Condensation problem

[Mrs Sea Mist II]

Anyone know the best way to prevent bedding from getting damp due to condensation on the boat?

It's only a problem when it's really cold outside, but the mattress particularly gets damp. Any suggestions please.

 

[LittleShip]

Many will tell you about bits to fit under the bed to allow some ventilation and they all work to a certain degree.

The only sure way is Heat and ventilation The heat holds the moisture in the air and ventilation removes it to outside. Other than this a good air con unit, but this will still need some heat.

Tom

 

[SeamanStaines]

Anyone know the best way to prevent bedding from getting damp due to condensation on the boat?

It's only a problem when it's really cold outside, but the mattress particularly gets damp. Any suggestions please.

We used to really struggle with this, the foam mattresses where soaked underneath and mildew was constant. a couple of years ago we purchased Dry Mat from shipshape bedding

http://www.shipshapebedding.co.uk/Dry-Mat_Anti_Condensation_Layer.php?li=dry-mat

Since then I can honestly say we have had no problems with damp bedding at all.

 

[MoodySabre]

I have an ECS solar vent in the forecabin and vent slots in the washboards so some ventialtion stops condensation and mildew. No heating. Stand the cushions on end when not in use.

Being on the boat and cooking will certainly have increased the moisture content of the air substantially. If not using ventialtion then you will have to seal the boat and use a dehumidifier (of which I have no experience but there is a test in a recent PBO or ST which I might be able to find).

 

[johnalison]

Most years we have kept the boat on the water and used a dehumidifier, leaving bedding and soft kit aboard for occasional use. This has always worked to our satisfaction ans cuts down markedly on mildew. It also makes the boat feel warmer, and the bedding is ready for use any time. Heat and ventilation can have the same effect but the amount of power used will be greater.

 

[Adonnante]

We have solved this problem by placing a 25mm polystryene sheet between the berth top and mattress. Its cheap easily cut to shape and lasts us several years before replacing.

Peter.

 

[snooks]

Get a dehumidifier...preferably a desiccant model.

We have one and have been using is during the winter sailing....and on all but the coldest night (when the condensation on the window froze) it has managed to keep the condensation that the two of us produce during the night to a minimum.

Last week I was woken up by condensation dripping on me, Strange, I thought, the problem was that the door between the dehumidifier and our cabin had swung shut. I jammed the door open and went back to sleep, by the morning the cabin was free from condensation again.

It really is a magic bit of kit if you can plug into shore power....

 

[carrswood]

I've been thinking about this issue for my boat next winter. Unfortunately I won't have the luxury of shore power as the boat will be on a swinging mooring. Of course I will stand the mattresses to air etc and keep some ventilation but are there any non powered equivalents to a De-hum you can use?

You can use those crystal things can't you? - but then everyone i've seen is sopping wet from not being emptied enough.

So what are the best 'non powered' dehum equivalents to use for us poor chaps on the swinging moorings?

For instance

 

[clyst]

I'v asked the same question on "reader to reader" loads of advice on there .

 

[oldsaltoz]

I've been thinking about this issue for my boat next winter. Unfortunately I won't have the luxury of shore power as the boat will be on a swinging mooring. Of course I will stand the mattresses to air etc and keep some ventilation but are there any non powered equivalents to a De-hum you can use?

You can use those crystal things can't you? - but then everyone i've seen is sopping wet from not being emptied enough.

We used the large crystals you see in huge transformers, they can be dried in the oven if need be.

Fill an old stocking and hang it above the sink.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[Ubergeekian]

Anyone know the best way to prevent bedding from getting damp due to condensation on the boat?

It's only a problem when it's really cold outside, but the mattress particularly gets damp. Any suggestions please.

Ventilation. Ventilation. Ventilation.

 

[aquaplane]

It's not really a cure but we have brought the remaining cushions and bedding home to dry them out. We didn't fancy staying aboard with the temps about now anyway.

When it warms up a bit, or the Wallas gets fitted, we will take it all back and see if we can keep it dry with ventilation and eating out.

 

[Cliveshep]

Dustbin liners for bedding and pillows etc, up-end cushions, leave windows partially open so well ventilated. We never have problems.

 

[Ubergeekian]

Dustbin liners for bedding and pillows etc, up-end cushions, leave windows partially open so well ventilated. We never have problems.

My boats has been in commission for five years. I take no particular precautions and have had no condensation problems whatseoever. Dehumidifiers only cover up a problem which should be sorted.

 

[Adonnante]

Dustbin liners for bedding and pillows etc, up-end cushions, leave windows partially open so well ventilated. We never have problems.

As a development of this idea we place spare (emergency) clothing and bedding into vacuum storage bags, providing they are dry when they go in they will be dry when unpacked.

Peter.

 

[FullCircle]

We bought the Ikea bed slats for a double, and cut it to fit. It works a treat, as it ensures airflow around the mattress. I alos fitted a mushroom vent in the forehatch glass, and also 2 stainless louvres on the cabin bulkhead.
We always leave the cabin doors open throughout the boat which encourages airflow.
We have a custom made mattress with breathing layer underneath, and memory foam topping, and we just use cut down normal duvet/sheets/pillows.
No problems for the last 4 years.

 

[snooks]

Dehumidifiers only cover up a problem which should be sorted.

No, dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air

Cooking with gas releases moisture into the air, so does breathing...Life on board a boat would be pants if one wasn't allowed to breath or make a cuppa tea.

With less moisture in the air there is less moisture to condense onto a cold surface. So using a dehumidifier isn't covering up the problem, it is reducing it.

Short of insulating your whole boat and double glazing the windows (even then, metal frames can aid condensation), or living in conditions where the difference in air temperature won't allow air to condense, living on board a yacht in cold weather will always cause some condensation.

If, however, the condensation is being caused when no one is on board, then it's time to start looking for leaks and drying the boat out.

 

[Mrs Sea Mist II]

Thanks for all the tips. We only have a problem with condensation in the winter and only when we are on the boat. We will try some of the suggestions, starting with the dehumidifier. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Ubergeekian]

No, dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air

Cooking with gas releases moisture into the air, so does breathing...Life on board a boat would be pants if one wasn't allowed to breath or make a cuppa tea.

What you need then, dear boy, is what we call "ventilation". As an added benefit you will find that it makes both combustion and respiration easier.

Short of insulating your whole boat and double glazing the windows (even then, metal frames can aid condensation), or living in conditions where the difference in air temperature won't allow air to condense, living on board a yacht in cold weather will always cause some condensation.

Two and a half of us spent twenty four hours on the boat last week. A cold, rainy day. We cracked open the forehatch - raised the back by an inch or so - and made sure the main hatch was always a little open. Guess what? No condensation - even when the kettle had boiled.

Seriously, a dehumidifier is a hi-tech elastoplast for a low-tech problem. If it's the only way you can keep your boat dry, something is wrong.

 

[Mrs Sea Mist II]

What you need then, dear boy, is what we call "ventilation". As an added benefit you will find that it makes both combustion and respiration easier.



Two and a half of us spent twenty four hours on the boat last week. A cold, rainy day. We cracked open the forehatch - raised the back by an inch or so - and made sure the main hatch was always a little open. Guess what? No condensation - even when the kettle had boiled.

Seriously, a dehumidifier is a hi-tech elastoplast for a low-tech problem. If it's the only way you can keep your boat dry, something is wrong.

We had ventilation and still had condensation. I do more than boil a kettle though. I cooked, from scratch, roast potatoes, sprouts, carrots and lamb chops. It was yummy (off topic slightly). I do a lot of cooking onboard, but I always open the hatch and a window over the cooker.