Louvered cabinet doors?

[Doryman]

I fight an ongoing battle with mildew in my Tom Cat, particularly under the sink. I am contemplating installing one of those Nicro solar vents, but I am also considering installing louvers in the cabinet doors. The only Brat that has done this, AFAIK, is TyBoo on his CruiseShip. What is the wisdom of the collective regarding this mod?

Thanks,
Warren

[TyBoo]

There wasn't any wisdom involved. I found that door along with some matching drawers for cheap at Pacific Marine in B'ham. I wanted a door to access the underside of the rear dinette seat so I could get to the valve to switch water tanks easily. As an afterthought, I put a second fire extinguisher behind the door because there was room and it is quick access. To tell you the truth, I probably would have put that door in even if there wasn't a good reason because it looks cool.

I really don't think the vented doors will do anything to alleviate the moisture under the sink unless the airflow from the vent fan is somehow drawn through the offending space.

My worst spot for mildew is in the head compartment. I keep the small window in there cracked and it slows it down some, but it still grows. The good part about it being in there is that I can use a spray bottle of bathroom bleach cleaner and hose it down afterward. There is a hand operated diaphragm pump in there to drain it. Not so handy to do in other spots.

I have also taken to keeping one of those plastic jars of wetted wipes (Lysol brand - I get 'em at Costco in a three pack) in the boat. I use the things to wipe any places that are showing some color and they get it real clean real quick. They are disinfectant wipes and there's a good amount of alcohol in them, so the spot you use them on dries quick and clean. They're great for the table, counter, and walls. They won't really help curb the mildew, but they are a good weapon in the ongoing battle.

[thataway]

I don't see any negative on using louvered doors. They might be slighly heavier--but you would have to weigh them to find out.

I really don't know about the mildew problem--but leaving the doors open will accomplish the same thing.

[Doryman]

Thanks. Sounds like the critical factor is getting the air moving, rather than just providing paths for it to flow.

Warren

[Adeline]

When I installed my Wallas Scan suggested additional ventilation. I opted for a minimalist approach...



This small louvered panel was a nice fit behind the helm seat. West Marine.

[breausaw]

Was looking through old posts and ran across this thread, what a great idea. But instead of louvers why not consider using stainless mesh. You could cut round holes, square holes, oblong holes, or whatever; cut the mesh to fit inside and fur it out.
Lots of different choices here: http://www.twpinc.com/

[rogerbum]