Condensation Moisture Issue

[twodzusfittings]

I have had to repair the rear birth cushion covers due to mold and mildew damage to the sides of the cushion on my '84 25.5. Over this winter whilst doing a lot of small upgrades, I noticed quite a bit of condensation on the polished surfaces of the rear birth. I have installed a solar ventilator in the forward hatch to get a constant air flow inside the boat and with the five damp rid buckets spread around the cabin areas, I hoped for a dryer interior this winter, but it seemed not to be. So my question is, what can I do to avoid the dampness issues? I will install the cushions again when the warmer weather comes back, if it ever does. Is there a product which I can install between the cushion and the polished fiberglass flooring? What are peoples experiences with this issue? Oh just so everyone understands the boat was in the water all winter. Our Marina has the bubblers in the water and turns them on when there is possible freezing of the water.

 

[onecoolair]

I have had to repair the rear birth cushion covers due to mold and mildew damage to the sides of the cushion on my '84 25.5. Over this winter whilst doing a lot of small upgrades, I noticed quite a bit of condensation on the polished surfaces of the rear birth. I have installed a solar ventilator in the forward hatch to get a constant air flow inside the boat and with the five damp rid buckets spread around the cabin areas, I hoped for a dryer interior this winter, but it seemed not to be. So my question is, what can I do to avoid the dampness issues? I will install the cushions again when the warmer weather comes back, if it ever does. Is there a product which I can install between the cushion and the polished fiberglass flooring? What are peoples experiences with this issue? Oh just so everyone understands the boat was in the water all winter. Our Marina has the bubblers in the water and turns them on when there is possible freezing of the water.

So if your in a slip and have good shorepower... Why not Invest a few bucks on a good dehumidifier.... Does not have to be one of thowes exspensive just because your going to be using it on a boat thousand per cent markup models...... Just one that you can sit on the counter let it drain into the sink models. Flip up all my cushion and alway try to leave cabinet doors ajarr and arrange things for good air circulation.

 

[Steve Dion]

I would agree with Robert about the dehumidifier.

It is best to never have fabric in contact with fiberglass surfaces. They should have vinyl wherever the cushions contact the gelcoat/figerglass.

You may want to consider putting some of that non-skid rug linners under the cushions to see if that help too.

We have a dehumidifier on our HV'36 that we leave on the boat from November to March. We let it drain into the sink so it can run continously while we are away.

You may also consider putting fans in those area where you are getting the moisture build up.

 

[DJN51]

I use1/2 in egg crate foam under cushions in my 23.5,keeps cushions up and vents

 

[Sailvayu]

A couple of small fans moving air inside the boat will help. I would aim one into the aft berth area if that is a problem area. The key is to keep the air moving inside the boat.

Capt. Wayne Canning, AMS
www.projectboatzen.com

 

[twistedline]

I had the same problem last year, lots of damp in the rear berth. Didn't seem to have the same issue this winter.

I have been using those chemical dehumidifiers, I am not sure how good they are but each time I get to the boat there's water in them so they must be doing something. You can leave the "water" out in the sun and the crystals return and you can re-use them.

This year I purchased a big bag of Calcium Chloride which I believe is the same thing. I am thinking of doing something on a larger scale, not sure exactly what yet.

 

[Mike in Cape Cod]

I also had a condensation problem in the aft berth area on my H-23.5 The cushions and the smooth ceiling and walls of the rear berth began to accumulate what looked like dark mold spots and felt damp. Out came the cushions and everything was wiped down from stem to stern with a water and bleach solution. I found an inch of water under the hatch covers in the rear berth and also some foul smelling water on the floor where it joins the transom. More bleach and water and ventilation using a window size box fan. I installed a few of the large "Damp Rid" collectors and change them every few months and have not had a problem since. I suspect the companionway hatch cover allowed some water to collect by dripping on the rear berth floor under the hatch stairway and I now cover it with a tarp when not sailing.No more condensation.

 

[stevec22206]

Can you remove the cushions during the off season? Or as mentioned, stand them on edge where possible so the moisture can't collect under them. Some others have used a small dryer/heater to circulate warm dry air.

 

[thinwater]

Running ventilators AND Damp-Rid is counter productive. I think this is obvious. Rather like running heat with the windows open, the Damp-Rid could not accomplish anything. I'm guessing the Damp-Rid was not quite spent, though, because calcium chloride basically stops working when it gets cold. If sealed, 5 x Damp-Rid would have worked based upon testing.

a. Seal the boat next time if you intend to dehumidify (Damp-Rid or mechanical). Tight.
b. Flip the cushions up.
c. A thermo-electric dehumidifier should be plenty for that boat size. Practical Sailor article coming out in a few months. Compares removal rates of CaCl2 and dehumidifier through the winter.
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2012/12/dehumidifier-vs-desicant.html

In my expereince, the small heaters simply move the moisture from one area to a cold spot. They don't remove water, obviously.