Novice boat owner advice for dehumidifier

[Little Ricky]

Hi folks. We have taken the plunge and bought a beautiful S42. Equally excited and terrified as this is our first boat - but very keen to start learning as much as we can.
She’s currently waiting on anode changed and antifouling but after this we plan to put her into our berth on the lakes here in Enniskillen. I wanted to check if any if you have any recommendations for a decent dehumidifier so we can ensure she doesn’t suffer from damp etc if we aren’t down. (We live over 2.5hrs drive away so can’t just nip down every day)
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

as well as not catching fire, they work in lower temperatures, don't make a racket and provide background heat.

Is that enough background heat to negate the need for extra heating in the winter?

 

[ari]

Is that enough background heat to negate the need for extra heating in the winter?

I stand (as ever) to be corrected, but other than freezing (and I always drain down the water system anyway), I'm not sure heat is that important, it's keeping things dry to avoid mould that is the key. A touch of warmth is no bad thing (which these provide), but I'm not sure we should be aiming at a constant 15 degrees or anything.

Appreciating other people's thoughts though.

 

[Little Ricky]

I stand (as ever) to be corrected, but other than freezing (and I always drain down the water system anyway), I'm not sure heat is that important, it's keeping things dry to avoid mould that is the key. A touch of warmth is no bad thing (which these provide), but I'm not sure we should be aiming at a constant 15 degrees or anything.

Appreciating other people's thoughts though.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[dunedin]

I stand (as ever) to be corrected, but other than freezing (and I always drain down the water system anyway), I'm not sure heat is that important, it's keeping things dry to avoid mould that is the key. A touch of warmth is no bad thing (which these provide), but I'm not sure we should be aiming at a constant 15 degrees or anything.

Appreciating other people's thoughts though.

I think there is an argument that colder is better than warm in terms of reducing moisture - as warm air can contain more moisture.
Certainly moisture doesn’t seem to be a material issue over wintering in the Baltic - although extreme winterising of the engine and domestic water systems is essential.

 

[Momac]

It seems to me the Meaco dd8l produces very little heat. Certainly not enough for it to protect itself from frost.
The water in the dehumidifiers tank did freeze up a couple of winters back when the boat was ashore, Luckily no damage done.

I agree the general idea is not to heat an unoccupied boat, Some frost protection heat is of course welcome (in the UK) but may not be feasible in some colder climates.
My main frost protection heat is in the engine bay and near the calorifier .

 

[Elessar]

Is that enough background heat to negate the need for extra heating in the winter?

Yes. I only used the dehumidifier and nothing else when unattended.

 

[Elessar]

It seems to me the Meaco dd8l produces very little heat. Certainly not enough for it to protect itself from frost.
The water in the dehumidifiers tank did freeze up a couple of winters back when the boat was ashore, Luckily no damage done.

I agree the general idea is not to heat an unoccupied boat, Some frost protection heat is of course welcome (in the UK) but may not be feasible in some colder climates.
My main frost protection heat is in the engine bay and near the calorifier .

Having the bait ashore is the issue. That’s a whole new level of frost protection needed.

 

[rafiki_]

Is that enough background heat to negate the need for extra heating in the winter?

Not really. I use additional oil filled radiators from Nov to April, on thermostat plugs, so you can run to the heat you prefer.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Me too - all cabins plus saloon; small tubular heaters in the heads and larger ones in the engine room.

 

[PeterBoater]

The Meaco is on year round low setting also on humidity stat.

I hope you mean the humidistat built into the Meaco and not a separate one; the latter is not necessary and could/will damage the Meaco eventually.

 

[Bandit]

In real terms of freezing boat location geographically and whether the boat is in seawater that is flowing, immobile freshwater ie an inland lake and in the water or ashore on blocks makes a big difference.
I am in Guernsey we very rarely get extended freezing conditions, so I don’t worry about freezing if we do get an extended freezing conditions (last time 1987) I can go down and put the Rads on max. In the winter they are on a low setting normally.
Equally the risks of freezing for extended periods are greater in the Lake District than the Med.

 

[ontheplane]

Whilst I am not sure I disagree with any of the above - my concern is always that if the Dehumidifier uses electricity there is always that (albeit small) risk of a fire.

I also am a fan of lots of the little moisture absorbers that you can buy - one in all the cupboards, several dotted about, rear cabin, engine room etc - make a record where you have put them all!!

I am always amazed at just how much water these little things can pull out of the air!

 

[jon and michie]

Whilst I am not sure I disagree with any of the above - my concern is always that if the Dehumidifier uses electricity there is always that (albeit small) risk of a fire.

I also am a fan of lots of the little moisture absorbers that you can buy - one in all the cupboards, several dotted about, rear cabin, engine room etc - make a record where you have put them all!!

I am always amazed at just how much water these little things can pull out of the air!

The moisture traps are brilliant - and if you visit the boat every month to check on her then windows can be open to vent fresh air also if you have one put the diesel heater on as they omit dry air

 

[Scubadoo]

I have had the same 45 ft mobo for 17 years and it is dry as a bone.
I use a Meaco DD8L Sat on worktop with drain to galley sink regularly check and clear the air filter to remove dust build up.
The Meaco is on year round low setting also on humidity stat.
In the winter I use two small oil filled 240v radiators to keep temp up probably mid Nov to early March on a low setting.
The dehumidifier has a fan for some air movement and pushes out a little heat you need the oil filled rads to keep the temp above single figures C and to prevent freezing keep all interior doors and engine room entrance open.

The point about dust build up is an important one. I had Meaco dd8l and used it for many years but not on a boat, even with regular vacuum of the dust filter, it eventually clogged the internals and water leaked onto the internal electrics, I was able to fix it but would be concerned if left unattended for long periods. Essentially the Meaco dust filter is not effective, the fix was to use hoover bag filters cut to fit over the Meaco filter, I can't remember the actual ones but I think it was covered in another thread covering this particular Meaco some years ago. However, for boat use I guess dust would be less of an issue, but I wouldn't ignore cleaning the air filter periodically.

For the boat I just use dehumidifier crystals and oil filled radiators, never had mould or damp problems. The heaters are connected to mifi router so I can also switch on remotely before visiting the boat.

 

[Elessar]

Whilst I am not sure I disagree with any of the above - my concern is always that if the Dehumidifier uses electricity there is always that (albeit small) risk of a fire.

I also am a fan of lots of the little moisture absorbers that you can buy - one in all the cupboards, several dotted about, rear cabin, engine room etc - make a record where you have put them all!!

I am always amazed at just how much water these little things can pull out of the air!

I always leave the fridges and battery chargers on on so there will always be electricity on. And do you isolate your house before you go to the boat?

 

[ontheplane]

I always leave the fridges and battery chargers on on so there will always be electricity on. And do you isolate your house before you go to the boat?

no - but I do unplug everything not needed (such as fridges / freezers etc) before I go on Hols...

There are reasonable sensible things you can do.

I accept that "the boat is insured" and the risk is immensely low - but - there is no risk at all with the little dehumidifier crystals....

 

[Scubadoo]

I always leave the fridges and battery chargers on on so there will always be electricity on. And do you isolate your house before you go to the boat?

As you know it is about reducing the risk and everyone has their acceptable level of risk and level of convenience. I'm one of those guys who turns off anything in the boat or house that does not need to be on when left unattended.

 

[Lola69]

Guys thanks again for all your advice - invaluable as always. Meaco dehumidifier and tube heater ordered as recommended .
Any thoughts on the need for cut and polishing?
She’s out getting anodes replaced and stern drives antifouled as recommended before she goes in the water.
Being told that instead of a polish she now needs a proper cut and polishing as the hull is a bit dull.
Being quoted £3500 for this and although I’m not against doing stuff that’s needed - him indoors is not a happy bunny. Just not sure it’s essential but again total newbies so just not sure

 

[rafiki_]

Guys thanks again for all your advice - invaluable as always. Meaco dehumidifier and tube heater ordered as recommended .
Any thoughts on the need for cut and polishing?
She’s out getting anodes replaced and stern drives antifouled as recommended before she goes in the water.
Being told that instead of a polish she now needs a proper cut and polishing as the hull is a bit dull.
Being quoted £3500 for this and although I’m not against doing stuff that’s needed - him indoors is not a happy bunny. Just not sure it’s essential but again total newbies so just not sure

The boat does not need to be out of the water for a cut, polish and wax. In any case, the best time for this is at the start of next season, March or April, then it is easier to keep clean over the spring and summer.

 

[dunedin]

….
Any thoughts on the need for cut and polishing?
She’s out getting anodes replaced and stern drives antifouled as recommended before she goes in the water.
Being told that instead of a polish she now needs a proper cut and polishing as the hull is a bit dull.
Being quoted £3500 for this and although I’m not against doing stuff that’s needed - him indoors is not a happy bunny. Just not sure it’s essential but again total newbies so just not sure

Might be better to start a differnt thread on that to get wider comment on that specific (rather than buried in here).
Worth being clear about age and colour of hull, and why somebody has suggested a “cut and polish” is needed..
Generally this is a cosmetic choice. So can’t personally see why that would be essential. A quick coat of polish will help over the winter though.
Our 14 year old sailing boat with white hull has only ever had a regular wash and hand polish once a year and is still looking fine. Cost circa £25 plus 4-8 hours of my time per annum.
However, I know that many motor boat owners lavish major investments in cleaning and polishing, I prefer to go boating