An optional suction cup allows temporary counter or console mounting. It comes with a cigarette-lighter plug that has a built-in fuse and an LED power-on indicator. A rotating knob controls continuous, variable speeds and the on/off function. Locking cams allow multi-directional adjustment of the fans three blades, which extend to a 6.4-inch diameter. 817) is a rugged fan with a weather-resistant, all-metal cage, external motor housing, and swivel stand. The Camano is held back by its single speed, and its output was slightly lower than some of the least expensive fans. While its not really loud, the fan does have a high-pitched whine and moves only a minimal amount of air. The four-blade fan is 5 inches in diameter, and a center button allows switching between on/off only. 743) has a lightweight plastic cage, a screw-mount base, and a ball-joint and thumb-lock for adjusting flow direction. The least expensive in the companys line, the Camano (No. The nicely finished Bora shows promise, and Practical Sailor looks forward to evaluating the new version. The three-speed fan has a 5.5-inch diameter, and its blades are fully protected front and back. The model we tested was very quiet and ate up very little power. 748).Ĭaframo plans to release a new version of the Bora later this month, and their in-house testing indicates a 25 percent increase in air flow. One of the five Caframos we tested was the Bora (No. We will conduct a similar endurance test on the fans reviewed here.Ĭaframo, a Canadian maker of fans, heaters, and other 12-volt products, makes numerous fans for marine applications. Both tests found that oscillating fans, in general, failed to have the durability of other style fans. The Hella went the distance in the endurance test, clocking 9,134 hours (more than a year) before kicking the bucket, while the Caframo lasted more than three months. Top finishers in both tests were the Hella Turbo and Caframo Ultimate. This latter review, “Cabin Fan Destruction Test,” involved mounting the fans and leaving them to operate continuously until failure. An endurance test of four popular models followed in the Nov. Our last performance test of cabin fans was published in September 1999. The lineup also included the Fan-Tastic Vents Endless Breeze, Hellas Turbo Fan, the Port Fan from HotWire, MarinePros Tornado Fan, and oscillating fans from SeaBowld and West Marine.Īll are specifically marketed to recreational boaters for use with a boats 12-volt DC electric power and range in price from $27 to $100. From Caframo, we tested the Bora, Camano, Kona, Sirocco, and Ultimate. Practical Sailor selected 11 fans from seven manufacturers for this test. The main questions become: Does it move sufficient air? Is it quiet enough? Is the quality and reliability commensurate with the price? How will regular usage affect my power supply? How and when will they be used? Only occasionally, a few hours on weekends, or all-night, every night cruising the tropics? Are you concerned about pets or childrens fingers? Do you need wall mount, oscillating, or portable? There are a lot of variables to consider when evaluating or purchasing boat fans.
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