Dehumidifiers
HOW TO AVOID MOISTURE BUILD-UP IN A BOAT
When there is moisture build-up in a boat it can cause a lot of problems. It is important to know that warm air holds water and that cold air does not. The moisture in warm air settles and condenses onto cold surfaces like windows, porcelain, and metal around sinks, fastenings and through hulls. Moisture build-up can cause problems with electrical wiring, mold, odor and corrosion.
In order to avoid moisture build-up it is important not to store the boat cover aboard during the boating season. Be sure to always keep the cover in a warm, dry place. Always dry the interior of the boat before covering it. Salt from the ocean spray can hold more water than normal, so all things that can be washed or wiped down will help minimize excessive moisture levels and thus moisture build-up. Before putting on a cover, it is very important to completely dry all surfaces of the boat. It is a good idea to install a vent panel in the boat cover to allow moisture to get out.
If the boat is not going to be used for a few days, avoid moisture build-up by using a mildew control bag inside the boat. Mildew control bags are designed to be used anywhere mildew and odors are a problem. The bags usually come in a two-pack and each bag usually protects 400 cubic feet, killing mildew and eliminating associated musty odors.
To control moisture build-up it is important to place desiccant packs in the boat’s interior spaces and behind interior panels like in the steering pedestal. Desiccant packs are filled with moisture attractants that draw moisture out of the air. This prevents mildew from forming on the cover and it will also prevent moisture build-up around boat’s electronics. A chemical desiccant collects the water in a tray. The chemical dissipates when the water is collected through it and needs to be replaced frequently. It is important to be careful when disposing the water, because it can stain and it is corrosive.
If you want to prevent moisture build-up it is also a good idea to place a dehumidifier inside the boat. An electric dehumidifier is effective in a cold boat but it works better in a warm boat. Take into consideration that electric dehumidifiers need constant power and some maintenance. It would be a good idea to set it up with the proper extension cord and timer. A dockside power outlet will be useful for this purpose. Don’t forget to empty the dehumidifier drain pan on a regular basis. Be sure to always check the boat for leaks because rain and melting snow can get inside the boat. To avoid moisture build-up it is a good idea to constantly check for rotted or leaking weather stripping around portholes. Always check for structural joint leaks which can be easily repaired and maintain the ventilation under the covering. The problem in warm boats is in areas where air is not moving. The air will trap moisture in turn causing moisture build-up. An important issue here is the cost and the danger of running a heating system for long periods of time. If there is a heat source there should also be air circulation to avoid moisture build-up. For example a 100-watt light bulb and a small fan will work. It is important to use a timer in order to have cool-down interims. Another good idea is to have a heater that has a fan built in. Some boaters also recommend solar powered vents because they are a low maintenance way to have constant air circulation and avoid moisture build-up.
When you are not using the boat take out all objects that can hold water like all fabric, cushions, books, toilet paper, rugs and clothing. In areas like the galley, head and eating tables wipe down with a mild bleach to clean off any thing that can act as a petri dish. This is a way to avoid moisture build-up and mold and other bacteria won’t have a place to grow.
When there is moisture build-up in a boat it can cause a lot of problems. It is important to know that warm air holds water and that cold air does not. The moisture in warm air settles and condenses onto cold surfaces like windows, porcelain, and metal around sinks, fastenings and through hulls. Moisture build-up can cause problems with electrical wiring, mold, odor and corrosion.
In order to avoid moisture build-up it is important not to store the boat cover aboard during the boating season. Be sure to always keep the cover in a warm, dry place. Always dry the interior of the boat before covering it. Salt from the ocean spray can hold more water than normal, so all things that can be washed or wiped down will help minimize excessive moisture levels and thus moisture build-up. Before putting on a cover, it is very important to completely dry all surfaces of the boat. It is a good idea to install a vent panel in the boat cover to allow moisture to get out.
If the boat is not going to be used for a few days, avoid moisture build-up by using a mildew control bag inside the boat. Mildew control bags are designed to be used anywhere mildew and odors are a problem. The bags usually come in a two-pack and each bag usually protects 400 cubic feet, killing mildew and eliminating associated musty odors.
To control moisture build-up it is important to place desiccant packs in the boat’s interior spaces and behind interior panels like in the steering pedestal. Desiccant packs are filled with moisture attractants that draw moisture out of the air. This prevents mildew from forming on the cover and it will also prevent moisture build-up around boat’s electronics. A chemical desiccant collects the water in a tray. The chemical dissipates when the water is collected through it and needs to be replaced frequently. It is important to be careful when disposing the water, because it can stain and it is corrosive.
If you want to prevent moisture build-up it is also a good idea to place a dehumidifier inside the boat. An electric dehumidifier is effective in a cold boat but it works better in a warm boat. Take into consideration that electric dehumidifiers need constant power and some maintenance. It would be a good idea to set it up with the proper extension cord and timer. A dockside power outlet will be useful for this purpose. Don’t forget to empty the dehumidifier drain pan on a regular basis. Be sure to always check the boat for leaks because rain and melting snow can get inside the boat. To avoid moisture build-up it is a good idea to constantly check for rotted or leaking weather stripping around portholes. Always check for structural joint leaks which can be easily repaired and maintain the ventilation under the covering. The problem in warm boats is in areas where air is not moving. The air will trap moisture in turn causing moisture build-up. An important issue here is the cost and the danger of running a heating system for long periods of time. If there is a heat source there should also be air circulation to avoid moisture build-up. For example a 100-watt light bulb and a small fan will work. It is important to use a timer in order to have cool-down interims. Another good idea is to have a heater that has a fan built in. Some boaters also recommend solar powered vents because they are a low maintenance way to have constant air circulation and avoid moisture build-up.
When you are not using the boat take out all objects that can hold water like all fabric, cushions, books, toilet paper, rugs and clothing. In areas like the galley, head and eating tables wipe down with a mild bleach to clean off any thing that can act as a petri dish. This is a way to avoid moisture build-up and mold and other bacteria won’t have a place to grow.
