Help! -Aft and V-berth condensation problem?

[Bill]

We are getting a lot of wetness under the large cushions in both the v-berth and the aft berth. We fear mildew if left unchecked. It appears to be simple condensation and NOT A LEAK!. We prop up the cushions and open lockers/bildge when we leave the boat unattended, but normally get the wetness after a single night aboard. ANY suggestions?.... our bildge is dry. Has anyone placed insulation in these areas?.. I suspect the only way to limit, short of providing an air space directly under each cushion.. Can't be Hunter thought this far ahead?

 

[Steve Dion]

Dry Bunk

Bill:Try Dry Bunk. I think that you can get it from West Marine and probably all of the other marine stores too. Have heard that it works.

 

[Don Barber, S.V. Third Degree]

Two solutions

The wetness you are experiencing is from the moisture you pass off through your skin as you sleep. The same thing happens in my boat when I spend a night aboard. There are two ways to attack this problem. There is air-permeable material available from West Marine that can be placed directly under the cushions. This allows for air circulation and prevents accumulation of condensation. It can be cut to fit the areas where this is a problem. The second solution is to install a solar powered vent that constantly draws fresh air into the cabin. This can be installed directly in front of the mast on the cabin top. I have one on my H-26, and it works very well. These are also available from West Marine. Good luck . Don BarberS.V. Third Degree

 

[Ray Bowles]

Bill, It sounds like the humitidy in your area...

is much, much higher than in our area. We live and boat in NE Washingon state and spend 4 to 5 days each week as live aboards in our 95 H26 with absolutly no moisture problems. We cook at least 2 meals aday and have coffee and cocoa through-out the days/week. We keep the hatchway and front hatch/window open unless it rains during the day and close it down at night.When gone we close it up tight.I don't think it is a problem that Hunter missed as much as it is a problem of area of use. Some type of regular forced air circulation might be one of the required fixes. Also water vapor is the by-product of flame cooking or heating. This could also contribute to your problem. Ray

 

[Bill]

Thanks to all!

I think you are all correct about regular venting of the cabin and we are looking into a solar type vent and the dry bunk materials... and yes or humidity is higher then most.. Thanks again for the help!

 

[Janel Chrestenson]

Dry bedding material

If your boat is in the water all the time as mine is, I have found that just leaving a light bulb turned on at the dock is enough to keep the moisture in check. Winter is a different story!