REFLECTOR:Strake bottom outside bolt hole covers - A better one

Jim Agnew reflector@tvbf.org
Fri, 16 May 2003 12:41:50 -0700 (PDT)


For those of you that are using the rear facing large
fiberglass scoop to provide the air outlet on the strake
lower outboard bolthole I have found a very nice
alternative.  

I have large hands so I had to make the hole larger to get
my hand in so the Velocity supplied cover would not work. 
At a West Marine store I found some very nice Stainless
Louvered Vents in 4 &  5" round sizes (see the following
HTTP for picture) for $3.99 each.  They are very light and
thin so they conform to the strake,  about 1/8” high with a
beveled edge, and a large number of louvers.  I mounted
them with four #6 SS ½” sheet metal screws and a ring of
RTV on the inside of the vent.  They are almost invisible
unless you get down and look up under the wing and the
cabin airflow is just fine.  

As a side benefit, the louvers are small enough that they
will keep out larger bugs and critters. Happy venting.

Jim

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=24823


=====
James F. Agnew
Jim_Agnew_2@Yahoo.Com
Tampa, FL
Velocity 173 Elite Aircraft Completed