Engine compartment vents: 32+2 CB

[SummerSailor]

Hello,
The port side "A" grill on my 32+2 command bridge sustained damage during Milton. I am hoping that someone on the forum can help me with two questions:
1) How can I get a replacement?
2) Close inspection shows that behind each grill there is an enclosed "alcove". The entire construction seems to be completely sealed, thus preventing any air exchange between the outside of the boat and the engine compartment. The construction appears original and not an add-on. Is this normal, meaning that the structure is completely cosmetic?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[BarryG]

SummerSailer, I am the owner of a recently acquired 32+2 CB, but here is what I can see and what I know. From what I can see in your photo, it appears that someone replaced the air inlet vent to the engine room with an aftermarket grill. I have been told by my surveyor (who has owned 4 Albin boats), that the vent grills were supplied by Vetus, who also supplied other equipment on our boats, like the bow thruster. Those original grills were either aluminum or stainless grills. From what I can see on your photo, it appears that your grill is either PVC, fiberglass, painted aluminum or some other material. Also, it appears that they extended the grill past the cutout in the hullside by quite a bit. The reason for that is unknown. Perhaps the replacement grill was only available in that length, or it was less expensive, who knows?

Now behind the original grills is a type of Dorade box to divert salt water spray and rain from entering the ER and landing on top of your fuel tanks, causing corrosion. The dorade boxes are manufactured so that the opening to the ER is on the top or upper surface. The air would enter the grill and have to go up and over the back of the box. If you look into and upwards through the grill you should see openings facing upwards. This allowed the air to flow into then up and over the top of the box while heavier water drops get captured by the back wall of the box and drained back overboard. My boat came with the correct grills... but the dorade boxes have been removed, allowing salt and corrosion on top of my tanks. The surveyor picked up on this, therefore my insurance company picked up on this and is requiring a repair. It is part of a large work package happening over this winter. The dorades are also made by Vetus and are available from them.

To me it looks like your boat was originally all green and someone had the white hull color applied later...I don't know?

Let me know if this helps.

[islandtyme]

I am the owner of a 2001 32+2 and agree with BarryG's description and function of the engine vents both outside the boat and inside the boat.