sailboat hatch wind scoop

Best Wind Scoops: How to Use Them Properly

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Wind scoops are an excellent passive ventilation tool for use at anchor or when moored at the dock.

The best wind scoops are the Plastimo Ventilated Sail, the Dorcap Hatch Vent, the Breeze Booster Hatch Ventilator, the Breeze Booster Port Ventilator, and the Breeze Bandit Hatch Ventilator.

In this article, we'll cover how to use wind scoops effectively for ventilation. We'll also discuss the best situations in which to use wind scoops, and we'll feature five of the best on the market today.

This article is based on information sourced directly from wind scoop manufacturers and sailors who use wind scoops as an alternative to air conditioning.

Table of contents

What is a Wind Scoop?

Wind scoops are a lightweight and stowable alternative to air conditioning. They require no electricity, and they draw large volumes of outside air through the hatch or porthole of a sailboat.

Air scoops aren't as effective as regular air conditioning, but they're more affordable than fans, and (under the right conditions) they can provide significantly more ventilation. They're also highly compact when stowed and made of lightweight sail-like materials such as nylon and polyester.

Wind scoops are sometimes confused with deck cowls. While standard deck cowls can perform the same function, modern wind scoops are much larger and more efficient at ventilating a sailboat cabin.

How do Wind Scoops Work?

Wind scoops work the same way that traditional deck ventilators do, but on a larger scale. These large tent-like ventilators point towards the wind and channel it through the boat. Wind scoops are completely passive, and they take advantage of even the smallest breezes.

And while they're not as effective as air conditioning, they can easily add effective cooling and keep the air in your sailboat from becoming hot, stuffy, and stagnant.

How to Use a Wind Scoop Properly

Wind scoops can be somewhat tricky to use, but most people find the right alignment fast enough. The first step in using a wind scoop is to learn the circumstances in which it is most effective. Most wind scoops aren't designed to be used while underway. This is because of their lightweight construction and position on the boat. The ideal time to use a wind scoop for ventilation is when you're at anchor.

As most sailors know, an anchored sailboat will naturally turn and point into the wind, which is perfect for wind scoops. Wind scoops can also be used when in the marina as long as you orient the induction end towards the wind.

The primary purpose of a wind scoop is to simply redirect an existing breeze into and through a sailboat. The wind scoop is generally mounted over the front (forward) hatch, which must be open completely for it to be effective. This works best as it directs air from the narrowest part of the boat out into the wider spaces.

Remember that wind scoops are most effective when they move air through the boat. Since they don't actually cool the air, the best way to utilize them is to replace the existing air in the boat as often as possible. The best way to ensure that this occurs is to open the rear hatch, as it will allow the most efficient flow of air through the boat.

The same rule applies to other types of wind scoops, such as porthole scoops. In the case of larger wind scoops, you can use the companionway hatch or portholes to finely tune how much air flows through the cabin. Think of the companionway hatch as the thermostat or throttle.

Are Wind Scoops Weatherproof?

So, what should you do with your wind scoop if it rains? Many sailors ask this question, and the answer depends largely on what type of wind scoop you buy.

Standard wind scoops aren't rainproof at all. This is a problem in tropical climates, as it rains frequently, and excess moisture can easily cause mold in your cabin.

If rain is a frequent issue, consider a weatherproof wind scoop. Unlike traditional wind scoops, which are tall and thin, rain-resistant wind scoops are short, bullet-shaped, and elongated lengthwise to reduce the amount of rain that falls or blows into them. These models are also treated and waterproof, similar to a tent rainfly.

Traditional wind scoops move more air than most weatherproof models, which is why many sailors use them in tropical climates regardless. The best way to prevent rain-related problems is to be vigilant and simply close the forward hatch whenever it starts to get stormy outside.

Best Wind Scoops

There are dozens of wind scoops on the market today, including several made by the Windscoop brand. Here are the best sailboat wind scoops available today from several top marine brands.

1. Plastimo Ventilated Sail

Plastimo is a well-known manufacturer of marine ventilation equipment. If you have a newer sailboat, chances are you have a plastic ventilation cowl made by Kastimo. In addition to standard vents. Plastimo also offers a large wind scoop which they call a 'ventilated sail.'

The Plastimo wind scoop is omnidirectional, which makes it somewhat unique in the industry. That means that this wind scoop will efficiently funnel air down into the forward hatch regardless of what direction the wind is blowing.

Omnidirectional wind scoops are ideal for most situations, and they're particularly useful when you're docked at a stationary marina. The Plastimo wind scoop is shaped like a pyramid and held up by a line that usually runs up the mast. The eyelet at the top of the pyramid is ideal for attaching to a halyard, so this wind scoop is easy to deploy and requires no bulky poles or separate rigging.

The wind scoop itself is made from polyester, which is lightweight and durable. Polyester is also soft and flexible, which prevents annoying whistling and flapping sounds. The primary drawback of this design is that it isn't particularly water-resistant, and it will readily funnel rainwater down into the cabin if the hatch is left open during a rain squall.

In other weather conditions, the Plastimo wind scoop shines. Thanks to its durable stitching and halyard-hung design, it can stand up to strong wind gusts without tearing or coming off. It also fits most standard sailboat hatches.

2. ATN Dorcap Hatch Vent

Here's a unique all-weather wind scoop designed to hold up to rain, wind, and spray. The ATN Dorcap wind scoop is self-supported and fits most standard boat hatches.

The ATN Dorcap wind scoop is essentially a large stowable sea cowl designed to mount sturdily to the hatch of a sailboat. Unlike most wind scoops, this ATN model is stubby and low-profile. These design features make it resistant to water and wind gusts, as there's less of an opportunity for weather influx.

The scoop itself has rigid supports and doesn't need to be Leathered to a halyard to stay upright. It has adjustable airflow settings for maximum airflow and maximum rain protection. This air scoop features a 'dam' in the base of the inlet, which helps prevent water that runs along the deck from getting into your cabin.

Despite its small size and air dam, the ATN Dorcap wind scoop moves a remarkable amount of air through the cabin. It can be operated from inside the cabin as well, which means you won't have to scramble on deck during a rainstorm to close the hatch or disassemble the air scoop. This is ideal for anchoring in tropical and subtropical climates where heat and rain often accompany each other.

The primary disadvantage of the ATN Dorcap wind scoop is that it is not omnidirectional, and it can be tricky or impossible to reposition-,if the wind direction changes. However, at anchor, this is rarely a problem.

3. Breeze Booster Hatch Ventilator

The Breeze Booster Hatch Ventilator is the wind scoop equivalent of a supercharger, and it's well known for moving an enormous amount of air through sailboat cabins. This self-supported wind scoop is ideal for medium and large sailboats in areas where the wind is usually insufficient for other smaller wind scoops.

The Breeze Booster is a large cowl-shaped wind scoop. It is self-supported and does not require a halyard. This means that it's taut as useful on powerboats. This wind scoop is about as tall as it is wide, which allows it to efficiently harness slight winds and channel them throughout the cabin. The scoop itself is very easy to set up, and it can be oriented in any direction without much trouble. This makes it ideal for use at anchor or when docked in a marina.

Another advantage of the Breeze Booster wind scoop is that it allows sailors to adjust the hatch independently. This means that you can fine-tune the airflow from inside the boat or close the forward hatch completely in the event of a rainstorm. The scoop itself provides little protection from the elements, though it offers shade and doesn't impede the user from closing the hatch.

As far as its application is concerned, the Breeze Booster ventilated hatch is comparable to the Plastimo Ventilated Sail. It works well at anchor or in the marina, though it doesn't stand up to high winds as well as the Plastimo. That said, it's easier to set up at the expense of size.

It stows larger than the Plastimo, as it's self-supported and requires some rigid parts. The manufacturer states that, when stowed, this wind scoop takes up about the same amount of space as a traditional umbrella.

4. Breeze Booster Port Ventilator

Sometimes, a giant air scoop over the hatch isn't necessary, and an extra ventilation boost over a port will suffice. That's where the Breeze Booster Port Ventilator comes in. This smaller wind scoop is designed to mount over a traditional sailboat porthole or portlight, and it works well as an additional source of passive ventilation.

The primary advantage of the port ventilator is that it's mostly weather resistant due to its size and location on the side of the cabin. It can keep the air inside flowing even when you're not aboard, which allows you to lock up or button up your hatches. It also works well while you're on board and at anchor, as you can point it forwards towards the wind.

The Breeze Booster Port Ventilator is designed for use with inward-opening ports, which means you can adjust the airflow from the cabin or close it when it rains.

The Breeze Booster port vent air scoop is constructed of flag stock nylon, which is durable and lightweight. It also includes a screen, which is a necessity in areas with mosquitos and other insect pests. And like the standard large Breeze Booster, the port vent wind scoop is also self-supported with PVC framing.

This model is highly affordable and compact, making it a great option to start with if you're new to wind scoops.

5. Breeze Bandit Hatch Ventilator

Here's another durable wind scoop designed to stand up to gusts and windy weather. Like the Plastimo ventilated sail, the Breeze Bandit wind scoop is omnidirectional and capable of harnessing wind from all directions without adjustment.

The Breeze Bandit wind scoop is essentially four wind scoops sewn together back to back. It has four panels that harness wind from all directions simultaneously, and it channels the wind downard and into the hatch. It's tall, thin, and lightweight, making it ideal for use on sailboats.

Interestingly, the design of this four-paneled wind scoop is not new. It was rediscovered in a centuries-old British Navy manual, as similar canvas designs were once used to cool and ventilate tall ships. In other words, it's a proven and highly-effective design.

Unlike the originals, the Breeze Bandit is manufactured from durable and lightweight polyester. Like the Plastimo Ventilated Sail, polyester was chosen to provide longevity, tear-resistance, stretch-resistance, and to eliminate flapping and wind noise.

The sides of the Breeze Bandit are reinforced with 1" webbing, providing rigidity when deployed but allowing it to collapse and stow in a compact package. The webbing is also double-stitched, which provides much more durability than some competitors. The Breeze Bandit fits hatches up to 21 inches square.

It mounts at the base with stainless steel snaps, which are durable, unobtrusive, and easy to install. The Breeze Bandit rigs up with a halyard connected to an eyelet at the top, and it stands 6 feet tall when deployed.

The primary disadvantage of this design is that it's not rainproof, and you can't close the hatch while it's deployed. That said, it's easy to simply unbutton the base and close MOB the hatch in the event of foul weather.

6. Davis Instruments Windscoop

We can't forget to include name-brand wind scoops on our list. The Davis Instruments Windscoop is one of the most popular passive hatch ventilators on the market today, and it's the namesake of products in this category.

The original Windscoop rigs up like the Breeze Bandit and moves a large volume of air into the cabin. It must be pointed into the wind to work, but its tall and wide design makes it the most effective wind scoop on our list. It's also almost universally compatible with sailboat hatches and companionways. It fits any opening up to 4 feet wide, which makes it an option for sailboats such as the Catalina 30 that have unusually large and non-square forward hatches.

The original Windscoop is compatible with screens and mosquito nets, making it ideal for bug-filled areas. Installation is easy, as it doesn't require tie-downs. Simply feed it through the hatch and rig it up to a halyard.

The original Windscoop is affordable, and it makes a great addition to your standard cruising gear lineup for warm weather. Due to its quick and easy install, it's also great for clearing the cabin after cooking or working with fume-producing chemicals such as paint, varnish, stain, or epoxy.

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Sailboat Upgrades

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

Cost To Sail Around The World

May 16, 2023

Small Sailboat Sizes: A Complete Guide

October 30, 2022

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

An Effective Wind Scoop for your Boat's Fore Hatch

At anchor in a hot climate, a wind scoop fitted in you boat's fore hatch will transform living conditions below. There are several different designs available if you want to buy one, but here's a simple and effective version that can be easily and cheaply made up from a single piece of light fabric.

Sadly, I can't take any credit for the design of this; I believe - although I'm not certain - that this should go to the renowned cruising couple, Lynn and Larry Pardy.

As you can see, it's made from two pieces of nylon spinnaker cloth stitched together and attached around the outside of the foredeck hatch surround.

Attached thus, you can close the hatch from below when it starts to rain.

An ordinary domestic sewing machine will be able to handle this easily, but for maximum durability you should use a zig-zag stitch and UV-resistant thread.

How to Make The Wind Scoop

If your hatch is hinged at the forward edge as shown above (the most seaworthy approach), a partially closed hatch - as in the above pic - will still provide ample ventilation whilst preventing rainwater from getting below.

The first step is to measure the outside dimensions of the fore deck hatch surround - the length and the width - to determine the length of the foot of the wind scoop.

Cutting Out the Two Pieces of the Windscoop

The first piece is shaped as shown below. It's a right-angled triangle, the longest side of which is curved.

The length of the foot is half the WIDTH plus the LENGTH of the hatch surround as measured in the first step.

The height is about three times the length of hatch surround - that's usually around 5 feet (1.5m) or so.

The curved edge should approximate to the shape shown. Allow 1" (25mm) all round for seaming.

The second piece is a mirror image of the first one, so use one as a template to draw the other.

Then cut them both out and stitch them together along the curved edge as shown below. Ideally, you'll use a zig-zag stitch for this.

Then turn in the remaining seams and stitch them together. Just two more things to attend to:~

Holding it down and
Holding it up...

Holding the Wind Scoop Down

On Alacazam , the fore hatch is bedded on a teak surround which makes holding it down with lift-the-dot fasteners a cinch.

Two of these are fitted to each of the three sides, the male part screwed into the surround, and the female part pressed into the seam around the foot of the windscoop. No special tools are needed.

Holding the Wind Scoop Up

Using a halyard to hold it up just doesn't work - you need to hold it both up and forward. First though you need to provide an attachment point on the windscoop for a light line - a short loop of webbing strap stitched on is ideal.

If you're lucky you'll have a convenient forestay, cutter stay or babystay to attach it to. Otherwise you'll have to be a little more creative. One solution would be to take a halyard down to a deck fitting just ahead of the hatch.

You'll find that this wind scoop will direct an impressive breeze throughout the boat which you can vary by adjusting the position of the hatch cover.

You might like to take a look at...

A Parachute Sea Anchor, or a Drogue?

Two ways of dealing with heavy weather at sea are heaving-to with a parachute sea anchor, or running-before under a drogue streamed from the stern, but which is the better option?

Sailboat Spares and Equipment for Long Distance Cruising

Description: Here's a useful checklist of sailboat spares and equipment for a sailboat setting out on a long distance offshore passage. You can't carry too much; but you can't carry everything

Thinking of Changing Your Sailboat Propeller?

There are three main types of sailboat propeller; fixed bladed, folding or feathering. The pros and cons of each type are set out here, making it easy to identify the best type for your boat

How to Select Sailboat Winches - Choosing the Right Ones for Your Boat

Good quality sailboat winches don’t come cheap. Here’s how to avoid spending more than you have to on winches that are bigger or more complex than you need.

How to Rig Rain Catchers on Live-Aboard and Bluewater Sailboats

It makes a deal of sense to rig rain catchers on a sailboat, particularly if you’re way offshore or anchored in a remote area. Clean, fresh water from the sky, and it’s free!

Recent Articles

A Hunter Passage 42 for Sale

Jul 16, 24 01:41 PM

The Wauquiez Centurion 40 Sailboat

Jul 15, 24 04:50 AM

The Elan 431 Sailboat

Jul 13, 24 03:03 AM

Here's where to:

Find Used Sailboats for Sale...
Find Used Sailing Gear for Sale...
List your Sailboat for Sale...
List your Used Sailing Gear...

Our eBooks...

A few of our Most Popular Pages...

Gift Certificate
--> Login or Sign Up

Shop by Brand

MarineKinetix
Cruising Solutions
Sirius Signal
View all Brands
Cruising Necessities

Breeze Bandit Wind Scoop Hatch Wind Catcher

Create New Wish List
Similar Products

Product Description

This four-panel wind scoop is unique among boat hatch vent systems in that it is designed to capture the wind and direct it down a deck hatch regardless of wind direction , so it is perfect for catching the slightest breezes when at anchor or at the dock, even when the boat itself is not pointing into the wind . See the "how it works" video below.

The Breeze Bandit's secret to catching wind is in its four-chamber design. Its extra-tall profile, its square shape, and the four lightweight nesting low-stretch polyester panels allow the panel which is facing the wind to open fully and funnel the wind directly down below. Its large surface area and efficient design is much more effective than traditional fixed wind scoop designs, and it can catch the breeze even in fluky conditions where the winds are light and variable.

Interestingly, this design has actually been around for centuries, having been invented by the British Navy more than 200 years ago to help cool their warships back in the in the days of sail. A full-time cruising friend discovered this exceptional idea in an old British Navy manual, and then modernized the design by using lightweight fabric panels, along with a low-level nylon skirt to more effectively capture wind from even the slightest breeze. It works like a charm, and you'll love it. The Breeze Bandit comes with its own nylon storage pouch, as well as stainless steel snap-on snap-off hardware for easy installation.

The four sides are piped with a strong 1" webbing. This webbing has short "tails", which connect to 4 snaps mounted near the corners of your hatch on the boat's ceiling. Each piece of webbing is continuously double-stitched along two-sides of the Breeze-Bandit (all the way to the top) where it makes a loop before heading down the opposite side. These two loops clip to a halyard shackle or other line. A bungee or another short piece of rope is attached to the halyard shackle, and it is fastened to the deck or hatch coaming to prevent the Breeze Bandit from swaying. Installation is, well...a breeze!

The Breeze Bandit stands 6' tall and fits your boat's square hatch openings up to 21" X 21" or rectangular hatches up to 24" x 18".

"Navy Blue" fabric with white stitching.

The best boat wind scoop wind catcher we have ever seen, at an unbelievable price!

Overall Height: 6'
Bottom dimension: 17" x 17" plus connection webbing (fits hatches up to 21" square)
Scoop Construction: Polyurethane-coated low-stretch 210 Denier polyester (won't stretch, even when wet)
Edge Construction: 1" flat polyester webbing, and double zig-zag stitching
Skirt Construction: Poly-urethane-coated 190T Nylon Taffeta
Mounting Method: 4 stainless steel snaps and screws included

Product Videos

Custom field, product reviews, write a review.

3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

Breeze bandit.

Posted by David Luck on 27th Apr 2023

Great wind scoop for marinas and elsewhere. Catches the breeze no matter the wind direction. I bought this as a replacement for my five year old one that finally gave in to the UV.

Breeze Bandit Wind scoop hatch wind catcher

Posted by Jvg on 26th Sep 2018

I am a born sceptic & although I have bought more items than I care to remember on the net this is the first review i have ever given. Does not look out of place on my modern wooden classic.The product is well made and works exactly as it says on the tin. An excellent product.. Having said that the wind seems to collect only beneath the hatch so could do with an interior wind scoop accessory. Also shipping charges to europe are too high, probably could find cheaper in europe.

Effective and installs, stores, and sets up easily

Posted by Gariveda on 21st Jul 2017

I install the snaps for this over the forward starboard saloon hatch. Screwed them into the existing ceiling panels using existing screws and holes so they look like their part of the original finish. I placed a new latch on the starboard spreader flag halyard line to hoist it and keep tension on it. This makes it all extremely simple to setup. The whole thing comes down as quickly as I can walk from the spreader to the middle of the saloon and packs into it's bag super easily. This breeze bandit provides the extra circulation in the cabin to keep it pleasant in the saloon even on the hottest southern Californian days out at the island. Well worth it.

New Sailboats
Sailboats 21-30ft
Sailboats 31-35ft
Sailboats 36-40ft
Sailboats Over 40ft
Sailboats Under 21feet
used_sailboats
Apps and Computer Programs
Communications
Fishfinders
Handheld Electronics
Plotters MFDS Rradar
Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
Anchoring Mooring
Running Rigging
Sails Canvas
Standing Rigging
Diesel Engines
Off Grid Energy
Cleaning Waxing
DIY Projects
Repair, Tools & Materials
Spare Parts
Tools & Gadgets
Cabin Comfort
Ventilation
Footwear Apparel
Foul Weather Gear
Mailport & PS Advisor
Inside Practical Sailor Blog
Activate My Web Access
Reset Password
Customer Service

Free Newsletter

Maine Cat 41

CS 30 Used Boat Review

The Hinckley 49 comes in four different cabin layouts, but all feature mahogany or ash, with no bare fiberglass visible. Photo courtesy of Yacht World.

Hinckley 49 Used Boat Review

The Island Packet 31's wide beam adds to her stability and interior space, while rugged construction offers many decades of cruising adventures.

Island Packet 31 Used Boat Review

Irwin Vise-Grip Wire Stripper. (Photo/ Adam Morris)

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

600-watt solar panel system on Summer Twins 28 sailing catamaran Caribbean Soul 2. (Photo/ Clifford Burgess)

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

How Does the Gulf Stream Influence our Weather?

A lithium conversion requires a willing owner and a capable craft. Enter the Privilege 435 catamaran Confianza.

Can You Run a Marine Air-Conditioner on Battery Power?

Master the Sailing Basics: Never Stop Learning the Little Things

1. Winch handle camera mount. It can’t fall of, is quick to place or remove in any conditions, and you can rotate it to change angles. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

How to Mount Your Camera on Deck: Record Your Adventures with…

The crew at Hop-O-Nose Marina in Catskill, NY helped us remove our mast. They also helped us build cradles on the deck so that we could carry our mast and rigging on deck as we traveled the Erie Canal. (Photo/ Alison Major)

Un-Stepping the Mast for America’s Great Loop

Das Boot's symmetric spinnaker is flying while the boat races downwind at the Fran Byrne Regatta, Aug. 2007. (Photo/ Nick Van Antwerp)

Headsails and Spinnakers: How to Explain Their Functions to a Beginner

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

Instead of dreading a squall, think about it as a way to fill up your water tanks. PS tested ways to make sure the rainwater you catch is clean, tasty and safe to drink.

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

The engine mounts on my Perkins M20 diesel needed to be changed. Luckily, they are accessible so I was able to change them myself with a few basic tools and new parts. If your engine is less accessible, you'll need to ask a professional to change the mounts. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

How to Change Your Engine Mounts

The stable residual and low aluminum corrosion rates make Clean Tabs Puriclean (far right) the PS Best Choice among tank sanitizing chemicals. Our Best Choice among tank freshening and disinfection chemicals are the Mega Tabs (far left).

Keeping Water Clean and Fresh

With a few inexpensive materials and a bit of patience, you can redo the vinyl lettering on your boat yourself. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Vinyl Boat Lettering DIY Application and Repair

Little things that are hardly necessary but nice to have start in the galley.

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

Three-Model BBQ Test

Alcohol Stoves— Swan Song or Rebirth?

Womens Foul-Weather Gear

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Systems & Propulsion
Belowdecks & Amenities

Fabric Hatch Vents: The Breeze Booster Outdraws Windscoop

On still nights, a hatch scoop can bring in much needed air to the cabin. our test of four different designs measures wind velocity and ease of installation..

Theyre not for use underway, but hood-shaped fabric air scoops can be a godsend when theres but a slight breeze stirring the heat.

Theres no secret to their effectiveness. Theyre just big. They grab a lot of breeze and build it into a bit of wind to funnel belowdecks.

Sailmakers have been known to cut and stitch custom versions of these devices. However, there are apparently only four ready-mades on the market.

The Windscoop Davis Instruments makes the original Windscoop, which lists for $45 and discounts for $33.

Made in China of nylon, reinforced where needed and double-stitched or zig-zagged, the Windscoop is advertised as being 30″ wide and 67″ tall, but that height measurement includes the triangular piece on top. It still intercepts a lot of air with a frontal area that measures 30″ x 50″. Thats more than 10 square feet of exposed sail.

In a prior PS test, with 5 knots of air over the deck, the Windscoop directed air below at between 8 and 12 knots.

The Windscoop is fairly easy to rig, hoisted with a single overhead line and held down in a hatch by a wooden dowel into which are screwed two brass eye hooks. The dowels length usually can be trimmed when youve settled on a rigging system. If done craftily, with just the right tension, the scoop can be induced to swing with the wind. Owners sometimes pad the dowel to reduce the clattering. The bottom of the Windscoop contains another batten to prevent the back edge from curling.

(Davis used to make a more complicated scoop called a Foresquare. It was clever…in theory. It had a four-element scoop with two dowels to position the flat top and supposedly was omni-directional, which would be helpful for boats stationary at a dock. Instead, it was just a lot of fabric. Davis gave it up. Also no longer made, because there are so many sizes of hatches, is the Hatch Scoop made by Creative Marine. A combination scoop and screen, it required custom fitting.)

Windscoops competition now is from the French firm, Plastimo, which calls its version the Ventilating Sail and West Marine, which offers two fabric devices-the Down-the-Hatch and the Breeze Booster.

Both the Plastimo and West Marines Down-the-Hatch are like the Windscoop in that each has a sewn-in batten at the top, are rigged on an overhead line and secured with the top tilted to windward with a piece of small stuff led to the forestay. The three have quite different methods of securing the bottom in the hatch.

The Plastimo The Plastimo version is made of what appears to be less substantial material. It has two grommets in tabs sewed to the bottom leading corners, which are supposed to fit over two plastic hooks attached with two screws (not furnished) somewhere on the hatch or overhead. If you wish to rig it in a different direction, additional hooks placed in other positions would be needed.

There is no bottom batten and the entire device does not take a good firm shape.

If you buy the Plastimo, the first step would be to buy a dowel and brass eye hooks to rig it like a Windscoop. There is not much you can do about the wretched sewing.

If you can get it rigged and working, the Plastimo, 26″ wide and 54″ tall, with a frontal area of 9.75 square feet, should move almost as much air as the Windscoop. But it doesn’t, mostly because the shoulders do not open in a good position and the bottom end flaps.

You also would need to make or buy a long cloth bag; the Plastimo comes in a clear plastic bag that might be intended for stowage but is clearly inferior to those furnished with the other scoops.

List price is $66.38.

Down-the-Hatch West Marines Down-the-Hatch is described in the West catalog as 4′ x 6′. Actually, its frontal area measures about 31″ x 50″, nearly identical to the Windscoop. It also has a lower batten to keep the bottom back edge straight.

The material and sewing (lock and chain stitching) is equal to the Windscoop.

But instead of using the Windscoops dowel, the four bottom corners of the Down-the-Hatch must be secured by long ties with adjustable cords with plastic snap hooks. If theres nothing to which the ties can be secured, West suggests that you install screw eyes or small eye straps.

Securing the bottom end of this Taiwan knockoff of the Chinese-made Windscoop is easier than with the Plastimo, but unless a loose dowel is used the Down-the-Hatch will not weathercock like the Windscoop.

The bag in which it stows is only 30″ long (compared with 48″ for the Windscoop), but thats only because theres no dowel.

The Down-the-Hatch sells for $30. Unless youre interested in saving $3, buy the Windscoop.

Breeze Booster Compared with the three long cowls described above, the Breeze Booster is quite different. Its something like a pup tent.

Slipped over a hatch (opened 90), it makes a hood shaped by flexible plastic inserts bent into shape by a pair of ties led below and secured to a wooden stick. For different types of hatches, the lower back edges width can be adjusted with metal snaps, which are properly made of stainless and brass.

The result is a nicely tensioned fabric cowl with its lower back corners held by the hatch and its forward face held open in a vertical plane by stiff plastic struts. The sewing is well-done.

This apparatus, which is not as complicated as it sounds, initially requires some patient tinkering. However, once set up for a given hatch (with the strings knotted and snaps right), it can be rigged quickly.

Although not as large as the others, the Breeze Boosters principal advantages are that it can be oriented in any direction, remains open in any breeze and requires no overhead support. It can, of course, come loose and tumble off the boat, so a lanyard is a good idea.

Most importantly, it collected and concentrated air a bit better even than the Windscoop. Though a bit smaller in its dimensions, we attributed its excellent performance to its wider, bowed opening and cleaner, curved shape.

Because its far more complicated to make and must have adjustments to fit different styles of hatches, its also more expensive. There are three sizes of the Breeze Booster available, costing from $57 to $70. There is a choice of six different colors. An insect screen is optional.

The Test Enough of this. Off to the boat, with a couple of anemometers. One instrument was the new, very sensitive Skymate anemometer (from Speedtech Instruments, 10413 Deerfoot, Great Falls, VA 22066, 800/760-0004); the other was an older Skywatch Elite, from the same source. The latter was ideal for the purpose because it has a max reading window.

Each air scoop was rigged carefully, per the instructions and tweaked where necessary.

The Breeze Booster is the easiest to rig. Takes but two or three seconds…after you get the hang of it. Of the three hang-it-on-a-halyard versions, the easiest is the Windscoop. The West Marine Down-the-Hatch and Plastimo require fussing about with ties. If one had small brass eyes in the proper places, both would be better but still not as easy as the Breeze Booster and Windscoop.

After each hood was rigged, the breeze across the deck was read and recorded frequently. A series of simultaneous readings from just below the hatch lip (at whatever position the wind seemed greatest) indicated how much the deck-level breeze was amplified by each device.

Averaged and rounded, these readings gave a fair indication of how well each scoop worked. The simple results are contained in the captions under each photo.

The Breeze Booster and Windscoop were best, with the West Down-the-Hatch third and the Plastimo a poor fourth.

The Bottom Line How do they compare overall?

Message to Plastimo: It shouldnt be that difficult to imitate Windscoop; West Marine did it fairly well.

Message to West Marine: The strings and hooks are okay, but a dowel seems better.

Message to Breeze Booster: Very nice contraption and it stows well.

Message to Davis: Your old Windscoop is a Best Buy but the Breeze Booster just passed you as the best fabric hatch vent.

How to Do an Engine Compression Test

Great, but without the pictures the text refers to ?

no illustrations.

a poor approach.

It was a great write up.. You thoroughly explained all pluses and minuses of the 4 top “air-collectors” including your opinion and recommendation of what you feel was the best (and 2nd, 3rd and 4th)..

If you guys need more than that, like pictures and illustrations, try this website called Google.. Type in the Search box what you need— pictures and illustrations.. Bet you’ll find a bazillion of them in all of 15 seconds..

Latest Videos

Hunter Legend 35.5 – Behind the Curtain

Whipping Line On Your Sailboat

Hallberg Rassy 42 – Behind the Curtain

The ICW – The Easiest Way – Sail to the Sun...

Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Online Account Activation
Privacy Manager

Bluetooth Headsets
MESH Headsets
Coach Headset Kit
Poynting Antennas
Cyclops Load Sensors
Soft Shackles & Fittings
Wind Generators
Racing Winch Handle Holder
Electric Winch Handles
FlexOfold Propellers
FlexOfold Spare Parts
Lithium Fire Extinguishers
Revolve Boat Hook
Emergency reboarding ladders
TeamO PFD's
Inflatable Fenders
Anchor Lighting
Cabin Lighting
Deck Lighting
Navigation Lighting
Other Lighting
Wind Catchers
Open Rope Holders
Closed Rope Holder Bags
Water Bottle Holders
Mooring Line Protection
Turnbuckle Protection
Personal Care
Pearls from the ship's log
Cart ( $ 0.00 USD )

$ 64.95 USD $ 0.00 USD

Breeze bandit every direction wind scoop boat hatch breeze catcher, customer reviews.

Country/region

CAD $ | Canada
GBP £ | United Kingdom
USD $ | United States

Item added to your cart

Welcome to our store

Easy-to-Install Wind Scoop for Boats with Flexible Snap Fit Design The Breeze Bandit is an easy-to-install wind scoop for boats, featuring a flexible snap fit design to accommodate various hatch sizes effortlessly.

Breeze Bandit Wind Scoop - Boat Hatch Breeze Catcher Indie Marine

Couldn't load pickup availability

JUST ADD WIND!

Tired of the heat? Beat the heat and act now, before the prices go up!

Introducing the Breeze Bandit by Cruising Solutions, the favorite wind scoop of sailors for over 20 years. This unique wind scoop captures the breeze from any direction, channelling it down through your boat's hatch to keep your cabin cool on those sweltering summer nights. Crafted with lightweight reinforced polyester fabric and a clever 4-chamber design, it effectively captures even the gentlest winds. Standing tall at 6 feet, the Breeze Bandit provides an expansive area for catching breezes, surpassing other vents in its class. It perfectly fits hatches measuring up to 21" x 21" or 24" x 18" (larger hatches accommodated with additional snaps). Thanks to its sturdy reinforcement webbing, it remains stable even in the face of strong winds. Unlike competing wind scoops, the Breeze Bandit securely stays in place during unexpected rain or squalls. Simply release the snaps, close the hatch, and it remains tethered to the halyard and deck. It can even be used with bug screens intact. With its new navy blue fabric color, maintenance is a breeze.

This enduring design, inspired by a 19th-century British Navy manual, has been keeping sailors cool for over 200 years. Don't miss out on the most practical and efficient wind catcher on the market. Tested and praised by the Indie Team, it boasts a 5-star rating.

Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
Opens in a new window.

The Seamless Sailor

Self-reliant sewing for sailors, wind scoop 2.0 – blowing in the wind.

“The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind”*…so if we scoop up lots of air we’ll have all the answers to life’s questions? Or we’ll just have happy husbands who like to nap under a big breeze at anchor? I’ll be glad when I have found the perfect wind scoop (WS) design.

I’ve made two wind scoops with different designs. Sure I could have bought a kit or copied a design from a book. Or heaven forbid – bought one**. (There are several styles on the market that you’ve probably seen deployed, but they can be pricey.) But noooo I have an engineer for a husband. He draws plans on napkins at dock bars and says “here make this”. (The more wine, the more complex the design.) So why have I made two different designs if he came up with the idea? Because an engineer is never satisfied. Wind Scoop 2.0 is bigger and better and scoops more wind (and thus more answers, err better naps?). I’m not worried though. I know Wind Scoop 3.0 is coming because we didn’t build in the baffle to keep rain out (or some Phifertex screening to reduce rain intrusion). Actually I can foresee Wind Scoop 1.1 might make a debut because the first WS was the design that caught air from all directions – just not enough of it. WS 2.0 is a really big box open on one side. Isn’t it great having your own sewing machine and being a Seamless Sailor with plenty of time? You just keep trying till you get it right!

Wind Scoop 1.0: This was a multi-directional, triangular design to catch wind from any direction. Secret trick: The base had casings for two 1×1 wood lengths attached with a nut so they would open to form an X to hold it open and down inside the hatch opening. The casings were open at the X to allow for the nut. The nylon from the local fabric shop was too light and not easy to work with and the triangular sides weren’t deep enough, although it was tall enough. I used simple hems on the edges. At the top I sewed a loop for a line with a bowline attaching it. I liked this design. It was enough air for me, but I don’t need gale force winds blowing into the cabin. This one may be worthy of a remake.

Wind Scoop 2.0: I liked the 8 ounce nylon I used on Wind Scoop 2.0 better. It is easy to sew as it isn’t as slippery as lighter nylon. It didn’t pucker in the machine either. It is wearing well in the wind. I used UV thread (V46 or 69). (Sunbrella or similar fabric would work also.) This design has a casing on the top for PVC pipe to hold open the top WS square. It’s basically a big rectangular box with one side open (about 54″ high). If there was a wind shift we’d need to turn and resnap it. We ran line from the corners of the pipe up to a hook that attaches to a halyard or end of the boom, etc. There are snaps at the bottom corners that attach to the inside corner snaps on the square hatch. Secret trick : attach at least the two front snaps on the WS to short pieces of elastic sewn to the hem to allow some give with the wind. This is my husband’s favorite design because it can produce almost gale force winds rushing into the cabin.

Or maybe one of you has found the perfect wind scoop design? Preference for multi-directional, canopy or box? Please do tell!

*Apologies to Bob Dylan

**The Boat Galley has a post on good wind scoops for sale. But really for a Seamless Sailor this is a pretty easy sewing task!

Resources for wind scoop designs:

Sailrite – offers hatch canopy kits and instructions

Jim Grant’s book, The Complete Canvasworkers Guide and these websites talk about his and Terry Sargent’s wind scoop designs with an inner flap, baffle or “fence” to keep rain out. http://phoenixketch.blogspot.com/2013/10/squall-proof-wind-scoop.html http://yachtvalhalla.net/articles/windscoop/windscoop.html

Karen Lipe’s book Big Book of Boat Canvas has a four way wind chute with a “lid” making it more rain averse.

Rainproof design here https://cindysisland.wordpress.com/category/boat-projects/canvas/

Another blog idea here. http://www.controlledjibe.com/2012/04/10/how-to-build-a-windscoop/

Design similar to Wind Scoop 2.0 with a “skirt” to hold it open.

Clever, simple low profile design using grommets and bungees here

Cruising World blog pos t on cooling including wind scoops

Just about all the books listed on the Books Resources page have wind scoop, wind catchers or hatch canopies.

Several online forums have discussions on wind scoops to include ideas using tarps and old sails

Updated July, 2016

wind scoops

Thread starter Bad Obsession
Start date Jun 30, 2014
Forums for All Owners
Ask All Sailors

Bad Obsession

What is the scoop on wind scoops? Gimmick or good equipment? I have never used one.

NCNoviceCouple

We bought a Precision 23 recently and it came with a wind scoop. We have used it at the dock and at anchor and we love it. Ours really increases the amount of air moving through the cabin.

They work great! Chief

They are super. It's one of those things like post-it notes - so simple - "why didn't I think of that?"

One thing, make sure it's connected well. In a really strong blow, it can blow away.

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani

Anywhere on the east coast- don't leave home without one. Winkfish- got that right !!

We love our Breeze Booster.

They work great as long as there is a good breeze, we use ours all the time when we are on the hook.

JK_Boston_Catalina310

They work great. If you only want it for use on anchor, I like the breeze booster. If you want to use it at a marina too, get one that can be angled into the wind. Fair winds, Jesse

I love my Breeze Booster. Quick and easy set-up and take down. You see a lot of them in the BVI also. http://www.breezebooster.com/

Sailright.com has a video tutorial on making your own. I've made one from there video instructions. Works fine.

David in Sandusky

Use our scoop all the time Especially on the hook or a mooring, the wind scoop keeps air flowing through the cabin. Because the air close to the water is cooler, it's like having an air conditioner. I'd say it works to amplify any breeze.

They do work.

Floating Dental Student

Our wind scoop works great at gathering even a light breeze on those hot summer nights while on the hook...but don't forget some sort of mosquito netting or screen.

Jeff, regarding your Breeze Booster, how does it attach to the hatch? I see that the hoop around the front of the hood is pulled down by tensioning lines tied to a stick which inserted into the hatch, sticking to either side of the hatch. But the back, does it just sit there on the deck? I assume the deck lip of the scoop is weighted? Does it ever blow up? I suppose if it's strong enough wind to blow the back of the scoop off the deck, it's strong enough wind to not need the scoop… Also, it appears that you need to have the Breeze Booster screen accessory, because the stick and tensioning strings obviate any screen which may fit into the hatch itself. I have a Waterline Designs hatch screen which is tensioned up to the hatch rim from below on a cord with a suction cup stuck to the hatch. I like the idea of the Breeze Booster, because it is self supporting, and doesn't require a halyard or line tied off like other wind scoops or the Sailrite "awning" design. Brian

Scott T-Bird

Are any of these effective at keeping rain out if the breeze is not too strong?

Scott T-Bird said: Are any of these effective at keeping rain out if the breeze is not too strong? Click to expand

It looks like a pretty simple assembly that you could have any boat cover upholsterer (like my BIL) fabricate and I'm thinking there might be a way to drop or attach a rain screen as shelter from a light rain. There are often times when we sit (or work) in the boat in a light rain when the hatch could be open if sheltered enough to keep the rain out but let some air in.

I had designed a sunbrella cover that was a hatch tent. I could rig it to cover the hatch to keep out rain. I had given it a lot of extra space in the front to help keep rain from coming in when it is windy. It worked really good and I could also angle it up to try to catch extra breeze when it was nice out. It also helped to keep sun out of the boat which helps cool things down. I will probably design one of these again but it is so tempting to get a wind scoops after reading these reviews!

This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

Ex-Display & Sample Sale

Search for:

No products in the basket.

Base Layers
Technical T-Shirts
Sailing Jackets
Sailing Trousers
Dinghy Footwear
Sweatshirts
Holebrook Samples
Pelle Samples
Changing Robes
Cleaners & Proofers
Scarves / Snood
Dinghy Equipment
Hi-fits / Trousers
Hiking Equipment
Hiking Shorts
Spray Tops / Smocks
Full Wetsuits
Shorty Wetsuits
Long John Wetsuits
Wetsuit Tops
Wetsuit Shorts & Trousers
Summer Wetsuits
Winter Wetsuits
Children’s Wetsuits
Men’s Wetsuits
Women's Wetsuits
Wetsuit Sale
Technical Clothing
Casual Clothing
Hats, Gloves, Socks & Scarves
Watersports
Accessories Sale
Amazing Bundle Deals
Cables & Accessories
Fixed GPS/plotters
GPS Antennas
Handheld GPS/Plotters
Marine Cameras
Mounting/Brackets
Radar Scanners
Sailing Watches
Thermal Cameras
Waterproof Cases
Accessories
Fish Finder Sonar
Depth Instruments
Multifunction Systems
Speed Instruments
Weather Instruments
Wind Instruments
Autopilot Accessories
Cockpit Autopilots
Onboard Autopilots
Navigation Charts
Plotting Aids
Entertainment Accessories
Entertainment Systems
Speakers & Subs
Electronics
4G and WIFI
Handheld VHF Radio
Mounted VHF Radio
VHF Antennas
Walkie Talkies
Buoyancy Aids
Lifejackets
Children’s Life Jackets
Commercial Lifejackets
Harnesses/Bosuns Chair
Lifejacket Accessories
Safety Knives
Safety Lights
Safety Lines
PLB & AIS
Satellite Communicators
Fire Safety Stick
Fire Extinguishers
GPS Tracker
Liferaft Accessories
Recovery Devices
Survival Suit
Cones & Balls
Dye Markers
Horns & Whistles
RADAR Reflectors
Bungs & Bailers
Battery Management
Chargers & Alternators
Electrical Other
Leisure Batteries
Plugs & Connectors
Shore Power
Wind Generator
USB & Phone Chargers
Blocks & Terminals
Circuit Breakers
Seals / Outlets / Plugs
Switches & Panels
Wires & Cables
Deck Lights
Interior Lighting
Navigation Lights
Searchlights
Head Torches
Freshwater Pumps
Macerator Pumps
Service Kits
Toilets/Waste
Spray Guns & Connectors
Toilet Accessories
Toilet Parts
Waste Tanks
Ball Valves
Inlet & Skin Fittings
Metal Plumbing Fittings
Plastic Plumbing Fittings
Diverter Valves
Non Return Valves
Deionised Water
Filters & Purification
Taps & Sinks
Water Heaters
Water Tanks
Gas Connectors
Gas Fittings
Bow Thruster
Bungs And Self Bailers
Cleats and Fairleads
Deck Filler
Deck Flooring & Protection
Eye Bolts & U Bolts
Grab Rail / Handles
Hooks and Clips
Latches & Catches
Shackles & Swivels
Tiller Extenders & Joints
Track & Cars
Winch Handles
Fans & Windscoops
Hatch & Inspection Covers
Hatch Shades
Hatches & Portlights
Plastic Hatches
Yacht / Keelboat Rope
Dinghy Rope
Dockline / Mooring Rope
General Purpose Rope
Watersports Rope
Fender Rope
Rope Accessories
Furling & Reefing
Mast, Spars & Sails
Pins & Rings
Rigging Screws, Adjusters & Tensioners
Splicing & Whipping
Thimbles & Stoppers
Galvanising Paints
Thinners & Solvents
Paint Brushes
Glue & Adhesives
Mixing Pots & Accessories
Resins & Epoxy
Sealants & Caulking
Boat Cleaner
Cleaning Equipment
Fabric Cleaners & Proofers
General Cleaners
Metal Cleaners
Onboard Cleaner
Polishes & Waxes
Vinyl Cleaner
Teak Cleaner
All Zinc Anodes
Zinc Shaft / Prop
Zinc Engine / Outdrive
All Aluminium Anodes
Aluminium Hull
Aluminium Shaft / Prop
Aluminium Engine / Outdrive
All Magnesium Anodes
Magnesium Hull
Magnesium Shaft / Prop
Magnesium Engine / Outdrive
Bow Thruster Anodes
Hanging Anodes
Bolts & Fixings
Backing Pads
Lubricants & Grease
Power Tools
Marine Prepacks
Dehumidifiers
Blowers & Exhaust
Engine Oil & Additives
Oil Extractors & Filters
Shaft Bearings
Pumps & Inflation
Tender Accessories
Petrol Engines
Boat Fender
Dock Fender
Edging Strip
Hooks & Pumps
Mooring Buoy
Step Fenders
Anchor Bags
Anchor Connectors
Anchor Lines
Anchor Windlass
Compensators
Personal Craft
Engine Covers
Fuel Tanks & Lines
Fuel Connectors
Kill Switches
Propeller Bags
Straps & Ratchets
Flag Staff & Holder
Lighters & Matches
Cabinet Fridges
Cooling Kits
Portable Fridge/freezers
Chandlery Misc
Cup Holders
Sail Knives
Seats & Cushions
Games & Toys
Gift Vouchers
Nautical Gifts
Novelty Hats
Anemometers
Clocks & Barometers
Teak Fittings
Weather Stations
Galley Equipment
Tumblers & Glasses
Water Bottles & Flask
Inflatable Paddleboards
Hard Paddleboards
Inflatable Kayaks
Handles / Bridles
Throw Lines
Swim Accessories
Sea Scooter
Free Delivery on UK mainland orders over £100 excl. Highlands / rural areas

Plastimo Standard Wind Scoop

£ 67.76 £ 56.95

17 in stock

+44 (0)2392 219433

Description
Availability

Provides optimum cabin ventilation : the entilating sail is rigged over the hatch and hangs from a halyard thanks to incorporated eyelet. A fibreglass batten keeps it under tension. Base dimension unfolded : 140 cm.

Ultra-light 100 % polyester : does not flutter in the wind and prevents any annoying whistling and flapping noise. Trimmed with a reinforced band over the seams, for increased durability and optimum strain resistance. Can be kept fairly taut and can cope with strong winds.

Username or email address *

Password *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Email address *

A password will be sent to your email address.

Small Craft Advisor

Optimizing The Trailerable Sailboat: Wind Scoop

One of many tips in captain pauley's book.

We just reprinted a small batch of Paul Esterle’s book, Optimizing The Trailerable Sailboat.

This 8.5 x 11” large-format book is 325 pages and covers topics like: cabin steps, boat hooks, heaters, fire extinguishers, replacing bulkheads, stoves, coolers, A/C and D/C electrical systems, taming the tiller, anchor mounting, solar vents, anti-fouling paint, hull graphics, boarding ladders, blisters, painting the boat, changing lower unit oil, the Gerr jib downhaul, roller furlers, reefing, mast-raising tips, trailer bearings and dozens of other topics—including hundreds of photos and illustrations.

The books can be ordered here. We will also give away a free copy—just comment “interested” below to be included in the drawing next week.

Meanwhile, here is one short article excerpted from the book. —Eds

I had already set Ternabout up with screens over the bow hatch and the companionway as well as outfitted her with both A/C and D/C fans. There was, however, one further upgrade for improved ventilation to add—a wind scoop (often called a “ventilating sail.”)

A wind scoop is a three-sided fabric device that fits around the bow hatch and directs air down that hatch. It works especially well when the boat is anchored and headed into the wind. Any breeze at all is captured and funneled through the boat.

I had looked at several designs in various how-to articles and in cruising books. ( Here’s a webpage on making your own -Eds) After considering the time and effort involved in sewing one up myself, I elected to go to the local marine store and buy one off-the-shelf. It was well made and included a fabric storage bag. It was, however, somewhat generic it is mounting arrangements.

Back on Ternabout , I did a trial installation. The top of the wind scoop is hoisted using the jib halyard, while the open side of the base was designed with a dowel that was to be slipped inside the open hatch to keep it opened wide. The drawback to this plan was that I had installed an interior screen for the bow hatch. I didn’t want to gain a cooling airflow at the expense of allowing the flying and biting insects inside the boat.

It took some trial and error, but I finally came up with a solution that allowed me to use the wind scoop without interfering with the screen. I cut two half-inch diameter wooden dowels the width of the wind scoop. I then screwed screw eyes into the ends of the dowels and tied a piece of eighth-inch bungee cord between the ends of the dowels.

I drilled two holes near the center of each dowel and threaded a piece of bungee through the holes, tying a knot at each end. One dowel was tied to the front two corners of the scoop while the other was fastened across the back of the scoop.

To rig the wind scoop, I would hoist the scoop loosely with the halyard. One dowel and the back of the scoop would slip behind the open hatch. The other dowel was stretched forward on the bungee cords. The small loop of bungee cord was then slipped over the hatch hook in the center of the forward face of the hatch opening. This held everything securely in place as I hauled the top of the scoop tight with the halyard.

The beauty of this system is that I can reverse the wind scoop; putting the opening facing aft instead of forward should I be at a dock with the wind blowing in the opposite direction.

The scoop works extremely well in everything except a rainstorm. Then it’s time to break out the bow awning. • SCA •

Author

Liked by Joshua Colvin

I have a off the shelf one and it’s never worked well, have an idea to modify it from this. Thanks

Ready for more?

Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar
Skip to footer

The Boat Galley

making boat life better

🎧Cool Down Your Boat with a 4-Way Wind Scoop

Published on September 9, 2022 ; last updated on May 19, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock

[sc name=”podcast_icons_short”]

A traditional wind scoop needs to be adjusted if the wind shifts. But a 4-way (or omnidirectional) wind scoop funnels air from all directions. Here’s what you need to know and where to buy one.

Breeze Bandit from Cruising Solutions

Plastismo Omnidirectional Wind Scoop from Ahoy Captain

Breeze Booster Freestanding Wind Scoop

Prefer to Read? Check out Wind Scoops .

The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com . Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. FastSeas – making weather routing simple. Use coupon code GALLEY2018 for an exclusive 10% discount.

Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present.

Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig

Be sure to subscribe to The Boat Galley podcast to get new episodes automatically in your podcast player.

Check out our courses and products

Find this helpful? Share and save:

Facebook 122
Pinterest 21

Reader Interactions

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: 28c8fe3f-4547-11ef-939b-98eb93ba45fe

Go to

Fireball, 16', 1973

Originally designed by Peter Milne in 1962, the Fireball is a one-design high-performance sailing dinghy.

The Fireball is sailed by a crew of two, and sports a single trapeze, symmetric spinnaker, centerboard and chined hull.

The boat planes in as little as eight knots of wind and is easily controlled past 35 knots.

Since the trapeze and sails require skillful adjustment rather than plain strength and can be tuned for different sailor weights, the boat lends itself to sailing and racing that is very inclusive with respect to age and gender.

It's an exciting boat to sail.

at [email protected]
or phone 650-941-9603 -->

Santa Clara Wind Forecast

United States
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara

Wind Forecast NOAA

Wind real-time, santa clara wind statistics, san jose, san jose international airport (1.2 miles), strongest 2 july, 2024, average july, strongest 16 june, 2024, average june, strongest 4 february, 2024, average 2024, climate (2010–present), strongest 21 february, 2023, average 2019–2024.

Wind, waves, weather & tide forecast Mission Bay Buoy

Superforecast

Daily forecast

Thursday, jul 18, friday, jul 19, saturday, jul 20, sunday, jul 21, monday, jul 22, tuesday, jul 23, wednesday, jul 24, thursday, jul 25, friday, jul 26, saturday, jul 27, nearby spots (within 25 km).

Sunset Cliffs 11km Weather station Tide forecast Wave forecast
Mission Beach 12km Weather station Tide forecast Wave forecast
Mariners Basin 12km Tide forecast Wave forecast
Tourmaline Beach (Turmo) 12km Tide forecast Wave forecast
Ocean Beach/San Diego 12km Weather station Tide forecast Wave forecast
Mission Bay Yacht Club 12km Weather station Tide forecast Wave forecast
Mission Bay West Buoy 12km Weather station Wave forecast Live measurements

Look at our wind map to find more spots among our 160,000 spots.

Mission Bay Buoy popularity

Most popular spots in united states of america.

Have a look at the top kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, surfing or fishing spots in United States of America

Additional information

Check the wind forecast for Mission Bay Buoy when you search for the best travel destinations for your kiteboarding, windsurfing or sailing vacations in United States of America. Or use our wind forecast to find the wind speed today in Mission Bay Buoy or to have a look at the wind direction tomorrow at Mission Bay Buoy.

Severe Weather Warnings

IMAGES

Make a Simple Wind Scoop for Your Boat's Fore Hatch!
Make a 4-Way Windscoop for Your Boat
Does Living Aboard a Boat in the Sun Appeal to You?
a custom wind scoop for us. After using a store bought one, that blew off in a strong breeze and
Amazon.com : Osculati Boat Hatch Wind Scoop Ventilation Breeze 185mm : Sports & Outdoors
Wind Scoops

VIDEO

Windy Downwind Sailboat Docking
Sailboat hatch fixed
Ancient air conditioning system
Demo www.windscoops.com windscoops.com windscoop
Outland Hatch Cover Measurements a and b
High Aspect windsurfsail DIY the easy way!

COMMENTS

Windsock Clearance
Enjoy Windsock of Temu's best price, superior quality & full range of services. Browse thousands of brands and find deals on Windsock at Temu®, Shop Now.
Best Wind Scoops: How to Use Them Properly
June 15, 2022. Wind scoops are an excellent passive ventilation tool for use at anchor or when moored at the dock. The best wind scoops are the Plastimo Ventilated Sail, the Dorcap Hatch Vent, the Breeze Booster Hatch Ventilator, the Breeze Booster Port Ventilator, and the Breeze Bandit Hatch Ventilator. In this article, we'll cover how to use ...
The Best Wind Scoop
The best wind scoop is a 4-way wind scoop will funnel even the tiniest bit of breeze down into your boat, whether you're head to wind or not. ... I used mine in a bigger hatch on our previous boat by tying a loop of light line (1/8″ I think, maybe slightly smaller) to "extend" the loops to reach the hooks at the corners of the hatch. ...
Make a Simple Wind Scoop for Your Boat's Fore Hatch!
One half of the windscoop... The length of the foot is half the WIDTH plus the LENGTH of the hatch surround as measured in the first step. The height is about three times the length of hatch surround - that's usually around 5 feet (1.5m) or so. The curved edge should approximate to the shape shown. Allow 1" (25mm) all round for seaming.
DIY Hatch WIND SCOOP: Keeping your boat cool in the tropics
If you plan on sailing your boat to someplace hot you should consider doing a project like this. It's quite easy as a first boat sewing project and makes li...
Breeze Bandit Wind Scoop Hatch Wind Catcher
The Breeze Bandit stands 6' tall and fits your boat's square hatch openings up to 21" X 21" or rectangular hatches up to 24" x 18". "Navy Blue" fabric with white stitching. The best boat wind scoop wind catcher we have ever seen, at an unbelievable price! Overall Height: 6'. Bottom dimension: 17" x 17" plus connection webbing (fits hatches up ...
Fabric Hatch Vents: The Breeze Booster Outdraws Windscoop
Down-the-Hatch. West Marines Down-the-Hatch is described in the West catalog as 4′ x 6′. Actually, its frontal area measures about 31″ x 50″, nearly identical to the Windscoop. It also has a lower batten to keep the bottom back edge straight. The material and sewing (lock and chain stitching) is equal to the Windscoop.
what brand of fore hatch wind scoop works the best?
Many scoops will be constructed with a column of lightweight nylon, held open by a frame of plastic rods and supported by a harness attached to a halyard. Near the base there will be a heavier, canvas like material to form a rigid "box" to redirect the air into the hatch.
Breeze Bandit Every Direction Wind Scoop Boat Hatch Breeze C
Cruising Solutions' Breeze Bandit is a unique breeze-catching wind scoop designed to catch the wind --regardless of the wind direction-- and redirect it down through your boat's hatch to cool your cabin on those sweltering summer nights. This is why it has been the favorite wind scoop of cruising sailors for more than 20 years.
Plastimo Hatch Scoop
Particularly effective at anchor or on a mooring, the Plastimo Hatch Scoop Ventilating Sail provides optimum ventilation with the wind on your bow. Riggs over a hatch with 4 attachment points and hangs from a halyard by an incorporated eyelet. Features: Keeps the air flowing below deck or in the cabin most effectively when the wind is coming ...
Breeze Bandit Wind Scoop
This unique wind scoop captures the breeze from any direction, channelling it down through your boat's hatch to keep your cabin cool on those sweltering summer nights. Crafted with lightweight reinforced polyester fabric and a clever 4-chamber design, it effectively captures even the gentlest winds. Standing tall at 6 feet, the Breeze Bandit ...
PLASTIMO Omni-Directional Wind Scoop
Description. Made of ultra-light 100% polyester fabric, Plastimo's Omni-Directional Wind Scoop doesn't flutter in the wind, preventing excessive noise distractions. Trimmed with a reinforced band over the seams for increased durability and optimal strain resistance, the Omni-Directional Wind Scoop provides optimal ventilation whichever way the ...
Make a 4-Way Windscoop for Your Boat
Tami notes that it's a little different to hang a 4-way scoop on a catamaran — on any boat, the basic design is to hang it from a halyard and then use a stabilizing line from the top of the scoop to keep it from falling towards the mast. On monohulls, this line is usually led to the forestay. On her catamaran, she led it to a stanchion to ...
Wind Scoop 2.0
Wind Scoop 2.0 - Blowing in the Wind. July 11, 2016 Exterior Projects, Projects, Saving money baffle, hatch canopy, nylon, sail cloth, secret trick, wind catcher, wind chute, wind scoop. The line from the 4 corners connects in the middle to tie up to the boom, halyard or forestay. (This picture is set up as a demo and isn't tied to the boom.)
wind scoops
1,543. Hunter 27_75-84 Sandusky Harbor Marina, Ohio. Jul 1, 2014. #12. Use our scoop all the time. Especially on the hook or a mooring, the wind scoop keeps air flowing through the cabin. Because the air close to the water is cooler, it's like having an air conditioner. I'd say it works to amplify any breeze. B.
Plastimo Standard Wind Scoop
Provides optimum cabin ventilation : the entilating sail is rigged over the hatch and hangs from a halyard thanks to incorporated eyelet. A fibreglass batten keeps it under tension. Base dimension unfolded : 140 cm. Ultra-light 100 % polyester : does not flutter in the wind and prevents any annoying whistling and flapping noise.
Amazon.com: Wind Scoop For Sailboat
Amazon.com: wind scoop for sailboat. Skip to main content.us. Delivering to Lebanon 66952 Update location All. Select the department you ... Off-White Hatch Umbrella for Sailboat | Protect Open Hatch from rain and Sun. 4.6 out of 5 stars. 14. $90.99 $ 90. 99. FREE delivery Sun, Jun 2 .
Optimizing The Trailerable Sailboat: Wind Scoop
A wind scoop is a three-sided fabric device that fits around the bow hatch and directs air down that hatch. It works especially well when the boat is anchored and headed into the wind. Any breeze at all is captured and funneled through the boat. ... (often called a "ventilating sail.") A wind scoop is a three-sided fabric device that fits ...
Cool Down Your Boat with a 4-Way Wind Scoop
The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com. Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. FastSeas - making weather routing simple. Use coupon code GALLEY2018 for an exclusive 10% discount. Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present.
PLASTIMO Standard Wind Scoop
Rig it over the hatch and hang it from the halyard using the incorporated eyelet. It comes with eyelets which can be used to fit the eyes of similar hardware fitted to the hatch trim. Scoop includes a fiberglass batten to keep it under tension. Key Features. Ultra-light 100% polyester fabric does not flutter in the wind
Fireball, 16', 1973, Los Altos, California sailboat for sale
Go to. Fireball, 16', 1973. Originally designed by Peter Milne in 1962, the Fireball is a one-design high-performance sailing dinghy. The Fireball is sailed by a crew of two, and sports a single trapeze, symmetric spinnaker, centerboard and chined hull. The boat planes in as little as eight knots of wind and is easily controlled past 35 knots.
Santa Clara Wind Forecast, CA 94544
Climate (2010-Present) Hayward, Hayward Air Terminal (0.6 miles) Take a look at our website widgetsAvailable free! Find Out More. Strongest 4 February, 2024 61.1mph ESE; Average 2019-2024 7.5mph
Santa Clara Wind Forecast, CA 95050
Take a look at our website widgets Available free! Find Out More. Strongest 21 February, 2023. 61.1mph NW. Average 2019-2024. 7mph. Get an account to remove ads. Santa Clara wind forecast. Detailed wind speed and wind direction information as well as interactive graphs for winds.
Wind, waves, weather & tide forecast Mission Bay Buoy
Last update: 15:42 local time / This forecast is based on the GFS model. How are tides calculated? Detailed wind, waves, weather & tide forecast for Mission Bay Buoy / California, United States of America for sailing, boating.