solar Powered Ventilator

[Hugh17]

Wondering if anyone has replaced their main saloon 4" Marinco Solar Powered Ventilators recently? The cost is $166 on Amazon. My main concerns are about quality and what's the life expectancy of this ventilator. Also, is there another/better option for less $$ ?


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074MGD8XL?ref=vse_pfo_vwdp_vse-cards-ingress0&th=1&psc=1

[Jim Hardesty]

I installed one on my previous boat, the head had no ventilation, that was 25 years ago I'm sure the batteries work better now.  I was happy with the solar vent for this application.
I don't think yours is original.  Was added or a dorade vent was replaced with the solar vent. 
If the plastic housing is in good shape it may be worth it to disassemble the unit and replace the batteries.  They may be soldered in.
Hope that helps,
Jim
 

[Ron Hill]

Jim : I installed one of Nicros' day/nite and it lasted about 10 years!!

A thought

[KWKloeber]

Jim

I installed a 4" day/night MANY years back. At that time they were rectangular plastic with an option for a stainless cover over it.
It worked well but lasted bout 7-8 yrs and died.

I pried off the solar cover and the C cell NiCad batteries were toast, and I pushed it back in place and ordered replacements.
Before I got a roundtuit I trucked her to NC and when she arrived the solar panel had been sucked off!!  It's been a non-powered vent for 18 yrs.