2004 2120 SC cabin venting question

[In2Deep]

Well I just picked up a 2004 2120 SC. The aluminum window frames have significant pitting, Im assuming this is because the cabin has poor venting/circulation. The pilot house lacks a hatch in the V berth. Id like to first know what is the best way to clean the aluminum window trim? Secondly whats the best place to place a new Bomar hatch , the v berth or the cabin roof? Are these aeras cored?
Also the rubber gasket material that seals the window glass to the aluminum trim looks like crap! Its oozing out in spots, there are no leaks but it looks terrible. I assume its ok to remove the excess that's oozed out onto the window?


thanks,
Jerry

 

[In2Deep]

Oh, and Ive used the search feature but found no answers to these specific questions. Mabey there are none? :?

 

[Megabyte]

My 2520 does have a Bomar hatch located in the trunk cabin v-berth area, but I rarely open it.
Rather, I installed a pair of rain shields in the trunk cabin side windows.
With the rain shields in place, I never close those trunk cabin windows. That allows for year round ventilation.

Even if rain is expected, I keep the front opening window open at least to the first notch. Rain rarely makes it inside.
Same for the side sliding windows. Open an inch or so.
In nice weather, those windows are fully open.

In the v-berth, I keep some wood chocks under the hatches to let those storage areas breathe.
In the pilothouse, I pop open the forward bilge deck hatch whenever she is in her slip.

My pilothouse has the drop curtain option which most people do not have.
During normal weather or when rain is forecast, the center panel is left open at the bottom to allow for airflow.
The last time I had those curtains replaced, I eliminated the windows and had the canvas guy put in snaps which allow me to do this.
In good weather, I generally leave the center panel open.

Finally, I installed a pair of solar powered fans in the rear deck hatches and set then to exhaust.
This pulls fresh air from the open hatch in the pilothouse, over the fuel tanks, and out the rear deck.
This promotes airflow from the pilothouse and also keeps the under deck area dry and ventilated.

So... there is no single answer.
You need to look at your boat and how you store and use it, then proceed logically from there.

Good luck !

 

[HOTPURSUIT]

Like Capt. Kevin, I found the rain shields to be a great solution, I also leave the sliding widows in the cabin opened a crack and keep the screen closed to keep the bugs out. I do this all year long. I think Kevin has the nice set installed in the windows. I purchased an inexpensive set but they have been on for three years without a problem. you can check them out at http://www.seaworthygoods.com The solution to the corrosion on the windows, I use elbow grease once a year

 

[TWOBOATER]

I found the hatch in the cabin trunk very effective when staying on the boat for over-nighting. You get a great breeze throught there with the aft door open.
Also, those solar vents in the deckplates are a kick-ass idea to keep your bilges ventilated.

 

[Megabyte]

Just found the box for my rain shields.

Mine are "Beckson Internal Rain Shield, IRS-512S" (5"x12")
If you go this route, measure your windows carefully as we have found that not every model uses the same exact size window.
For example... not every 2520 has 5"x12" windows.

Mine were a drop-in, two minute install. Some folks have had to trim theirs.
As always, YMMV. :wink:

 

[In2Deep]

Sweet ,exactly the info I was looking for. I love the solar vents for the below deck/bilge aera, but would be more concerned of tripping or stubbing my toe on them.

Thanks

 

[Megabyte]

Sweet ,exactly the info I was looking for. I love the solar vents for the below deck/bilge aera, but would be more concerned of tripping or stubbing my toe on them.

Those solar powered fans are only used when the boat is in port.
When I go out, those vents are popped out and replaced with solid deck covers.
They are not in there when I am under way.

 

[kidfreediver]

Sweet ,exactly the info I was looking for. I love the solar vents for the below deck/bilge aera, but would be more concerned of tripping or stubbing my toe on them.

Those solar powered fans are only used when the boat is in port.
When I go out, those vents are popped out and replaced with solid deck covers.
They are not in there when I am under way.

gotta watch out for those toes. Lol

 

[sydngoose]

For cabin ventilation, I found the best solution without cutting in to add dorado boxes is simple: Two hanging "damp rid" bags inside the cabin replaced every 6 weeks. Close all doors, windows, vents, and hand one in the V birth and one off the steering wheel at the helm. NEVER have a moisture, mildew, mold problem in my 2120 since starting this process 2 and 1/2 years ago.
You can by "damp rid" anywhere: walmart, publix, lowes, etc...