Oday 20 cabin ventilation

[DanaT]

I've cleaned out all the gear and junk in the cabin and now had more time to inspect what I've got myself into. Well, I did want a project. Looks like I got one.
1st thing I see is there is really no ventilation in the cabin except a few slots in the companionway boards. The previous owner installed a small solar fan on the deck but that doesn't look like much. I am really surprised there is no ventilation or hatch or anything. Smells pretty strong of mildew.
Any suggestions on best way to add some ventilation to the cabin?

 

[Brian S]

A solar fan in the deck or hatch, plus louvers in the drop boards, are pretty much the standard for small boats.

Once you clean the interior and deal with existing mustiness, you'll probably be ok.

 

[Pat]

Many years ago we bought a Catalina 22 new from a dealer that installed a Beckson Vent-O-Mate in all his new boats that was
placed in the bow area (fiberglass area) over the v-berth and it exhausted 250 cu.ft. per hour anytime there was a 7 mph breeze.
In Kansas that is a calm day....a little editorial...anyway, the vent always worked like a champ..would not leak even in the worst of storms and wind and came with a stainless cover..Never closed it in 7 years of ownership year-round..I would install another in a NY minute.....they still make them and WMarine carries theim...I think Defenders does as well....they are simple...you never mess with them and they make zero noise. Patrick

 

[DanaT]

Gee, I didn't realize these little fans move so much air. Sounds like this will be OK after all.
Today opened all enclosures, raised the cushions, sponged any bilge water. Apparently one of the previous owners was a bit concerned about sinking. There is pieces and sheets of Styrofoam stuffed everywhere. This can't help much with ventilation.
Thanks for your replies.

 

[markwbird]

I had the same problem. Mildew smell. I installed a Nicro solar vent and then bought a small space heater that I keep going in the cabin all the time. Keeps the interior dry. Works great. Of course, you will need AC power for that.

 

[DanaT]

Come spring I will put my ozone air cleaner in the cabin for awhile. That should give me a good start. I didn't look at the MFG but it has a solar vent. I think the key is keeping it dry in there.

 

[4father]

The bigger question might be, "where is all the moisture is coming from?" Methodically search the entire boat for water intrusion indications. Look for water staining on the inside of the cabin top, squishy stanchions, soggy cushions, wet bulkheads... keep searching until you find the point of entry. Assume the water has migrated a looooong way from where it entered the boat to where you might see it collecting.

 

[DanaT]

Going to play detective in the spring. I am suspecting bedding issues on the deck hardware that may not have been installed correctly.

 

[Brian S]

If you have deck fitting bedding issues:
1) "Potting" deck penetrations http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/sealing_the_deck
2) How to use butyl tape: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

Even if you choose to use some other bedding goop, that article on butyl tape will help you.

 

[DanaT]

If you have deck fitting bedding issues:
1) "Potting" deck penetrations http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/sealing_the_deck
2) How to use butyl tape: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

Even if you choose to use some other bedding goop, that article on butyl tape will help you.

Nice tutorials, thanks. I presume this also recommended under the teak rails as well?

 

[4father]

+1 on the butyl tape. I bought four rolls this year and haven't been disappointed.

 

[Brian S]

Personally, I tend to use butyl tape on things that are through-bolted, not just screwed in. I don't really expect to use it on my toe rails, which are only screwed into the deck. However, I will countersink the pilot holes in the fiberglass for the toe rails, before sealing with something like 3M 4000 or Sikaflex.