Condensation

[Lost Parent]

I just lifted my cushions to take covers off to make new covers and yes new foam to and discovered moisture inside the cover on the vinyl cushion bottom this vinyl is in contact with the fiberglass setee which is cold from the water outside the hull the moisture is only where the major portion of my body lays as this is where I sleep my question is does by body when I sweat at night give off enough mousture and heat to creat condensation onthe vinyl seat bottom

 

[JohnShannon]

No personal knowledge

http://hyperventmarine.com/

I hear it is expensive

 

[Steve Dion]

No personal knowledge

http://hyperventmarine.com/

I hear it is expensive

It is cheaper than new cushions!

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Install a vapour barrier immediately under the TOP surface of your cushion. This acts exactly the same as the polyethylene vapour barrier in the walls of your house.

Use very thin dry cleaning film if you can get your hands on some as anything thicker makes a crackling noise every time you roll over.

 

[rgranger]

I think Ralph is on the right track. I remember seeing in another post someone using that rubber netting you buy to put in your cabinets to keep plates and glasses from sitting directly on the wooden shelf. The sailor put it under his vinyl cushions to keep the cold fiberglass from touching his vinyl. Also helps with keeping them from slipping off. I have it in my kitchen cabinets. Never tried it on the boat so I'm just passing one what I've read. You can get it at WalMart.

 

[Ross]

I would use foam carpet padding between the cushions and the settee.

 

[Gunni]

Use a material like Petex or Surf and Turf (looks / feels like leather, but is plastic) for the cover, and use mesh for the cushion bottoms. This has worked well for me. Little to no condensation, and the vinyl is anti fungal treated.

Yes, your body vapor is migrating into the cushion until it meets the "dew point", where it condenses. Vinyl stops the migration, and the foam cushion insulates from the cold.

 

[Lost Parent]

Bought some Hypervent and will try it tonight The guy stvthe chandlery said they sell hundreds of feet a year up here in th e northwest because of the cold damp weather not cheapbthough 15bucks a foot

 

[Mike B1026]

Wonder about that blue padding used under sleeping bags? $10.00
Thickness (in.):
0.38
Product Length (in.):
72
Product Width (in.):
24
Manufacturer Warranty - General:
1 year
Material/construction:
Closed-cell polyethylene foam

 

[zeehag]

when there are ventilation holes in the platform supporting the mattress/cushion, there is no condensation problem. i have holes under my primary mattress/bed cushions in both my boats and ZERO condensation under my cushions....... is easy and CHEAP....

 

[Lost Parent]

I have a Catalina 30 and the condensation is under the starboard couch whrre I sleep
there is a tank full of cold water under the seat
if I drill a four inch access hole on the upright portion of the seat where the back of your legs are so this ads air will this help

 

[Ross]

Condensation happens when the relative humidity is high enough that the dew point exceeds the surrounding surface temperatures. A glass of cold beer is covered with condensate very quickly except in the desert or in the wintertime. Insulation can help to modify the surface temperatures and ventilation will help to allow the excess moisture to escape. Ventilation will not reduce condensation.