Condensation, insulation solutions Cat30

[Sugaree]

Hello all,

I am a new liveaboard with a 1986 Cat30, discovering the joys of condensation as the nights get cooler...

Looking for ideas on what others with a Catalina hull have tried/found successful for insulating against or dealing with this issue? Nights here in NC don't get extremely cold, but have seen upper 20s, low 30s...

Any advice greatly appreciated!

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Sugaree,

I live in the Tampa Bay area and deal with condensation in the spring & fall. I just cleaned the overhead in the v-berth. I get the thin dark mold in the textured overhead liner. Not alot, but I need to to this spring & fall. These times of year yield high mosture due to the temperature changes.

If you have a dehumidifier or an a/c system, that will take care of the problem. If not having this, there is a Waste marine air drier/dehumidifer ($69.99) I also use this time of year.

This is a low powered fan with a slight heating element to dry humidity. I've had this for 10 years, and it's a low elec. draw. If you do get this, remember to place it on the floor, or as I do I have it sitting on top of the v-berth cushions with plywood underneath to avoid potential problems.

Home Depot type stores may have comparable units maybe for a cheaper price.

I also use a timer with it that allows it to run for only 4 hours at a time (8:00am - 12:00pm). Using this would be the cheapest way to go to solve your problems.

CR

 

[Bob S]

Just curious if you do a lot of cooking and what you use for heat. In the fall here in NE it can get quite cold. We used to button up and cook cookies or warm up a little apple pie and make coffee before settling down. It would make the cabin nice and toasty but boy propane adds lots of moisture in the air and we'd wake to condensation.
Just a thought.

 

[Sugaree]

CaptnRon,

Thanks for your reply. No A/C system here. I have been considering one of those West Marine units you mentioned. Space heaters have been doing okay job of managing overnight condensation on the ceilings, however, still trying to figure out how to deal with condensation occurring in hanging locker, beneath/beside v-berth cushions, in storage areas behind settees, etc.
Was curious if anyone had tried adding insulation to those areas, or , as you say, symptom management is simplest solution....

I like the idea of a timer for the dehumidifier during the day!

Thanks again

 

[Sugaree]

Bob S,

I don't do much cooking at present... oven is out of commission, and I've got a CNG system that is kind of a PITA and I don't feel that comfortable with. Somewhere down the road, would love to convert to propane system. I'm sure any type of indoor cooking will add a good bit of condensation to the air!
As for heat, I have a oil-filled radiant heater that I keep positioned underneath one of those little computer fans. Usually keep that on low. Then I have a little thermostat-regulated forced air ceramic heater that I have positioned to blow into v-berth at nights only... Significantly helps with the raining from the ceiling, but still have condensation down next to and underneath v-berth cushions... looking at getting some Dri-dek or similar product to increase air flow is only thing I can think of....

Massachusetts - brrr! You all must have some thick skin Thanks for your response!

 

[Anonymous 121765]

S,

You mentioned moisture in the hanging locker. In my C30 (1980), I have some thru deck stuff such as fresh water tank fills (2), stanchion base etc.
You may wanna check to see if any water is leaking. A quick way is to put down a paper towel. Run a hose from outside on deck and see if the paper shows drip marks.

Your port could also be the culprit. I know mine has leaked in the past, and water got into the hanging locker from there.

Also, check the bottom of the locker to see if you are getting moisture in from the bilge thru any holes. I have a water line going thru mine.

The v-berth will be the end-point for moisture gravitating thru the boat. This is the only area of my boat that shows any moisture/mildew.

Same deal with the v-berth cushions/side walls; check for thru deck leaks pal.

CR

 

[Sugaree]

CR,

Thanks for the additional tips regarding the hanging locker.. I will definitely do some further investigation whether there are additional sources of moisture getting in there.

S