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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Ventilation

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Keith Dennis
Deckhand

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13 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/04/2004 : 13:52:25

I have had my C25 since late July and have not run into a Mildew problem until now. My boat is slipped in the Chesapeake Bay. We had a damp and cooler summer then usual and this might have increased the mildew problem. I am using the damp rid "chemical dehumidifor" that I used on my previous boat (23 Paceship) in which I was having the same moisture issues with. I read an article in SAIL about good ventilation, even in smaller boats, and after some delberation came to the conclusion to buy a solar battery powered Vent. I installed it and within a week, mildew problem solved. I think I am back to that point now but needed to know a few things. First, before I go cutting holes into the deck for a vent are their any other ideas floating out their besides the chemical soution that anyone is using? I also have an air conditioner inside the cabin and that works taking the moisture out, somewhat, but since I haven't had to use it since late August,,,nuff said.
Second: If anyone has placed a ventilator or vent on top, where would be a good placement and how hard was it to go through? Could you use a 4" Hole Cutter as I did for the last one I installed? Thanks as always or all insight! Maybe I can get a good deal on one at the Boat Show this weekend....not likely

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2004 : 16:24:05

Keith, I installed my solar vent on the foredeck between the skylight and the anchor locker, the theory being that the farther forward, the more thorough the airflow. It helps enormously, but not completely. Yes, I used a hole cutter without any problem.

The only problem with that location was that I needed to glue the removable shield to the fan unit -- it got knocked loose a lot handling sails, lines, and anchor.

If I'm away from the boat for more than a week, I still need to open up drawers and lockers. And, of course, in the winter everything gets opened up, flipped, or otherwise exposed to as much airflow as possible.

Brooke

Edited by - Brooke Willson on 10/04/2004 16:24:44

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2004 : 21:09:31

I bought a solar vent and still have not installed it, partly because I have been unwilling to pay more for a 4-3/4" hole saw that I'll use one time than I paid for the vent! (I prefer a hole saw for a true circle with parallel sides, even through a curved surface.) I have also been debating with myself (as usual) about the placement... My most likely decision will be the forward hatch, on two counts: (1) It's not a place I am likely to want to step on while handling sails or anchors, and (2) it can be replaced if for some reason that huge 4-3/4" hole turns out to be a mistake. My other considerations are directly forward of the mast, or to port, over the porta-potti. Forward of the mast is probably less in the way of activities at the mast.

IMHO, if you draw air anywhere into the forward half of the cabin with the folding doors open, the humidity level will be reduced all the way into the V-berth. Humidity quickly equalizes in an air-space. The key issue is drawing air though as things cool in the evening. If you leave the warm daytime air in there to cool, you get condensation that really feeds the mildew.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 10/04/2004 22:06:46

TRogers
1st Mate

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USA
90 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2004 : 22:54:21

I have a solar vent installed between the foreward hatch and the anchor locker. It works quite well for ventilation purposes however it does seem to get in the way from time to time.

I do like the thought of putting it in the hatch itself so that you are less likely to step on it. OR in the case of my nine year old son, less likely to catch a toe inside the openings and slice it open (luckily no stitches needed). He made the mistake of trying to stand on the hatch when wet and promptly slid down the hatch and jammed a toe inside the opening on the side of the metal vent in the middle of the foredeck. Don't think an adult's toes would make it in, but child size toes do.

Amazing how blood stains the deck if allowed to dry while dealing with the problem of stopping bleeding. It did eventually go away by itself after about a month of natural weather effect.