Wind scoops are wonderful, funneling even the tiniest breeze down below. They were a big part of our ventilation strategy. In hot weather, a good wind scoop is worth its weight in gold for keeping the galley cool. Fans will move the air, but it’s a wind scoop that will funnel cool (or at least cooler) air down below.
The problem with most wind scoops though, is that they assume your boat stays in the same position relative to the wind. But sailors know that the wind and current are almost never steady — things are always changing. Even when you’re at a dock, the wind does not stay steady.
Consequently, with a traditional wind scoop, you’re constantly having to adjust the scoop so that it catches the air.
We found and used a wonderful “4-way wind scoop.” Actually, it has four chambers and the correct ones will open up and funnel air below as the boat turns relative to the wind.
These are hard to find, and the place where we bought them has gone out of business. But at the Annapolis Sailboat Show, I found some cruisers who are selling them — at a great price . . . even cheaper than a “regular” wind scoop!
We paid about $80 each for our 4-way wind scoops and thought they were worth every penny — these appear to be the same quality at half the price! I heartily recommend these – our 4-way wind scoop was one of our most cherished pieces of gear aboard Que Tal:
I’ve found two other places that sell them in the US (many places sell them in England, if you happen to be cruising Europe) but they are both priced around — or over — $100:
- Swiss-Tech America: Windscoop — two sizes, slightly better prices and a good description of how they work — be sure to click on their “demo” button — it’s a great little video!
- Ahoy Captain: Plastimo Omnidirectional Hatch Scoop
I have not purchased items from these retailers, and so can’t vouch for their service or policies. I haven’t purchased items from Cruising Solutions, either, but I did talk with them at the Annapolis Boat Show.
Our experience in the Sea of Cortez, with lots of sun and UV damage but infrequent high winds, was that one wind scoop would usually last 9 months to a year — we always kept an extra on hand, just in case, as it was such a key part of our keeping cool.
I’ve always recommended a 4-way wind scoop, but finding these from Cruising Solutions at such a good price makes me really, really recommend them! If you’re in a warm climate at all, you’re going to want one — or more!
Thanks so much Carolyn for sharing this! I’ve had a wind scoop on my “gotta get soon” list and planned on spending about $80-$100. I think you just saved me some money!