Preventing interior mould

[Keiron]

I have a Hunter Duette which we plan to leave in the water this winter and keep sailing. The boat is really dry inside but we tend to get small amounts of water inside when sailing, off waterproofs, boots etc. I am concerned about potential mould problems and we have a small issue with this already. The boat has no heating at present. What is the best option for reducing this problem? A dehumidifier? A tube heater? We don't have shore power at present but I am willing to get it if its worthwhile. What do other people do. I don't want to have to bring cushions etc home every trip. Any suggestions. The mould we have is pretty minor at present and we could probably just live with just clearing it up every visit but I am keen not to do any permanent damage to the inside of the boat as its in excellent condition.

Keiron

 

[roberth]

If you have access to shore power connect an extension lead and simply drop inside the boat - usually enough fo a gap around the washboard/hatch to do this. Then runa B&Q dehum or similar, and a small oil-filled radiator on low will help further on cold days.

Works for me - I don't take anything off during the winter now.

 

[FullCircle]

Wipe down the entire interior lining with Dettox. This will prevent the mould from growing in the first place. I usually do ours once a season.
Works well on your bathroom walls and tile grout too.

 

[Poignard]

Ventilation is what's needed. For example - dummy washboards with large ventilation holes [hooded to prevent rain entering].

 

[HeadMistress]

Fresh air, even damp fresh air, is the enemy of mould and mildew. So add ventilation....for instance, a couple of Nicro (or European equivilant) fans. Leave all interior hatches and lockers open, drawers pulled out a few inches so that air can circulate.

 

[pvb]

Another vote for ventilation...

I keep my boat in the water all winter, with no heating and no dehumidifier - just good ventilation. The upholstery and curtains are fine.

 

[totopalm]

Dehumidifier

 

[quaver]

Re: Another vote for ventilation...

I also have a Duette which was very mouldy and green when I brought her a couple of years ago, I have cleaned her once with anti mould bathroom spray and it has not returned, I leave her on the mooring all year round without any heating etc. I do leave the vent in the anchor hatch open, lift up the bunk cushions and open all the lockers and have increased the size of the vent in the hatch which probebaly helps the airflow.

 

[Anonymous]

You'll never regret getting a dehumidifier - it will protect your investment and make the boat nice and welcoming when you go in the winter. The non-compressor types sound best though I have not personally tried one.

 

[Keiron]

Excellent response. Many thanks to you all for your good advice. I'll probably try a range of the suggestions.

Keiron

 

[eastcoastbernie]

I connect to shore power and run one of those tubular heating jobs whenever I leave the boat. It's about 100 watt so doesn't cost much to run but keeps the boat warm. Prevents mould growing and keeps heads and engine warm enough to prevent freezing. Advantage is when I go sailing in winter, when I arrive at boat, it feels dry and comfortable. Don't get one in chandlers - buy one from Screwfix at half the price.

 

[Guest]

Good ventilation.....

Don't let anything touch deckhead especially in fwd vee berth ....

lift bunk cushions and keep up by placing small item under - allow air to circulate

Keep all internal doors on hooks so ajar.

My boat stays without heating / de-humids for extreme long periods .... only slight musty smell - with no mould etc.
SWMBO started used Febreeze .... actually Somerfields own brand ... marvelous stuff !
If you do get a patch of black / green mould - then any DIY place will sell mould killer ... or as above - Dettox ...... wipe down and dry of.