De-Humidifiers in Wooden Boats?

[paulbidmead]

I recently aquired a rebuilt wooden boat that still requires ventilators to be fitted.

Due to the evil of work have had to leave her afloat unattended for a month, but installed a de-humidifier as the cockpit side lockers let in a fair bit of rain.

The question is, at what setting should the de-humidifier be set at to strike a balance between a sensible atmosphere inside the boat compared to being too dry?. Currently set of 50% but could be changed by a phone call home.

Proud but worried owner.

 

[jhughes]

Re: Humidifiers in Wooden Boats?

Don't you mean a De-humidifier?

 

[paulbidmead]

Re: Humidifiers in Wooden Boats?

Yep! - Senile Moment I guess

 

[oldfrank]

Re: Humidifiers in Wooden Boats?

I don't think you'll be able to get it too dry.

De-humidifiers work fine on condensation in plastic boats.

I have never been convinced they'd be effective in a wooden hull. Certainly a unit would remove condensation - but could also end up dragging additional moisture through a wooden hull. Best cut a few ventialtion holes. OF

 

[wavelet]

Re: Humidifiers in Wooden Boats?

You need an automatic bilge pump to eject rainwater. Then leave the forehatch open with a box or sheet over to prevent rain blowing in and keep it covered out of the way of thieves interest. And leave one washboard out or cut the smallest in two so a thin slot can be left. The best way to keep the boat healthy inside is a free flow of air, as long as it is reasonably secure and sheltered from rain.

 

[mickshep]

Re: Humidifiers in Wooden Boats?

Agree, Leaving a De-Humidifier running aboard is asking for trouble as one guy here has just found out, decks and topsides have all opened up and that's despite the rain. lovely Luke 5 tonner, her topsides and cabin trunk have moved enough that the glue lines have broken down, heaven knows how he'll get her tight again. Mike.

 

[fluffc]

Re: Humidifiers in Wooden Boats?

[ QUOTE ]
Agree, Leaving a De-Humidifier running aboard is asking for trouble as one guy here has just found out, decks and topsides have all opened up and that's despite the rain. lovely Luke 5 tonner, her topsides and cabin trunk have moved enough that the glue lines have broken down, heaven knows how he'll get her tight again. Mike.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just turn the dehumidifier off... shove some soap in the gaps beforehand if wanting to get absolutely watertight.

IMO, dehumidifiers would be fine on a wooden boat - it's akin to having a wood stove going all the time (which does a very good job at drying the boat out).