Living in the rather damp Pacific NW creates the need for some agressive drying methods. I've used the lighbulb technique but the bulbs burn out so quickly and the interior is still damp. I've also used those dehumidifier boxes that has a low temp heating element that is on all the time but my electric bill went through the roof. The best solution I've found is a small ceramic heater set on the lowest possible setting. Air circulation, a little heat and the bills were cut in half. So how do the rest of you deal with this? LaDonna
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Heating Source
Last winter when I was re-doing the inside of my 37' I used the propane bottle with a heating element designed for it which I purchased from Home Depot for about $35.00. Having worked on the boat most every weekend and some nights I went through about 2 bottles of propane. It heated up the boat very quickly and I had to turn the heat way down after the initial heating. Of course, you must have proper ventalation when using a propane bottle heater.
Last winter when I was re-doing the inside of my 37' I used the propane bottle with a heating element designed for it which I purchased from Home Depot for about $35.00. Having worked on the boat most every weekend and some nights I went through about 2 bottles of propane. It heated up the boat very quickly and I had to turn the heat way down after the initial heating. Of course, you must have proper ventalation when using a propane bottle heater.
heating in the Pacific Northwest
It's true, if you live in a Northern clime and leave your boat in the water all year long, it may get damp and even freeze up during the occasional low temps. And of course, Port authorities love to charge plenty for their electricty. Over the years, I have used what is called by many a chicken coop heater. Fairly upright is has a fan and heating elements. It also has a tip over switch. What I have found is that a low tempreture with a fan cirulates the air. Cirulation seems to take care of mildue--not the heat. I leave two ports open that are under the dodger to increase that circulation. But several years ago a boat burned to the waterline using a heater like mine. The people were on board and sleeping, but apprently had clothing too close to the heater. This scared me so I have now bought a ceramic heater like you, LaDonna. The problem is that its lowest setting is 55 degrees so I am buying a plug in cube that has a setting of 40 degrees. I also turn on my Wabasco diesel furnance to a 35 degree setting. When the power goes out, then this furnance can take over. The results are that I have not had a cold related problem in the boat in several years and no mildue for longer. I apologise with a smile to all those boat owners who have to pull their boats each year and don't have this problem. I may even go sailing this afternoon.
Les
It's true, if you live in a Northern clime and leave your boat in the water all year long, it may get damp and even freeze up during the occasional low temps. And of course, Port authorities love to charge plenty for their electricty. Over the years, I have used what is called by many a chicken coop heater. Fairly upright is has a fan and heating elements. It also has a tip over switch. What I have found is that a low tempreture with a fan cirulates the air. Cirulation seems to take care of mildue--not the heat. I leave two ports open that are under the dodger to increase that circulation. But several years ago a boat burned to the waterline using a heater like mine. The people were on board and sleeping, but apprently had clothing too close to the heater. This scared me so I have now bought a ceramic heater like you, LaDonna. The problem is that its lowest setting is 55 degrees so I am buying a plug in cube that has a setting of 40 degrees. I also turn on my Wabasco diesel furnance to a 35 degree setting. When the power goes out, then this furnance can take over. The results are that I have not had a cold related problem in the boat in several years and no mildue for longer. I apologise with a smile to all those boat owners who have to pull their boats each year and don't have this problem. I may even go sailing this afternoon.
LesIt's a beautiful day for it, Les
My sources in Seattle say it's gorgeous, if cold. Same down here. Unfortunately, my boat is not only broken, it's the temporary housing for my aunt who's visiting. LaDonna
My sources in Seattle say it's gorgeous, if cold. Same down here. Unfortunately, my boat is not only broken, it's the temporary housing for my aunt who's visiting. LaDonna
good ventilation
i use to try and keep the interior of my boat heated, ive use many different sources, lights, heaters, dehumidifiers. the system that works best for me is just good ventilation, my dingy covers my front hatch on the fore deck, which i crack open, with the air vent aft open i get plenty of ventilition without any snow entering the boat. i also use two canister type dehumidifiers. this works best for me here in alaska but i dont know if it would work for someone living on thier boat.
i use to try and keep the interior of my boat heated, ive use many different sources, lights, heaters, dehumidifiers. the system that works best for me is just good ventilation, my dingy covers my front hatch on the fore deck, which i crack open, with the air vent aft open i get plenty of ventilition without any snow entering the boat. i also use two canister type dehumidifiers. this works best for me here in alaska but i dont know if it would work for someone living on thier boat.
Don't forget to plug it in! (like I did)
I use two passive heaters, one in each end of the boat. They do a good job of keeping mildew away. In fact, better than I had ever known, until last September. I left the boat for three weeks & had forgotten to plug in the heaters. When I returned to my boat "YIKES" mildew on every discernable piece of interior wood.! It took hours to clean up. So now, after learning the hard way, I always double check to ensure my heaters are plugged in. As for the heating bill, $16/month.
I use two passive heaters, one in each end of the boat. They do a good job of keeping mildew away. In fact, better than I had ever known, until last September. I left the boat for three weeks & had forgotten to plug in the heaters. When I returned to my boat "YIKES" mildew on every discernable piece of interior wood.! It took hours to clean up. So now, after learning the hard way, I always double check to ensure my heaters are plugged in. As for the heating bill, $16/month.
Thermostatic controled heater
I use a dehumidifier and an electric heater that has a thermostat on it. It can be set down as low as frost or freez alert. The heater is seperate unit from the dehumidifier . Im in the water all winter and havent had any trouble keeping it dry.
I use a dehumidifier and an electric heater that has a thermostat on it. It can be set down as low as frost or freez alert. The heater is seperate unit from the dehumidifier . Im in the water all winter and havent had any trouble keeping it dry.
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