Condensation between Storm Boards?

[Tim Good]

So I fitted polycarbonate storm boards earlier this year and with a recommendation from other forumites, I put a strip of neoprene, to insulate the aluminium frames.

This worked wonders, and prevented condensation inside on both frames and windows. However, condensation now forms on the storm boards inside and it stays they're even in hot dry weather.



If I drill small holes in the corners will it compromise the strength and will it end up compromising the double glazing effect?

Suggestions appreciated.

 

[matthewriches]

I've seen some storm screens on a big motorboat and they were actually raised off the body slightly, only maybe 2 or 3mm so actually not sealed?

 

[coopec]

Experienced sailors like Hiscock, Steve Dashew used dorade boxes. Have you considered a solar vent?

 

[NormanS]

So I fitted polycarbonate storm boards earlier this year and with a recommendation from other forumites, I put a strip of neoprene, to insulate the aluminium frames.

This worked wonders, and prevented condensation inside on both frames and windows. However, condensation now forms on the storm boards inside and it stays they're even in hot dry weather.

View attachment 71135

If I drill small holes in the corners will it compromise the strength and will it end up compromising the double glazing effect?

Suggestions appreciated.

I have poly carbonate storm windows very similar to yours. They came with the boat, having been recommended for Biscay crossings. I now only rig them in the winter when laid up ashore. They are mounted so that they are probably about 5 or 6mm clear of the alloy frames, which they overlap slightly. In the winter, I rig a light clear cover over the decksaloon roof, and it comes down just over the tops of the storm windows. Even living aboard, cooking etc, we now get no condensation on the windows or the alloy frames, and none on the outside of the (double glazed) glass windows or the inside surfaces of the storm windows.

You could try fitting spacers between the frames and the storm windows, and see if that helps. I don't think that would make them any less effective as actual "storm" windows.

 

[DownWest]

Fitted thick ply stormboards to a boat that was off from Vilamoura to UK, that was after I found that the deck house lights were plain glass... And, due to the time of year, they had to go via the Azores.
Unless you are trying for a double glazing type insulation, then a bit of a gap cures the prob.

 

[Tim Good]

Fitted thick ply stormboards to a boat that was off from Vilamoura to UK, that was after I found that the deck house lights were plain glass... And, due to the time of year, they had to go via the Azores.
Unless you are trying for a double glazing type insulation, then a bit of a gap cures the prob.

Yes I want the double glazing benefit as we tend to be in high latitudes. If I make spaces then I'll get condensation on the glass and frames inside as if there were no boards at all.

 

[geem]

Experienced sailors like Hiscock, Steve Dashew used dorade boxes. Have you considered a solar vent?

View attachment 71153

If you are heading for hot climates solar vents and dorades are a waste of time. The air they move is miniscule compared to an open hatch facing the wind. We have two large dorades and one smaller one. They are a waste of time in the Caribbean.
I had one of those solar vents on my previous boat also waste of money for hot weather sailing. The soalr panel got salt water in to it and it failed.

 

[NormanS]

Yes I want the double glazing benefit as we tend to be in high latitudes. If I make spaces then I'll get condensation on the glass and frames inside as if there were no boards at all.

Please yourself, or read #4.