CONDENSATION

[JERRY MITCHELL]

ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS ON SOLVING MY CONDENSATION PROBLEMS INSIDE MY 1977 COLUMBIA 8.7?

 

[camw]

Condensation Problems

I have a couple of those little power vents that run on solar energy. One is over the head, and one over the Nav Station on my 1969 C36. I have not noticed any condensation. This is the configuration my boat was in when I bought it, so I don't know if that was why they were installed, but I don't have the problem (and my home port is Baltimore, Md.).Cam Whetstones/v C36 - Wolf's DenBaltimore, Md. USA

 

[Jeff Bole]

It's really bad this time of year isn't it?

I've got the same problem. The best thing you can do is to add ventilation. Crack the hatches a bit, put in dorades, and maybe install some fans to keep the air exchanging. Adding heat will help too, but beware of most heaters that involve burning something. The exhaust will often increase the humidity and add to the problem. If you're at the dock, a small electric heater would be a great addition.Jeff

 

[Rick Senft]

sweaty

air flow is most important , louvers on the aft hatch and a solar vent over the vee berth. Secondly is dry heat. In the dock a 1500 watt heater and while at anchor a good cabin heater like the Dickenson propane unit of 9000 btu's. Of coarse there will still be some sweating in areas were there is little or no insulation. Deckheads and bulkheads can be lined with material that has a foam backing. Any marine upholstery shop carries the stuff.