MILDEW HEAVEN 1990 H 27

[JCAL]

I have investigated the drain problem. Then I called Hunter and talked to a rep. There are drain holes in the packing gland area, just before the break into the engine compartment, there are 2 holes about the size of a pencil drilled right and left side. (there are none in the engine compartment because of regulations). Mine were stopped up so tight they would not drain to the bilge, (they looked like some type of a sealer that matched the gelcoat had been put in them.) In fact, there are drain holes in each locker that drain into the bilge. There are drain holes under the cabin sole also. My trusty shop vac cleaned them out. According to Hunter, the outside hull acts like a bowl and any water that drains from the lockers or PK gland areas go between the hulls and drain forward under the engine compartment/cabin sole into the bilge. This brings up a thought for Peggy/Island Girl or anyone with good ideas, need recommendations on what to pour into the holes to kill mildew trapped between the hulls, maybe a fogger of some type to spray back under and through the holes? If you look real good, useing mirrors and lights you will find (MILDEW HEAVEN) under there between the hulls (this is a very large area). Thinking about putting some type of fan or vent for air flow to help the problem any thoughts? This creates a very unhealthy enviroment inside the boat. GOT ANY IDEAS?Jim

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Ventilation

Prevention is the best cure...and ventilation is best way to prevent mildew. The only other alternative is megadoses of bleach, which is corrosive and damaging to rubber etc, and will do more damage over time than good. I'd suggest you also consider enlarging the limber holes for better drainage.And, once or twice a year, a thorough cleaning with detergent and bleach to kill the existing mildew, followed by a VERY thorough rinse to flush out all the dirty water AND the bleach. Keep the bilge as dry as possible by mopping up all the water the bilge pump can't remove.Forget any ideas of using an ozone generator. The over-the-counter models don't generate enough ozone to do more than get rid of the mildew odor, not enough to kill the spores, but enough to be even more corrosive than bleach.Like most boat owners, you're looking for another quick fix that doesn't require time, effort and elbow grease at the dock when you'd rather be on the water. I keep entering the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes too. The odds of successfully maintaining a boat without spending time working on it are about the same as they are that I'll ever win the million.

 

[JCAL]

Quick Fix

Hey Peggy appreciate your response, in order to appreciate the magnitude of the problem you almost have to see the hull configuration. I did because I had to cut a hole through the bottom of the hull from underneath to remove bad glass. When I did I saw areas between the hulls that human eyes have not seen since construction, even found a large wad of masking tape that had been left in there at time of construction. At that time I did wash out with bleach and water the best I could, it was black in there with mold. A large majority of the area is only about 1" to 1.5" between the hulls and not accessible and includes compartments totally impossible to access, such as under the head/shower, the risers for the engine in the engine compartment and grid support work for structural strength. All of these areas are hollow underneath without access. Can't get to these areas to scrub or wash or even get a water hose in there. I am considering a small vent fan about 3 inches in diameter placed in one end of the compartment or running a hose from a outside vent area with a solar went attached, don't know. We just cannot physically access these areas unless we take your idea and cut some serious holes and add removable inspection ports. Its just a bad deal anyway you look at it, I guess. Appreciate your help!Jim

 

[Steve Dion]

No access.

Jim:You are correct that these liners cause problems when you try to clean. There is NO way to scrub the area out. I suggest that you just use a strong bleach and soapy water solution. Pour this in the area that drains where there is access and let it sit. The more the boat moves around with this solution is sitting in there the better. Be sure to clean out the limber holes. After the solution has drained out (the best it can) you should rinse the same area out with fresh waster and then dry it out the best you can.I recommend that you leave a couple of electric fans running on the boat all the time. You may also want to consider a couple of the Day/Nite solar vents in your hatches too.