Cowl Vents, also known as dorade vents, have a long history in sailing and are thought to have originated in the early 20th century. They were invented by Olin J. Stephens II, an American naval architect, as a way to ventilate the interior of a sailing boat while keeping water and debris out. The design consists of a cylindrical vent with a cowl that can be adjusted to direct air flow and protect the interior from water.
Cowl vents became popular on ocean-going yachts and racing boats, as they provided an efficient and effective way to keep the boat ventilated, even in rough conditions. Over time, the design has evolved and improved, and cowl vents are now commonly found on a wide variety of sailing boats, from small day sailers to large ocean-going vessels.
Bug Screens for Dorade Vents
Recently we started offering Bug Screens! Cowl vent bug screens that
are placed over the opening of a cowl vent throat to keep bugs and other insects out of the interior of your boat. The screens allow air to circulate freely through the cowl vent, but prevent bugs and other pests from entering the boat. These screens are 3D printed from soft bendable thermoplastic polyurethane and molds to mouth of all dorade vent shapes.
Mushroom Vent
A Mushroom Vent typically used on boats to provide ventilation for below-deck areas, such as cabins, heads, and bilges. The name "mushroom vent" comes from the shape of the vent, which consists of a rounded dome (the "mushroom") that sits above a cylindrical base that is mounted through the deck.
Mushroom vents allow air to circulate freely into and out of below-deck spaces, which helps to reduce condensation, minimize odors, and improve air quality. They also prevent water from entering the boat, as the rounded dome sheds water and prevents it from entering the vent. Mushroom vents come in a variety of sizes 3", 4" and 5" and made from sheet 304 stainless steel. They have a permanent stainless mesh screen inside. They can be used in conjunction with other ventilation systems, such as dorade boxes or air conditioning systems, to provide a comprehensive ventilation solution for your sailing boat.
Dorade Boxes
Dorade boxes were first invented in the early 20th century as a solution to the problem of how to ventilate a sailing boat without allowing water or debris to enter the interior. They have since become a standard feature on many sailing boats, from small day sailers to large ocean-going vessels. The design of dorade boxes has evolved over time, and they are now commonly equipped with features such as adjustable cowls, removable bug screens, and watertight seals to ensure effective
ventilation while keeping the boat dry and protected.
A Dorade Box ventilation system used on sailing boats to provide fresh air and prevent water from entering the interior of the boat. It consists of a cowl vent mounted on top (also known as a dorade cowl) that can be adjusted to direct air flow and protect the interior from water entering the cabin.
Dorade Guards
Dorade Guards are protective stainless tubes that are used on sailing boats to protect the dorade boxes and vents from damage.
Buchan Marine Dorade guards are made from durable 304 stainless steel 1" tube and are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. Our dorade guards are permanently installed with 90 degree bases that secure directly into the deck. Plastic or teak pads are available to help match the angle of the deck for easy installation.
By protecting the dorade boxes and vents, dorade guards help to ensure that the ventilation systems continue to function effectively, keeping the boat well-ventilated and preventing moisture buildup and other problems associated with poor air circulation.