Boat Air Intakes and Fittings are essential components for both safety and ventilation and fluid management on board.

🌬️ Boat Air Intakes

The air vents are used for:

• Ventilate the bilge , engine room and cabins
• Reduce condensation, mold, and gas buildup (important for safety)
• Promote natural or forced air circulation

Main types

1. Mushroom air vents (fixed or adjustable)
2. Dorade box air intakes (with spray hood, widely used on sailboats)
3. Ventilation grilles (plastic, stainless steel or brass)
4. Fans and extractors (electric, often 12V)
5. Fuel tank vent caps

Common materials

• 316 stainless steel (highly resistant to marine corrosion)
• Chromed brass (for a more classic look)
• UV-resistant ABS plastic (economical and durable)

🔧 Boat Fittings

Fittings connect pipes, tanks, water systems, fuel and drains.

Main types

1. Thru-hull fittings (for seacocks or water intakes below the waterline)
2. Hose fittings (water, fuel, bilge)
3. Marine ball valves (in marine bronze, stainless steel or composite materials)
4. Quick connectors for pumps and tanks
5. Water/fuel tank vents (often combined with air intakes)
6. Fuel or fresh water loading connections

Better materials

• Marine bronze (the best for resistance to salt and wear)
• Stainless steel (especially in visible or highly stressed areas)
• Nylon or reinforced polymers (light and resistant)

⚓ Important notes

• All through-hull fittings below the waterline must have closable valves (safety requirement)
• Engine air intakes must be adequate in case of petrol engines (to prevent accumulation of vapours)