Which dehumidifier / heater is recommed?

[JoeQ]

Which dehumidifier is recommended?

Should I also leave a heater on? I would want one with a very stable base so as not to topple over?

Thanks,

 

[fluffc]

Personally, I'd recommend a compressor-type dehumidifier.

The warmer the boat is the more efficient a dehumidifier will work, as it relies on the temperature difference between the air and the plate to form condensation from the air.

I believe there is a temperature below which a compressor-type refrigerator will not work at all, but afraid I don't know what temperature this is.

 

[enterprise]

Compressorless dehumidifier with built in heating as byproduct, only runs when required as humidistat controled......

Used for past 3 years layups, unbeatable low temp service...



http://www.breathingspace.co.uk/pages/amberdry.php

 

[Rivers & creeks]

Re: Which dehumidifier / heater is recommended?

[ QUOTE ]
I believe there is a temperature below which a compressor-type refrigerator will not work at all, but afraid I don't know what temperature this is

[/ QUOTE ] 5 degrees C. Most compressor type units have a defrost feature to warm the plate up when it gets too cold, but it makes the unit inefficient as it cycles on and off.

 

[cliff]

Joe,

If you are thinking about "Isolda" then I fear you will need more than one unit to be effective and a number of heaters either oil filled or tube type. IMHO you should be looking at at least 3 dehumidifiers and at least 3 or 4 heaters. On second thoughts perhaps one big dehumidifier in the salon draining into the sink and heaters in the aft cabin and forward cabin areas would work. The heaters should come on before the dehumidifier to warm the air.

I would be looking at installing some form of central heating on her though.
--------------------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[BAtoo]

The "normal" compressor types from B&Q are suitable for a house so should do even a 60' boat - ours drains down thro' the sink. Suggest also some fans to circulate the air to avoid dead spots in the cabins (leave doors open); also some form of heat either a tube heater or if you have enough amps then a panel heater could be mounted - 500w one from these guys ? http://www.hygienesuppliesdirect.com/products/cat13-sub118?source=adwords&kw=panel%20heaters
Also block up the vents so you are only drying the air in the boat not the rest of the world too........

 

[samwise]

The £99 XM works for us. A bit heavy to lug around but it can be rigged with a permanent drain.

 

[beancounter]

I'll second the B&Q - we leave ours on a timer for about 5 hours a day, and have a tubular heater on overnight to keep the temperature up a bit. Seemed to work OK last winter.

Don't forget to ensure the dehumidifier is level, otherwise it won't drain.

 

[RutlandMike]

I've tried the compressor type and works ok at higher temps but for one that works at ALL temps, go for the dessicant based type. These work at low temps so you're not having to spend a fortune on keeping things that warm and there's no cycling. It also pumps out air about 10 degrees warmer than it went in so helps to warm the boat too. The one I bought is sufficient for a 4 bed house and does my 42 footer a treat. I drain it straight into the bilges where the pump takes the water away. See http://www.breathingspace.co.uk/pages/amberdry.php

 

[johnpye]

Rutland Mike is right!
Compressor dehumidifiers work by refrigeration. Efficiency falls off dramatically below about 15°C, and they can freeze up (still drawing power) at about 5°C. Performance rating, if stated, is based on 80% humidity at 30°C - the tropical conditions they are designed for.
For low temperature use, an adsorption type is much more efficient. They use a desiccant and a heater - the technology used in industrial dryers. If you want one you can leave on a timer, you also need automatic restart, which the Amberdry doesn't have. So for the same money, or less, have a look at http://www.boatsheen.com/dehumidifiers.html