Getting the Dorades Right

While Gerty was under construction we insisted on having the dorade vents upgraded. The standard plastic vents were very low profile and did not look functional. Unfortunately, this expensive upgrade to welded aluminum dorade boxes with Vetus cowls has proved to be lacking.

The critical drainage gap at the bottom of the dorade boxes proved to be too large. This large gap prevented air pressure from building within the dorade box and forcing air into the cabin. Additionally, the Vetus vent cowls have not stood the test of time. They collapsed under their own weight, greatly limiting their ability to catch air.

Recently I have reduce the gap below the dorade boxes with flexible weather stripping. I have also replaced the cowls with cast stainless steel ones. At this point the dorades have become embarrassingly expensive. But, they seem to be much more effective, and now Gerty looks all dressed up!