12v dehumidifier

[Graham_Wright]

Needing a dehumidifier small enough to fit in the anchor locker prior to glassing, I found one of the right size in Argos. It uses the peltier effect, is very light, extracts a claimed 600ml per day and runs off a 12v switched power supply. It draws a claimed 5.8A.

It could, in consequence, run off the boat battery especially during engine running if needed.

 

[Talbot]

If it has to be small enough to fit in prior to glassing, how are you going to service/replace it? Where will the water go?

 

[Graham_Wright]

No matter how hard one tries to make a post clear, there is always someone who will read it the wrong way!

I need to dry out the locker to make some modifications. It is currently very damp and the glassing won't be successful. Therefore it needs to be dried out first. Whe it is dry, I will remove the dehumidifier, insert my body instead and set about applying the resin/glass mat. Then I will remove my body.

Did you think I was going to leave the dehumidifier in there?!

 

[bedouin]

Wouldn't you be better just using a hairdryer or fan heater?

I have one of those peltier dehumifiers but it is really slow - doesn't get anywhere near 600ml per day

 

[Graham_Wright]

My surveyor said heat alone will not work and I must use a dehumidifier. I'm not saying I understand but he's been in the business all his life so I guess he knows what he's talking about. Time will tell but if, in a damp atmosphere the peltier job doesn't do what it claims, it will be returned. The compressor type I have at the moment is too big to pass through the hatch.

Report later.

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
My surveyor said heat alone will not work and I must use a dehumidifier.

[/ QUOTE ]I would suggest you change your surveyor. A fan heater and ventilation will dry out the locker very quickly - use a hair dryer to get into the corners and a wipe over with acetone before glassing up.
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[bedouin]

I'm no expert but I would guess that if a hairdryer won't do it then a cheap peltier dehumidifier won't be much use either.

The only reason I can think that the hairdryer won't work is if you need to dry out moisture deep inside the fabric of the boat - in which case you will need to maintain a dry environment for days or weeks at a time. (like drying a hull out before osmosis treatment).

If you do go the small dehumidifier route you will have to be careful to block up all air holes to prevent the dry air escaping.

 

[Talbot]

I have seen more hairbrained schemes.