locky
New member
As a complete novice I am interested to know how humidity problems within boats are controlled. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
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Humidity problems
- Thread starter locky
- Start date
StugeronSteve
New member
Welcome to the fora..
In what sort of climate and at what time of year?
<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
In what sort of climate and at what time of year?
<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
locky
New member
In winter with humidity of above 70% I guess
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StugeronSteve
New member
If this is whilst tied/laid up have you access to mains electricity?
<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
locky
New member
Yes - Whilst hooked up to mains..
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StugeronSteve
New member
De-humidifier with external drain. Set humidistat at a comfortable level and let it get on with the job. I use a 500W Dimplex Coldwatch heater as well, with the thermostat set to frost guard.
<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
locky
New member
Most condensing dehumidifiers do not operate very well below 10 degrees. Is there an alternative, other than running a heater constantly?
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StugeronSteve
New member
I can only "speak" from my own experience (boat kept afloat on S. Coast.), but I have had no problems. The heater keeps the boat at 5 deg C min and the de-hu is run on a time clock (morning and evening bursts). The boat has stayed beautifully dry and fresh, and has been comfortable and ready for use. I once tried running the de-humidifier over night whilst sleeping on board. Too noisy!!!
I now use a small electric fan heater when the boat is in use, a combination of warmth, air movement and ventilation seems to do the trick, even with four blokes on board.
<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
I now use a small electric fan heater when the boat is in use, a combination of warmth, air movement and ventilation seems to do the trick, even with four blokes on board.
<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
pvb
Well-known member
Alternative...
One alternative is just to ensure there's lots of ventilation. Use of dehumidifiers has only really started in the last few years, with the availability of cheap dehumidifiers. Before that, most people happily relied on ventilation.
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One alternative is just to ensure there's lots of ventilation. Use of dehumidifiers has only really started in the last few years, with the availability of cheap dehumidifiers. Before that, most people happily relied on ventilation.
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Piers
Well-known member
Hi - I have always used a dehumidifier, with tube heaters to keep the boat around 12 degrees C.
Never had a problem.
<hr width=100% size=1>Piers du Pré
http://www.dupre.co.uk
Never had a problem.
<hr width=100% size=1>Piers du Pré
http://www.dupre.co.uk
Abigail
New member
Living aboard, and with no overboard drain but plugged into shorepower, we use a combination of
(i) dehumidifiers
(ii) an oil filled radiator (safer than electric fan)
(iii) ventilation
(iv) anti-condensation aides like ventair under the mattresses etc
(v) effective insulation
The real enemy is condensation so reduce the surfaces so if eg not aboard lift up all the cushions so air can circulate in lockers etc. Always did this on winter lay up of last boat with no dehumidifier and that worked fine.
<hr width=100% size=1>Sarah & Pip
www.greatlittleboats.com
UK & Ireland distributors of Swifgig
(i) dehumidifiers
(ii) an oil filled radiator (safer than electric fan)
(iii) ventilation
(iv) anti-condensation aides like ventair under the mattresses etc
(v) effective insulation
The real enemy is condensation so reduce the surfaces so if eg not aboard lift up all the cushions so air can circulate in lockers etc. Always did this on winter lay up of last boat with no dehumidifier and that worked fine.
<hr width=100% size=1>Sarah & Pip
www.greatlittleboats.com
UK & Ireland distributors of Swifgig
snowleopard
Active member
our boatyard doesn't have much in the way of power outlets so last winter we switched from dehumidifier to leaving the hatches ajar (lewmar hatches can be locked slightly open). the result was at least as good and cost nothing!
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