"What they said"...
I had to replace mine this summer due to a corrosion issue. The old one was *old* in that the plastic was faded to a nice dingy yellow. The solar panel had apparently had water seepage to the point that it quit working. I think... I'm not sure that can be repaired, so I just bought a new one.
Also a few considerations:
- Batteries. While any old Ni-Cad battery will do the job, I found that I had to charge it first, because the solar panel simply would not fully charge the battery. A possible consideration if you don't have a home charger.
- Ring Sizes. Not that you would need this, but good info nonetheless: The vent sizes have changed on newer models, so I got to replace the collar ring when I replaced the unit. Not a huge task, but it was a real head-scratcher until I figured it out.
- Location. You have to cut a 6-inch hole wherever you put it. A PO of my E27 put it in the center of the foredeck. This is pretty inconvenient when you actually want to use the foredeck, for instance when at anchor and reclining. This location also guarantees I have to put on the cover plate whenever I'm sailing in moderate waves. IMO, it would be infinitely better to locate them on the hatch covers.
- The hole. If you do drill into the foredeck, or wherever, be sure to properly bed the hole!!! The PO that installed it in mine did NOT bed the hole. Imagine my surprise when I discovered exposed wood behind that ring... no sealant, no nothing.
It was a no-brainer to bed the hole, which took about half a small bottle of marine-tex epoxy. I love that stuff! The screw holes were all sealed with 4200 and I declared victory.
- Gaskets. I agree with the observations that leakage is a long-term problem. The gasket needs to be placed "just right" to prevent leakage around the ring, and is easy to mess up. The battery compartment gasket is the same way. IMO, it would be a good idea to put some of that electrically-neutral silicone compound - the same stuff you put on spark plug wire sockets - all over the battery and the connections.
HTH,
- Jerry