Dehumidifiers

[PabloPicasso]

Would any make or type of dehumidifier be ok to use for a boat ashore

Do they all have a drain option? So it can drain into the sink.

I'd like a small 240v type (with shore power available)

I've never used one before

Any pointers please?

 

[mrming]

It’s a subject almost as controversial as anchors. For those of us who do advocate their occasional use, the Meaco DD8L Junior is a popular choice. It has a drain tube and can drain into a sink, or into its removable tank.

 

[neilf39]

It also remembers its settings after a power cut which can be useful as it restarts when power comes back.

 

[Never Grumble]

Some people dont leave them on permanently just in case they catch on fire.

 

[Momac]

Last week I put my Maeco dd8L onto the boat . Had it since Febraury 2017. No issues . I let it fill its own tank which it sometimes can do in a couple of days . It then cuts out. I can easily visit the boat to empty the tank. Or it can be set up with a drain hose which I have not used. I have it on the one drop humidity setting and lowest fan setting which I find is sufficient on my 33ft boat. I have all vents blocked with tape. It will most likely remain on the boat until mid March.

 

[fredrussell]

Some people dont leave them on permanently just in case they catch on fire.

I’m no expert but I think that is more of a risk with the compressor dehumidifiers. Meaco DD8 is a desiccant type.

 

[KompetentKrew]

There are two types of mains-powered domestic dehumidifiers - compressor and desiccant.

At most temperatures compressor dehumidifiers extract more water per penny spent on electricity, but they don't extract much at low temperatures - perhaps below 8°c or 10°c, certainly at temperatures below 5°c. It's hard to find exact temperatures specified by manufacturers,, but compressor dehumidifiers are pretty useless at lower temperatures - at lower temperatures desiccant dehumidifiers extract a lot more water daily than compressor ones, a lot more.

This is the most important factor in your choice of model, and you should ignore any recommendations that don't account for air temperature.

This is why the Meaco DDL-8 won so many awards from boating and caravanning magazines - - the UK is a cold country and I'm not sure if there were any other models of domestic desiccant dehumidifiers available in the UK 10 years ago. A desiccant dehumidifier is ideal for a caravan left empty over the winter.

Compressor dehumidifiers operate on similar principles to a fridge and they're basically all the same. Pointless paying extra for a name brand. You can probably get one for half the price secondhand on Facebook Marketplace, if that's the kind that suits your needs (warm weather, or heated home). If you live in Spain or Australia then a compressor dehumidifier may be more suitable for your boat.

 

[thinwater]

Would any make or type of dehumidifier be ok to use for a boat ashore

Do they all have a drain option? So it can drain into the sink.

I'd like a small 240v type (with shore power available)

I've never used one before

Any pointers please?

Most places I've stored do not allow boats on the hard to be plugged in when unattended. Thus, dehumidifiers must be chemical or run off solar.

Often, management will unplug power cords. The second or third time they are impounded.

(Space heater)

 

[TheBomber]

Due to the mixed reputation of the DD8L and the complaints about Meaco’s customer service (or lack of) I went for basically the same thing from Seago (the Ecodry). Despite trouble free use of a Meaco compressor model at home. The Seago has been fine for the 2 winters I’ve used it.

 

[xyachtdave]

I’m no expert but I think that is more of a risk with the compressor dehumidifiers. Meaco DD8 is a desiccant type.

This is what the test from YM or possibly PBO I found online said. I plugged the Meaco DD8 into our new boat for the first time today and got a couple of litres in about 6 hours. £199 on Amazon.

edit
Best boat dehumidifier: 7 models tested to keep your boat dry - Yachting Monthly

 

[Lucky Duck]

Currently £152 at Marine superstore

https://www.marinesuperstore.com/wi...yMzU2NTIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjMyMzU2NTQkajU4JGwwJGgw

 

[xyachtdave]

Currently £152 at Marine superstore

That's a deal, get that bought Picasso!

I must say i really rate Marine Superstore. A mate of mine went and said he was underwhelmed by the size of the shop and stock, as he was leaving the sales person by the till asked if he had found what he wanted. He said no and at that point was directed to the corridor on the right that goes to two more large rooms full of gear and the stairs to the top floor!

 

[RupertW]

Some people dont leave them on permanently just in case they catch on fire.

Those are the compressor types. Desiccant ones like the Maeco Junior can be left on permanently.

 

[ylop]

Most places I've stored do not allow boats on the hard to be plugged in when unattended. Thus, dehumidifiers must be chemical or run off solar.

Often, management will unplug power cords. The second or third time they are impounded.

(Space heater)

View attachment 202233

must be an American thing. All uk yards I’ve been to will happily take your money for permanent shore power connections - some with very specific rules on types of dehummer, fire safety etc.

 

[Never Grumble]

Those are the compressor types. Desiccant ones like the Maeco Junior can be left on permanently.

learn something everyday

 

[Humblebee]

I can't comment on the different makes and types but can certainly recommend using a dehumidifier in the winter months. Ours is on a timer, one hour every day during the afternoon, and drains into the galley sink. Keeps the boat pleasantly fresh and dry.

 

[Tradewinds]

An alternative to Meaco. I've used this one every year for a while now. Does the job for me.

Ecoair DD1 Simple

 

[Hoist]

the latest fad is for a dessicant dehumidifier. some UK Marinas demand that you use the dessicant style

 

[yotter]

You say demand, but how would any marine know/care what type of dehumidifier anyone used. I suspect all they are likely to be concerned about is monitoring electricity usage.

 

[Momac]

Marinas seem to like making up rules, many of which they can't enforce. They are just protecting themselves against any perceived liability.