Source for stainless steel engine vents

Richard Prokop

New Member
Dec 31, 2011
3
Puget Sound
Boat Info
1987 390 EC
Engines
Double 1987 Mercruiser 7.4 L (340) Inboard
No matter how many fenders I deploy, the cheap plastic engine vents on my '87 390 EC are frequently struck by other boaters during rafting and lock passage. I have queried the Internet trying to find exact stainless replacements to include the mounting holes. I don't like making extra holes in my boat. There are many stainless vent sources but but none have the exact features. Even the custom made sources are reluctant to tackle this request. Or should I just continue to purchase the available vents from Sea Ray? Is there an exact replacement available?
 
Last edited:
I have looked as well. I have an 89 340 DA with the same vents. I have been unable to find an exact replacement. I plan on making my own eventually because I have the same Issue. Good luck...
 
I'll keep you on record. I have a local response that wants to possibly tackle making them and use the template for future buyers. I won't
have a cost estimate for several days.
 
Although it's not particularly hard to fill holes, especially small ones, if the new vent is larger than the old one it will cover the old holes. Squirt some silicone or PC-11 into the old ones and call it a day. Don't stress about a few more small holes (especially above the waterline) - you probably have upwards of 100 holes, already.:smt001
 
Dennis the problem I have is quite tthe opposite. The originals have a much larger flange around the outside of the vent the new ones fail to cover the original holes...
 
If that's the case for the OP, then you could fill the holes with matching gelcoat. It may not match perfectly due to fading, but Spectrum Color should be able to help you with a gel paste kit.

On the other hand, you may be able to design a better mousetrap. For the last umpteen years, most (if not all) of the SR's I've seen have had an asymetrical (incorrect term, but no directional louvers, anyways) design to the vents. I've seen no difference on the intake/exhuast side boxes to say that the directional vents/louvers are actually needed. Maybe build a flat, rectangular frame of SS with an SS mesh screen making up the field inside the frame? This design would only protrude from the hull about 1/8".

It's just a thought, but if this is a continual problem, I'd lean towards finding a better design.
 
Last edited:
Hey Guys.
I was the one speaking to Richard about fabricating these in a nice stainless steel. It's taken some time, but have a look and let me know if there is interest. There are price breaks starting at a minimum of 6.
PM me if you are interested. What you will see is the vent blades won't extend out of the mounting flange and not be able to be crushed or cut your fenders, or catch on anything else.
Here's what it will look like.
673d6736.jpg
 
These are the vent I usually buy from West Marine (in dozen!!!)

Dimensions: 4-3/4"W x 13-1/4"L

Cutout Size: 3-5/8"W x 12-1/8"L

slot ventilator.jpg

Todd, are your stainless steel one of the same dimensions???
 
These match the Searay vents. Richard provided me one to template from.
I'm on my mobile now so I'll have to get them to post later
 
Pietro
Yes the dimensions of mine are 14" x 4.6". You will see that the drawing I posted is slightly longer than the last screw hole. I'm not sure if the screw pattern of the ones you posted match up with the SeaRay units, but the ones I can provide are matching the SeaRay units.
 
No, the ones I posted have a slightly different hole pattern. I did modify it on my boat in order to fit the parts I could easly buy from West Marine.
Can you let us now exact dimensions and cut out? Thank you.
 
No, the ones I posted have a slightly different hole pattern. I did modify it on my boat in order to fit the parts I could easly buy from West Marine.
Can you let us now exact dimensions and cut out? Thank you.

Yes I'll be back to my PC this afternoon where I have that info and post it then.
Thanks
 
Well I think since this is my first venture out here to get a product launched I want to work with everyone to get the best price that works for everyone. I had a PM back and forth to Jason earlier and a bid to Richard earlier in over $100 each and at the initial cost to Richard for the 6 he needed at $175ea + shipping.
Let's put it this way, the more orders I can get the better for all. I don't expect to make a million, but I feel I can offer a great product and this will be part of a new business I'm in the middle of creating. I want to offer high quality products that all of you can endorse. If I can get an order of 25 of these I can sell them for $95ea + shipping. If I can't, the next break is 10-24ea @ $134.00 + shipping.

I appreciate the look and here is a rendering with dimensions. Again, please appreciate these are redesigned to be flush and not crack or be damaged by fenders, etc. I've designed them to last for years out of 16 GA electro-polished stainless.
59ca8786.jpg
 
Last edited:
Todd... that sounds realistic. I know to well how cost to produce is directly effected by number produced.what did you use to make your design and print? I'm in for 4 at the $98 mark. Now what is the cost difference if we are able to get over 25? Are the vents spot welded in the outer rim or how are they attached? I am sure they will be high quality and tough being 16ga...
 
I can offer an endorsement for Todd.
Some of us purchased the Aetna digital tachometers which do not fit in the hole that the SR tachs come out of. Todd was able to put a deal together for some chrome/stainless steel bezel rings whose outer dimensions fit the hole in the dash and whose innner dimensions fit the Aetna tach at a very reasonable price.

To the peanut gallery-

Please note: My synchronizer puck was bad and I was waiting a new one to arrive.


IMG_4738.jpg


IMG_4736.jpg
 
Last edited:
Todd... that sounds realistic. I know to well how cost to produce is directly effected by number produced.what did you use to make your design and print? I'm in for 4 at the $98 mark. Now what is the cost difference if we are able to get over 25? Are the vents spot welded in the outer rim or how are they attached? I am sure they will be high quality and tough being 16ga...

Thank you Jason. I'll hold that pending order provided we can get to 25+. The next mark is 50 and it would drop to $89ea + shipping.

Four Suns wants 12 dozen. He is giving them out as Christmas presents this year.
Thanks Gary!

I can offer an endorsement for Todd.
Some of us purchased the Aetna digital tachometers which do not fit in the hole that the SR tachs come out of. Todd was able to put a deal together for some chrome/stainless steel bezel rings whose outer dimensions fit the hole in the dash and whose innner dimensions fit the Aetna tach at a very reasonable price.

To the peanut gallery-

Please note: My synchronizer puck was bad and I was waiting a new one to arrive.


View attachment 23950


View attachment 23949

Thanks Rick.
 
Im in for 6 of the vents
just let me know what i need to do as far as ordering, paying, etc....
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,943
Messages
1,422,707
Members
60,927
Latest member
Jaguar65
Back
Top