Curtains and Dehumidifier

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maxxx

maxxx

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Oct 15, 2009
60
oday 28 Ft. Loudon lake
My Oday 28 has the original metal tracks that the curtains slide on. The curtains have the plastic beads that fit into the track. I would like to replace both the method of hanging and the curtains themselves. Just wondering how others have done this. Currently, there are tracks top and bottom. What type curtain rods have yall used??
Also, I am suffering with a mold issue and it was suggested that I use a small dehumidifier letting it drain into the sink. The previous owner just left a small fan (electric) running during the summer months but Im getting a light coating of mold year round. I'm close to 300 miles from my boat and had not been on it for 2 months until this past weekend. I was surprised at the mold growth! Suggestions ???? Once again, Thanks for any and all advice, max
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
It is my mantra. Ventilation, ventilation and more ventilation. I have several (4) computer fans changing the air in my boat summer and winter when the sunshines. They are connected to a dedicated 5 watt solar panel. There is never any mold and never any smell of mustiness. I have four cowl vents in the cabin and two in the lazzerette.
 
S

Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Max:

We have purchased a dehumidifer for our boat. It is a Sunpentown 35. It is amazing how much water it removes over a short period of time. We set it up on our galley counter and have a continous drain hose going into the sink. There is no longer a damp feeling when we get to the boat. I would probably get the larger 65/70 (pints/day) if I was going to purchase it today. The larger units are supposed to be more efficient (Consumer Reports).

We DO NOT run it while we are at the boat and plan on removing it around mid May unless it keeps raining on the west coast.
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
I am 17 miles from my boat and I know that with the ventilation that I have built into the boat that the boat will stay dry and sweet smelling no matter if it is on the hard or in the water. If it has shore power or not. I spent 25 dollars or the solar panel and five dollars each for the fans.
 
Bob J.

Bob J.

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Apr 14, 2009
774
Sabre 28 NH
As I read the post about your mold issue I began muttering ventilate, ventilate, ventilate. I scroll down to Ross's reply & smile, he's right. When we consider the environment where our boats are kept, the only way dehumidifiers work is if the boat is closed up tight. It's not a bad option but then you've got one more thing aboard your vessel to deal with when you want to leave the dock & the options for power become limited when you boat's on the hard.

Consider installing a couple of rainvisors over the portlights so that you can leave them open. Install a small louver on one of your hatch board covers. Install a nicro vent somewhere in-between & you'll pull air throughout the whole boat 24/7.
 
S

Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Max: Search on the SBO store for "Curtains" you will find several options.

Most marinas are not very conducive to leaving things open. Fans do get it when you are pulling gallons of water out of the air each week. These dehumidifiers are really the deal. If you have mouse cloth on the walls, cushions clothing etc on the boat everything is much fresher with the dehumidifer.

We have used the damp rid hanging bags and the pull a lot of moisture out of the air, but nothing like the "machine".
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
If you have a carport at home try to find anything there that is moldy. An ice chest will get moldy if you put it away wet with the lid on tight.
 
LuzSD

LuzSD

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Feb 21, 2009
1,009
Catalina 30 San Diego/ Dana Point, Ca.
Obviously it depends on where in the country you keep your boat but I must say we do not leave anything open when we are not on board and our boat is so dry that is the first thing you notice when boarding. That dry feeling! Never have any mold or musty smell.

We use one like the picture here and we also have a heat wand attached near the quarter berth.

While we are at the boat though, we always keep it open and airy and maybe that's more of the issue...... we sleep with as much open as the weather allows and so it never gets damp from being closed up with people breathing!! We always have the hatch open in the V berth open when sleeping.

Then again, maybe we just are lucky to have a dry boat!! Whatever the reason, it is very nice and I am glad not to have the issue! ;)
 

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Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
I think that the average relative humidity in San Diego is probably rarely as high as the lowest that is normal on the east coast.
Ventilation does not compromise security. Cold temperatures do not necessarily mean damp and warm doesn't always mean dry but ventilation means that the air is changed often and is kept circulating. If the rain wet grass dries in the shade of your house then the air is dry enough to keep the inside of your boat dry.
 
maxxx

maxxx

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Oct 15, 2009
60
oday 28 Ft. Loudon lake
Thanks to all for the help! I'm pretty sure I need both ventilation and a small dehumidifier. East Tennessee is both hot and humid 6 to 7 months out of the year. Now call me dumb< but what is the SBO store?? max
 
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