Boating Stuff - Vent Flange

thingiverse

I acquired a few 4-inch stainless vents for the storage compartments on my old sailboat. I opted for a type that could be sealed in during the winter or while navigating through heavy seas. Next, I conceived a flange that would catch and drain water that seeped through. As I worked on this upload, I discovered that a slightly modified version that attaches to the exterior might also be beneficial. I will upload that soon. Additionally, I will post pictures after I install this. For any PLA print intended for outdoor use, I recommend coating it with exterior paint designed specifically for plastics. Alternatively, sanding, priming, and painting with enamel can also provide a durable finish. Moreover, applying a clearcoat over the PLA has yielded satisfactory results in protecting it from the elements. Even a layer of factor 50 sunblock followed by a thick coat of car wax can offer some protection. The printing process is straightforward. Use heavy infill settings to achieve optimal results. No supports or adhesives are necessary for this design. However, for the vent cover, utilize support as there is a beveled edge at the bottom. I sourced my stainless vents from a marine consignment store, but I am 90% certain that these can also be found at Defender Marine. You can find them here: https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1&id=6511415 This design may seem niche, but it could prove useful for various applications such as RVs, caravans, sheds, dock boxes, and more.