Solar vents

[SPembleton]

The solar vent on my boat has never worked since i bought the boat last year.  While not a high priority, it has been on the todo list.  I went to the West Marine site to look them up. The Nicor day/night one was panned by reviewers. The standard comment was they had a longevity of about 1year. I would like to get one that does not require making the hole larger or smaller.  What has been the experience of members? Do they really have a short life span? Is there a better replacement? Is the non- day/night one more dependable?

[Joe Holmes]

My Nicro solar vents have replaceable batteries.  Three set screws in the top are removed, and with a sharp tool it can be popped out.  Mine has rechargeable C cells that are available at some electronics stores. Cheaper to try this before replacing the units.

[Gary Brockman]

My Day & Nights lasted about 5 years plus before the stopped spinning. I replaced the batteries and they still didn't work so I called Nico and they said that the motors probably wore out and that they sold a replacement motor kit. I ordered two kits, replace the motors and they are back to working great 24 hours a day. Much cheaper than replacing the whole unit.

[SPembleton]

Thanks all. Vents are on sale at WM next week.  I will replace.

[Ron Hill]

Steve : I liked the day/night vent, but do NOT replace the battery from the manufacturer or West Marine - too $$$.  
It takes a "C" size rechargeable from Home Depot or Lowe's.

A thought

[SPembleton]

THANKS!

[Ken Juul]

Mine hasn't worked in years.  Under the dodger, so haven't worried about it.  The reason it doesn't work is the battery compartment has cracked.  PO broke it, tried to glue it together, no luck.  Like the Jabsco toilets....carefull not to over tighten screws.