Drying out boat ashore in winter

[mrangry]

I have an old Moody 33 mk 1 which has lay neglected for many years. She is now ashore at Inverkip Marina and I have stripped out all of the soggy timber (cabin sole, timber bunk covers, headlining etc) and am in the process of sealing up all the leaky hatches and deck fittings. Internally she is structurally sound but just needing a good drying out before I start the refit and I am wondering what is the best way to do this.

I have wedged the main hatch open a small amount to try and get some airflow through her without allowing the rain in but should I also consider using one of these low wattage tube heaters or would that be a waste of time and electricity?

As usual you opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

[robmcg]

A couple of tube heaters plus a dehumidifier on a time switch to run at the warmest part of the day ( a challenge in Scotland). Make sure the rain definitely can't get in or you will be chasing your tail. Big problem will be dehumidifier will become less and less effective as the ambient temperature drops.

 

[saltylegs]

If you cant run a dehumidifer, crack the hatch's open remove the speedo and sounder transducers (if open to the outside) and fit a new wash board with a realy big air vent

 

[tillergirl]

Mast or something else as a ridge pole, All over cover with opening at either end to allow wind in but keeping rain/snow off, main hatch and fore hatch open allowing through draft, all floor boards up, locker doors open, all gear removed. Standard procedure for wooden boats, forget the electrickery. She'll be dry pretty quickly. Expect some condensation initially as she dries. Small amount of airflow is useless in my view.

 

[yoda]

Stop all leaks! this is essential and you will keep finding new ones. Ensure well ventilated when not there. While on board working run a decent fan heater to keep you warm which will also help. Once it starts to feel dry then a tube heater and de-humidifier may help to draw out moisture. A decent all over cover certainly helps if you do it but can be difficult to get right and does add to the windage if ashore. I also found that a good clean to remove anything that could hold moisture in cupboards and bilges also helped in the process.

 

[jwilson]

I have an old Moody 33 mk 1 which has lay neglected for many years. She is now ashore at Inverkip Marina and I have stripped out all of the soggy timber (cabin sole, timber bunk covers, headlining etc) and am in the process of sealing up all the leaky hatches and deck fittings. Internally she is structurally sound but just needing a good drying out before I start the refit and I am wondering what is the best way to do this.

I have wedged the main hatch open a small amount to try and get some airflow through her without allowing the rain in but should I also consider using one of these low wattage tube heaters or would that be a waste of time and electricity?

As usual you opinions are greatly appreciated.

If she is really damp inside I think you need a dessicant-type electric dehumidifier. Compressor ones are not very good in cold weather. If using this seal the interior, so your electricity is not trying to dry Scotland.

Otherwise lots of ventilation.

 

[wotayottie]

I have an old Moody 33 mk 1 which has lay neglected for many years. She is now ashore at Inverkip Marina and I have stripped out all of the soggy timber (cabin sole, timber bunk covers, headlining etc) and am in the process of sealing up all the leaky hatches and deck fittings. Internally she is structurally sound but just needing a good drying out before I start the refit and I am wondering what is the best way to do this.

I have wedged the main hatch open a small amount to try and get some airflow through her without allowing the rain in but should I also consider using one of these low wattage tube heaters or would that be a waste of time and electricity?

As usual you opinions are greatly appreciated.

I have used dehumidifiers in the past but it sounds like yours is a big job for a domestic unit. I would be inclined to construct an overall boat cover with air space underneath and then leave absolutely everything open. Remove all soft furnishings, paper etc.