Sweet smelling boats

[sonic]

Thanks for all your replies re the foul smell in the boat.
Next problem has any one got an idea how to keep the boat smelling fresh without pumping cans of air freshner into the hull.
The boat is aired on a very regular basis because of the smell from the heads plastic pipes (Which are getting changed today)

Any suggestion would be welcome.

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[Capt_Marlinspike]

Using a dehumidifier can help. My boat used to get a bit smelly when left, but since I had a dehumidifier it has stopped. I guess that the damp was allowing mildew to thrive.

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[pvb]

Constant ventilation helps enormously. And it goes without saying that the heads and galley need to be kept squeaky clean. Another thing which helps is to wipe all the interior surfaces (including headlining) a couple of times a year with something like Dettox or a similar anti-bacterial cleaner. Bilges can often contribute to smells, so you should try to keep them as clean as possible - it's also worth lifting the floorboards now and again and cleaning under them.

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[Trevor_swfyc]

I also fitted a solar ventilator with battery backup so it runs 24,7 keeping the heads ventilated and also the boat. I have had mine for 15 years it stopped working two years ago. I was going to bin it but a trip to Maplins for a new nickel rechargable battery and away it went again as good as new and it only cost £1.50
much better than buying a new unit at £80.

All the best.
Trevor

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[starboard]

Change your socks more often!!!

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[HeadMistress]

As others have said, ventilation is the key, along with clean bilges and sumps. Leave interior hatches, lockers and doors open and drawers pulled out when you close up the boat...

Keep bilges as dry as possible...use a hand pump, bucket and sponge to get the water the bilge pumps leave behind so that it can't sit and turn into primordial soup.

Install a day/night solar exhaust fan...a dehumidifier may be called for.

Find any hidden areas under the cabin sole where water can become trapped and create access to them to dry them out.

Reroute any ice box or shower drains that drain into the bilge into a sump (install one if necessary).

Put cushions, life jackets, foulies etc out in the sun for a day whenever you have a chance...sunlight and fresh air are the enemies of molds and mildew.

Take towels, sheets, blankets, clothing etc home and wash them at least once a year, even if they haven't been used.

And if you STILL have a stinky boat, take a bath and change your socks and underwear and take the dirties off the boat.

<hr width=100% size=1>Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987

 

[boatless]

Dehumidifier is essential imho, arrange to drain through galley sink. Also - cushions should be left 'up' to stop condensation underneath.

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