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Help! Condensation

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kelski0
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/26/2004 : 00:24:07

Can anyone help me solve my condensation problem that stated in Nov.
The main concentration is the forward cabin and head.
This is the second winter I've left the boat on the lake in no. cal.
Last winter no problem but what a difference a year makes.
No power on the dock so you guys have to be clever.

Rain drops keep falling on my --------------

Over and Out - Kelski0

Kelly Clark

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2004 : 00:37:33

There are little bags of crystals that absorb water from the air. They work really good. You have to replace them about once per week or two. SInce you have no power, try them.

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2004 : 02:20:39

Kelly, you can get the bags at Kmart, Walmart, any large home improvement, or if it were me any local family owned hardware store. I think it is potasium carbonate and reacts with water to form an aqueous salt that is highly corrosive. I got a holder made for the stuff at said stores, loaded it and put the whole thing in a large plastic tupperware type bin. Works great.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2004 : 09:05:57

If this condensation problem is an ongoing problem due to your location, I would consider installing a solar powered vent. Proper ventilation will help reduce condensation, mold, mildew, and odors.

Additionally, a solar vent will help keep the boat and guests cooler in the hot summer months. Depending on options, solar powered vents start around $65.00.

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2004 : 13:58:16

Both ideas are right on the mark. Ventalation and dehumidifier.
Solar vents are a good idea. The chemical dehumidifier works great. You can save a lot of money on it by going to your hardware store and looking for it there. It also comes as a product called Driveway Heat. I thought it was Sodium chloride. What ever. You can use two of the holders sold by marine OR RV stores or make your own with a plastic colander and a platic bucket.

Edited by - on

Raskal
Navigator

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USA
162 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2004 : 18:17:50

The little crystals work nicely, but storing the boat on the water will be a problem if the climate in your area gets that big differential in air/water temperatures during whatever kind of Winter you have. Having the below-waterline hull temperature be as cold as the water and having the cabin air heat up during the sunlight hours produces a perfect condensation machine. If you didn't have this problem last year it only may have been because air and water temperatures were close enough not produce the effect.

Storing the boat out of water may be expensive (unless you trailer), but it can head off various problems (such as fiberglass blistering or galvanic corrosion of metals). Holding the mildew monster at bay will seem worth the price later...

Rich Kokoska

Edited by - on

triley
Captain

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USA
251 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2004 : 21:43:13

Summer in Minnesota presents the same problem. The crystals work well, but better with a solar powered vent. Go for it.
Tom

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Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 01/27/2004 : 13:33:09

I'm not sure clarification is that important on the subject of "Driveway Heat", (a Preston product), but it is calcium chloride. But then again, you never know when you're going to have a pop quiz. When I picked this stuff up at Walmart, I also bought a couple of small plastic colanders from the kitchen accessory isle. These fit nicely in a two gallon ice cream bucket. Come on Spring! Todd Frye

Edited by - on

jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 01/28/2004 : 11:33:57

Hi Kelly,

Hey Jude is in Brisbane Marina and condensation is a winter problem for all of us in No. CA.

The stuff you need is sold as Dri-Z-Air or Damp-Rid at the hardware store or chandlery. These guys also sell a plastic device to deploy it. You can use a plastic collander and a plastic pan beneath it to catch the drips instead. The chemical is the same stuff that is used to meld ice, so if you are near Tahoe you can pick up a 24# bag cheap.
I think it is calcium cloride.

I also have two "gold rods" that I suspend just above the cabin sole to warm and circulate the air by convection. These are 110v., low wattage, heaters about three feet long by one inch in diameter. They came with the boat. They get warm, not hot. You can hold them for a moment before they get uncomfortable.

I also have a vent in the bow to aid circulation.

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958
SF Bay

Edited by - jwilliams on 01/28/2004 11:40:21

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.