Window Defogger

[cbadmin]

From: Sundown (Original Message) Sent: 12/5/2002 7:56 AM
There are many times I need to defog windows due to condensation build up in my 22' Classic cabin. One of these Mini Ceramic Defoggers came with the boat when I bought her. It worked pretty well but the heat element has gone south. I am thinking about replacing it and adding another one on the port side. I am also looking at a pair of these PIC Ceramic Heaters. Does anyone have any experience with either of these or any others? Or, any ideas in general about dealing with the condensation build up on the windows would be appreciated. Thanks.
Larry

From: stevej Sent: 12/5/2002 12:29 PM
Larry I just picked up one of the mini ceramic defoggers for the same reason have not had a chance to try it yet. Thats a great price at Go2marine I paid $29 from west marine.
The antifog cloths are worthless unless you want to blow your nose. I will also be trying some rainx antifog treatment but I'm not expecting much better results than the antifog cloth. Going fishing this weekend or the next so should have some results to report back then.

steve

From: Mike Sent: 12/5/2002 7:13 PM
Larry -

I bought one of those little ceramic heaters last year. It hangs from the forward underside of the electronics shelf and is aimed at the starboard window. It is kind of slow for the amps that it pulls, but it works. The fan doesn't move much air, because it would cool the element too much if it did. I usually turn it on right after starting on cold mornings, and leave it going while the motor warms up and the prep chores are done. By the time I pull out of the slip, the inside of the window is clear. I think it cost about thirty bucks at a local marine store. It works good enought that I clipped off the plug and wired it permanently through it's own fuse and switch. If needed, I use it while underway. Once the glass is defogged, it will keep it clear.

I don't know what brand it is, but it looks like your second linked choice. Running two of them at once might draw more current than you want. It seems to me they reccommend a 15A fuse, which I am using. I tried a 10A at first, but it would blow every once in a while. There are lower amp units available, but heat and current draw are proportional.

Mike

From: stevej Sent: 12/27/2002 10:14 AM
Ceramic defogger report - Ran the Crafmo ceramic defogger last weekend while sturgeon fishing. Temp outside was low 50's and raining.
The defogger worked well under these conditions and would completly clear the side window in a few minutes (5 or less).
The suction cup mount was/is a joke - far to stiff and would not hold suction
Felt that the unit was at it's limit with the 50 degree outside temp I think at 40 degree or below you would only be able to clear say a 18" x18" patch of window.
But it did work better than anything else I've tried so far and will most likely buy one more then modify the mount. Thinking that I could silicone a few ounces of lead inside the cup and use it as a stand.

steve