Boat condensation

kingfisher · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:20 pm Post subject: Boat condensation

Any suggestions on managing the condensation on the ceiling of a cruiser
when it is just sitting on the trailer?

B~C · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:38 pm Post subject:

If I have a the cover on, I leave the windows open about an inch. With the cover off I'll leave the window on the downwind side open a smidgen. There are several dehumidifiers, the cheap ones have a plastic cup that you load with descidant beads which collect moisture which drips into the base, these work good and will run ya about ten bucks. They also make a 110v dehumidifiers that will set you back $30-40, being a cheapskate, I've only used the non electric units. I known some folks that have had good luck battling the condensation problem by just leaving a light on in the boat with an extension cord running to shore power.

Chuck S · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:17 pm Post subject:

My sailboats were always tightly hatched and would mildew in a week unless ventilated. The Nico solar vents work very well, even when there's no sun as the wind will suck air out of the boat. Don't forget you need a place for air to get in as well as out. You're gonna need the companionway to the berth open to. We had a pair of exhaust vents on our San Juan 28 and a single one on the J/24. Both had a louvered vent in the aft end of the cabin to let air in.

We've got a full Sunbrella cover, so we can leave all the hatches open when she's on the trailer.

-- Chuck

kingfisher · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 8:19 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the suggestions, I like the idea of a solar vent...saw one on the West Marine web site....Just another hole in the boat...No worries