Hello All. I have an 84 Hunter 34 that is being completely refit. In the process I have noticed allot of water droplets in various locations. The boat is in the cradle here and is sitting just a bit to aft. I have noticed most of the water droplets on the ceiling of the aft berth. I have seen it in the salon and vberth as well. Is this a common issue in that there is condensation over the winter months, or does this sound as though there are more leaking areas than I think. I am going to remove and rebed the windows, track cars etc... but I just wonder if this is in fact a condensation issue. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!
Condensation or leaks
- Thread starter brian3820
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Is the boat being heated and being kept closed up while you are working in it? That could lead to moist air which then is condesing. It could also indicate some leakage in the cockpit area- the bolt hole in the pedestal bottom are possible suspects, they are dished and create a nice little reservoir for water to then seep down. Where exactly arethe water droplets in the aft cabin?
Hi Richard, the whole fiberglass ceiling area at the back of the boat near the water tank... tons of water droplets. Yes, I am heating it while I work on it and know that this will cause some of this... just didn't know if there were other possible locations. Going to check the pedestal bolts tonight to see if that is a possibility...thanks for the idea.
That sounds pretty far back for seepage around the pedestal base. any cracks inthe cockpit floor right near the back? Also is there moisture in the rear lazzarettes at the rear of the cockpit? I have had some occasions of moisture getting in them and I am not really sure how it happens- certainly if you have any holes in the drain channel under the lids that could be a cause. Also check the combing around the rear of the cockpit- maybe the railing bases or wiring holes also check the flag pole holder base if you have one or anything else mounted there. Good luck
Brian...
When I checked on my boat one morning a couple of weeks ago, there was condensation on all the hatches and water drippings on the cabin sole under each. Evidently this winter's warm then cold cycling has created more condensation in the boat than noted in previous years.
One of the chores I feel I will need to do as a consequence is to give the entire interior surfaces a wipe down with Lysol wipes (others may use something else) to get rid of any potentiial mold. The boat also ends up smelling much better afterward.
When I checked on my boat one morning a couple of weeks ago, there was condensation on all the hatches and water drippings on the cabin sole under each. Evidently this winter's warm then cold cycling has created more condensation in the boat than noted in previous years.
One of the chores I feel I will need to do as a consequence is to give the entire interior surfaces a wipe down with Lysol wipes (others may use something else) to get rid of any potentiial mold. The boat also ends up smelling much better afterward.
Concerning the condensation on the hard during the winter. Are you heating the interior and if so, what are you using? Our bodies give off a lot of moisture and remain below. I use the basket/ drip containers with Calcium Chloride. I DON'T buy the packets from marine stores which cost about $7 per one container envelope. I go to a local feed and grain store and buy 50# of Calcium Chloride for about $13. and have enough for about 15 containers and two seasons of use changing out the containers once during the middle of the winters. I don't believe they work during freezing conditions but then mildew doesn't do much of its damage during freezing weather. I find they work well during the shoulder seasons with temps in the 30's and 40's +. My humidity levels during the winter appear to be about 50% during these freezing temps. I try to make sure my bilge and all our sources of water are eliminated. You're going to have major problems with mildew if you continue to allow all this moisture to remain below as things warm up. My Hunter 410 is stored outside in Cheboygan Michigan.
Mariner...
My storage yard doesn't allow any electrical connection to heaters in a stored boat over the winter. We've had a number of variable temp days here in the East over the winter, which I think has contributed to the condensation situation.
All soft goods and almost everything else removable are taken off the boat before storage (helps sort out what you don't need or haven't used for a while). Makes Spring work issues easier to address.
Tried using a half dozen of the calcium chloride absorbers a few winters ago but found that they would all be "soup" each time I was able to get back to the boat over that winter (sourced the CC from a home center instead of WM) and would still have the higher humidity level. Am considering a small dehumidifier for use during our hot and humid summers here while I'm away from the boat.
My storage yard doesn't allow any electrical connection to heaters in a stored boat over the winter. We've had a number of variable temp days here in the East over the winter, which I think has contributed to the condensation situation.
All soft goods and almost everything else removable are taken off the boat before storage (helps sort out what you don't need or haven't used for a while). Makes Spring work issues easier to address.
Tried using a half dozen of the calcium chloride absorbers a few winters ago but found that they would all be "soup" each time I was able to get back to the boat over that winter (sourced the CC from a home center instead of WM) and would still have the higher humidity level. Am considering a small dehumidifier for use during our hot and humid summers here while I'm away from the boat.
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