Patrick
Are you in Seward or Richardson Bay? Expect the environment may have an impact on the type of steps you need to try.
I'm in the water for my second winter. Visit the boat for several days at a time. Last year it was electric heaters, this year it is a Diesel forced air heater. I noticed a much dryer condition on board, during my last visit temps in the 30's at night, rain storms blowing through, using the diesel heater than when I relied on the electric radiant oil heater and the ceramic radiant space heater from the prior year. The temps were more balanced. Placing the diesel heater in the aft void behind the cockpit removed much of the noise of the heater from the cabin. After my first use in chilled weather, I plan to insulate the duct work that runs through the lazarette. It did make the lazerette space toasty while working on the engine, but the lost heat would be better served in the cabin. The key I learned is to get outside air into the boat. Even in the rain the outside air is drier than the air inside the boat. I plumbed a duct to bring outside air into the heater where it is mixed with the cabin return, heated then blown into the boat.
Dealing with moisture in the V-berth appears to be insulation of walls and decking to minimize condensation. I do not yet have this solved, but I have reduced the impact a lot. I installed an air gap between the V-Berth cushion and the deck, using a mattress pad called Hypervent. I rolled it out and cut it to the size of the V-Berth pad. Damp cushions are gone.
Next I plan to cut a piece of foam insulation and fit it to the hatch opening. Considering doing the same for the Anchor Locker. Still not sure how to best address this problem area. I want to keep the moisture on the outside of the wood in the locker not dripping down the wood inside the v-berth.
Just the progress I have made to make my boat a comfortable place to be on those dark and stormy nights.
