12 Volt fans for the cabin and cockpit?

[Dave S]

I am thinking it won't be too long before we are all complaining how hot it is rather than how cold it is. :smt021

After looking thru the West Marine Catalog I see a whole variety of 12 volt fans. Does anyone use these types of fans in either their cabin or cockpit and if so what works best? I'd like to buy at least one fan for each area to use on my 260DA to circulate some air and cool folks off a bit on those hot summer days. Any recommendations you can offer will be appreciated.

Dave

 

[Quint4]

bought two from W- M ( thats Wal Mart ) 10 bucks apiece worked great last season....one in cabin...one in mid-cabin......Dave.

 

[Converse48]

Dave- I am a huge fan guy.... can't sleep without one. I always install 12V fans on my boats. Hella makes two models of installed (i.e. hardwired) 12V fans that I have experience with. I don't remember the exact prices but they're not cheap. The bottom line is that the expensive one (I think it was $79, which is WAY more than the fan Quint4 bought at W-M) is much better than the cheaper one.

The cheaper one has only one speed and it is loud, plus it just doesn't move that much air. The better one has two-speeds, both of which move more air than the one speed of the cheap one, and it is much quieter. Also, the better one is, well, better constructed. Better switch, better swivel, studier blades, etc.

Bottom line, I would recommend the more expensive of the two Hella models, but it sounds like there might be cheaper alternatives out there from non-marine (read: non-overpriced) sources.

 

[PMvdb395DA]

Hella fan's

 

[270SLX]

The enclosed head on my 270SLX had NO ventilation or port hole. I added an oscillating 12V fan, wiring it into the light circuit. Now the head is the most comfortable spot on the boat when it's 90 degrees or more. The admiral says it makes her feel less claustrophobic too. I highly recommend this addition to an 270SLX owners out there.

Dennis