Any ideas for fighting condensation. Over the winter, every time I go into my Macgregor 19 I find a lot of condensation. I have tried leaving the hatch open, which seems to help, but it is still pretty wet inside. Any suggestions would help. Thanks.
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try it or laugh
You may laugh,but I purchase a large bag of cheap toilet rolls and place the rolls around the cabin where the condensation forms. The roll absorb the moisture. You need to change them when they become saturated.
You may laugh,but I purchase a large bag of cheap toilet rolls and place the rolls around the cabin where the condensation forms. The roll absorb the moisture. You need to change them when they become saturated.
FANS
but I guess you do not have power to the boat, or you would have thought of that one.... maybe a 12v with solar power source? I have a small fan runing 24/7 in my so fla boat. no mold of condensation, in the mildue capital.
but I guess you do not have power to the boat, or you would have thought of that one.... maybe a 12v with solar power source? I have a small fan runing 24/7 in my so fla boat. no mold of condensation, in the mildue capital.
higher grade
both suggestions: Fans and absorbant materials are great ideas. There are some reusable drying products out there too - whichever works for you.
both suggestions: Fans and absorbant materials are great ideas. There are some reusable drying products out there too - whichever works for you.
check bilges
Condensation will always be a problem, regardless of ventilation, if there is standing water in the bilges to replenish what is removed by circulation. With dry bilges, it only takes a few hundred cu. ft. per hour of air movenment through the boat to keep it dry. Air movement can be passively generated in some situations with lots of wind daily, but to assure it happens, a solar powered vent is best. For the last 16 years, I've used one solar powered vent to move air into the boat, and multiple passive vents to remove it. I've not had any condensation problems at all, with the exception of sleeping on board in cold weather where we had the vents closed for warmth while sleeping. Then when the vents were opened the condensation disappeared. This on boats ranging from 26' to 30'. Certainly it would work well on a craft of 19' length.
Condensation will always be a problem, regardless of ventilation, if there is standing water in the bilges to replenish what is removed by circulation. With dry bilges, it only takes a few hundred cu. ft. per hour of air movenment through the boat to keep it dry. Air movement can be passively generated in some situations with lots of wind daily, but to assure it happens, a solar powered vent is best. For the last 16 years, I've used one solar powered vent to move air into the boat, and multiple passive vents to remove it. I've not had any condensation problems at all, with the exception of sleeping on board in cold weather where we had the vents closed for warmth while sleeping. Then when the vents were opened the condensation disappeared. This on boats ranging from 26' to 30'. Certainly it would work well on a craft of 19' length.
Install a solar fan, I did
My 26S had a very heavy condensation problem. I installed a solar/battery powered fan in the forward hatch and the condensation problem is GONE!!! Cost about $30 for the fan and took about an hour to install, but it was the right decision. The fan removes and a hole plug goes in while sailing so that water is not a problem.
My 26S had a very heavy condensation problem. I installed a solar/battery powered fan in the forward hatch and the condensation problem is GONE!!! Cost about $30 for the fan and took about an hour to install, but it was the right decision. The fan removes and a hole plug goes in while sailing so that water is not a problem.
I had the same problem oin my Mac 24 and I found that the 2 best ways were to put the boat under a tarp/car port or to put in insulation like you find in cars. I think a insulating cloth would do the same thing.
Screen Door
I found for winter storage, I cover the entire boat and change out the front slide in hatch with a screened hatch. I used the original cover and traced out its outline onto a piece of ¼” plywood. I cut it to size and then cut out the center section. I then glued on a piece of household screening. That and three buckets of moisture catchers keep the boat dry and mold free for the winter. Plus the screen works great in the summer to help keep out the mosquitoes on a buggy over night stay.
I found for winter storage, I cover the entire boat and change out the front slide in hatch with a screened hatch. I used the original cover and traced out its outline onto a piece of ¼” plywood. I cut it to size and then cut out the center section. I then glued on a piece of household screening. That and three buckets of moisture catchers keep the boat dry and mold free for the winter. Plus the screen works great in the summer to help keep out the mosquitoes on a buggy over night stay.
solar fan
I just got one of these, works well and an unbeatable price, thinking of getting another one for a replacement in years to come just in case these guys no longer carry them.
I just got one of these, works well and an unbeatable price, thinking of getting another one for a replacement in years to come just in case these guys no longer carry them.
fan cover
Doesn't have a cover, but the air path is convoluted. I'm going to put it on the rear bulkhead of the cabin. Won't be in the direct path of swells and I won't be so apt to step on it.
Doesn't have a cover, but the air path is convoluted. I'm going to put it on the rear bulkhead of the cabin. Won't be in the direct path of swells and I won't be so apt to step on it.
Solar vent
The Blue tarp blocks too much sun light. I use a white tarp over the boat for winter storage. It keeps the solar vent working. No condensation. You can get them at Home Depot cheap.
The Blue tarp blocks too much sun light. I use a white tarp over the boat for winter storage. It keeps the solar vent working. No condensation. You can get them at Home Depot cheap.
Durability
Hi Joe S Can you tell me something about the durability of the fan? Would it break if you stubbed your toe on it? Would it break if you stepped on the solar cell? I could mount it out of the way to ventilate my lazerette, but I just wondered if it looked tough enough to with stand the marine environment? Thanks John S
Hi Joe S Can you tell me something about the durability of the fan? Would it break if you stubbed your toe on it? Would it break if you stepped on the solar cell? I could mount it out of the way to ventilate my lazerette, but I just wondered if it looked tough enough to with stand the marine environment? Thanks John S
vent
Hey Joe. Just my opinion, but if I was going to cut that big a hole in my boat I would go with nicro or some other of marine quality rather than a $20 cheapie that is also meant for outhouses and dog houses.
Hey Joe. Just my opinion, but if I was going to cut that big a hole in my boat I would go with nicro or some other of marine quality rather than a $20 cheapie that is also meant for outhouses and dog houses.
$20 cheapie
I've found $s doesn't necessarily mean quality; my wife had a Mercedes that was an upkeep/dependability nightmare. (So much for fine German engineering) I ordered one fan liked it and ordered another as a spare, being as it will run 10-12 hrs a day when I don't snap it out. (Which it is designed to do) So like my spare tire, I have a spare that fit the existing hole. It will probably never fail, (considering Murphy's Law and the fact that I have a replacement.)
I've found $s doesn't necessarily mean quality; my wife had a Mercedes that was an upkeep/dependability nightmare. (So much for fine German engineering) I ordered one fan liked it and ordered another as a spare, being as it will run 10-12 hrs a day when I don't snap it out. (Which it is designed to do) So like my spare tire, I have a spare that fit the existing hole. It will probably never fail, (considering Murphy's Law and the fact that I have a replacement.)
water proof
I claims to be waterproof, I don't think I would install it in a walking area, It is plastic. It claims not to leak during rain ect, but a full on swell?? I'm puting it on the back of the cabin, mounted on a vertical bulkhead.
I claims to be waterproof, I don't think I would install it in a walking area, It is plastic. It claims not to leak during rain ect, but a full on swell?? I'm puting it on the back of the cabin, mounted on a vertical bulkhead.
Size matters
I agree that marine products are frequently way, way over priced just because they have a marine label on them. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare specifications before ordering anything from your marine store. I've always thought it a good idea to use standardized or at least very popular fitting sizes for any holes drilled in the boat so if replacement is necessary due to defect, damage, or in adequate design, another product would fit the hole. The most popular vent sizes are 3" and 4" for a reason; they fit in more situations, and many makers have products to fit in the hole. I think you were wise to purchase a spare. I'd be pleased to see a report from you about the results of your mounting the unit in the vertical bulkhead. I've not considered that kind of mounting due to fears that water would find it's way in in a heavy rain. In any case, I think the best units, are those that can be completely closed from the inside to make them watertight. The unit I have has a on/off switch so the unit can be stopped when it is completely closed for water tightness, without removing the battery. Ventilation is a necessity, passive or forced. Thanks for sharing your choices and experiences with us.
I agree that marine products are frequently way, way over priced just because they have a marine label on them. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare specifications before ordering anything from your marine store. I've always thought it a good idea to use standardized or at least very popular fitting sizes for any holes drilled in the boat so if replacement is necessary due to defect, damage, or in adequate design, another product would fit the hole. The most popular vent sizes are 3" and 4" for a reason; they fit in more situations, and many makers have products to fit in the hole. I think you were wise to purchase a spare. I'd be pleased to see a report from you about the results of your mounting the unit in the vertical bulkhead. I've not considered that kind of mounting due to fears that water would find it's way in in a heavy rain. In any case, I think the best units, are those that can be completely closed from the inside to make them watertight. The unit I have has a on/off switch so the unit can be stopped when it is completely closed for water tightness, without removing the battery. Ventilation is a necessity, passive or forced. Thanks for sharing your choices and experiences with us.
Solar Vent Installation
I installed a SSteel version on the foredeck above the head. It has a baffled system to prevent the ingress of water and so far it has been dry. The only complaint I have is the noise it makes when it barely has enough light to operate, like at dusk or if it gets cloudy. At normal speed, it is almost silent, and it is a wondeful ventilation aid and I have had a lot less condensation since installing it. You can step on mine, although I don't make it a practice. There is no provision for shutting it off other than covering the cell. Cutting a 3 inch hole in the foredeck....think long and hard. John S Boise
I installed a SSteel version on the foredeck above the head. It has a baffled system to prevent the ingress of water and so far it has been dry. The only complaint I have is the noise it makes when it barely has enough light to operate, like at dusk or if it gets cloudy. At normal speed, it is almost silent, and it is a wondeful ventilation aid and I have had a lot less condensation since installing it. You can step on mine, although I don't make it a practice. There is no provision for shutting it off other than covering the cell. Cutting a 3 inch hole in the foredeck....think long and hard. John S Boise
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