With winter on the way I'm wondering what others have found is the best way to keep the condensation out of the boat. In the past I've used the "D-Humidify Moisture Absorbers" from WM. Is there something better? Thanks.
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Allen Schweitzer
It depends
Joe, I shrink wrap my boat & I've found that weather-tight shrinkwrap with the hatches left open is a GREAT way to allow some air to circulate while still keeping the boat dry. I've had zero condensation under those circumstances. If you don't shrink wrap, or if you're concerned about leaving your boat unlocked all winter, then I'd stick with the stuff you're currently using, and make sure the bilge is bone dry with as many interior drawers & floor boards left open as possible to help keep moist spots from forming mildew. Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff c-30 Hull# 632
Joe, I shrink wrap my boat & I've found that weather-tight shrinkwrap with the hatches left open is a GREAT way to allow some air to circulate while still keeping the boat dry. I've had zero condensation under those circumstances. If you don't shrink wrap, or if you're concerned about leaving your boat unlocked all winter, then I'd stick with the stuff you're currently using, and make sure the bilge is bone dry with as many interior drawers & floor boards left open as possible to help keep moist spots from forming mildew. Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff c-30 Hull# 632
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Lauraine
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Paul Akers
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John Dawson
Saw it at the boat show
A mat of plastic mesh about 1/2" thick that goes under cushions to give an air space; its called VentairUSA and looked like just the thing to prevent sweating and mold. Also you might remove all cardboard, paper, etc. prone to mold. Air circulation seems to be a major key, so I'm hoping some new solar vents will help.
A mat of plastic mesh about 1/2" thick that goes under cushions to give an air space; its called VentairUSA and looked like just the thing to prevent sweating and mold. Also you might remove all cardboard, paper, etc. prone to mold. Air circulation seems to be a major key, so I'm hoping some new solar vents will help.
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Sid R Ballantyne
West Marine Dehumidifier
I use a Dehumidifier that I purchased at West Marine. I can't remember what it cost but it wasn't too much. You plug it in and it sucks air in throught the bottom drys it by heating it and gently blows it out the top. It never gets so hot that you can't lay your hand on it so its not a fire hazard. I run mine year round here in humid North Carolina and it keeps my boat nice and dry when I am not aboard.
I use a Dehumidifier that I purchased at West Marine. I can't remember what it cost but it wasn't too much. You plug it in and it sucks air in throught the bottom drys it by heating it and gently blows it out the top. It never gets so hot that you can't lay your hand on it so its not a fire hazard. I run mine year round here in humid North Carolina and it keeps my boat nice and dry when I am not aboard.
same as Sid.
We also use a couple of the Turbo Dryer Dehumidifers. They seem to work quite well. We also use Damp Rid. They hang in lockers and other area easily and have a bag that holds the water (amazing product). They also make units that you can place in a sink and let it drain over board. We have also used Golden Rods, but they don't really do much unless that are in an enclosed area.
We also use a couple of the Turbo Dryer Dehumidifers. They seem to work quite well. We also use Damp Rid. They hang in lockers and other area easily and have a bag that holds the water (amazing product). They also make units that you can place in a sink and let it drain over board. We have also used Golden Rods, but they don't really do much unless that are in an enclosed area.
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Ed Ryan
Kitty litter and calcium chloride
I have seen where others have recommended a mixture of kitty litter and calcium chloride (fertilizer), half of each. Put in large plastic or aluminum pans (like throwaway baking pans) and put 4 to 6 at various place in the boat. Put cushions up on edge so that air circulates around them. The mixture absorbs the moisture and collects in the pans. (I tried this last winter, and in the spring each of the pans was almost full of water, and no mildew in the boat.)
I have seen where others have recommended a mixture of kitty litter and calcium chloride (fertilizer), half of each. Put in large plastic or aluminum pans (like throwaway baking pans) and put 4 to 6 at various place in the boat. Put cushions up on edge so that air circulates around them. The mixture absorbs the moisture and collects in the pans. (I tried this last winter, and in the spring each of the pans was almost full of water, and no mildew in the boat.)
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Steve
Sid was it this one?
Sid: We are thinking of buying a dehumidifier for the boat this winter. Was it this one (see link)? Nice to know that it works. It also got two good reviews by shoppers (see article).
Sid: We are thinking of buying a dehumidifier for the boat this winter. Was it this one (see link)? Nice to know that it works. It also got two good reviews by shoppers (see article).
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Sid R Ballantyne
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john withrow
thumbs up on wm dehumid
i also used the wm dehumid last winter for my h26 moored in my driveway. worked like a charm. even the admiral agreed it was worth the money!;D
i also used the wm dehumid last winter for my h26 moored in my driveway. worked like a charm. even the admiral agreed it was worth the money!;D
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john withrow
thumbs up on wm dehumid
i also used the wm dehumid last winter for my h26 moored in my driveway. worked like a charm. even the admiral agreed it was worth the money!;D
i also used the wm dehumid last winter for my h26 moored in my driveway. worked like a charm. even the admiral agreed it was worth the money!;D
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Rob
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Ted Siegel
Whats Wrong with WM
I agree you need to shop for the best buy. But in my 25 years of boating West Marine has often had the best value. Case in point their dehum is the same price as the one on Sailnet.
I agree you need to shop for the best buy. But in my 25 years of boating West Marine has often had the best value. Case in point their dehum is the same price as the one on Sailnet.
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Rob
Price, mostly.
Most of the items carried by WM can be found cheaper elsewhere, so it is my OPINION and general practice to purchase similarly priced items elsewhere, too. If there is something I need in a hurry and Boater's World does not carry it, I will probably pick it up at West. However, after their "plan to take over the market" merger and price hikes, I try to stay away from them. Of course, these are only MY thoughts and I do not attempt to sway others' opinions.
Most of the items carried by WM can be found cheaper elsewhere, so it is my OPINION and general practice to purchase similarly priced items elsewhere, too. If there is something I need in a hurry and Boater's World does not carry it, I will probably pick it up at West. However, after their "plan to take over the market" merger and price hikes, I try to stay away from them. Of course, these are only MY thoughts and I do not attempt to sway others' opinions.
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John Dawson
Ritz Camera
is such a wonderful outfit you sign an arbitration agreement as part of your application.
is such a wonderful outfit you sign an arbitration agreement as part of your application.
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Tim Donley
West Marine
I know this does not pertian to the condensation question but I feel compeled to reply to the last few grumbling entries. I guess all retail establishments suffer from not being everything to everyone. Yes some things are cheaper somwhere else if you spend the time and money to save a few bucks. Usually while your down on the floor picking up nickles and dimes $10 dollar bills are flying out the window in time and gas searching for this savings which sometimes can be worthwhile. Some people have a lot (to much) time on their hands and cannot fathom the thought of doing any different without complaining about it. I work at West Marine and have to say I enjoy working for them and enjoy the respect and goodwill they foster upon their "family" of employees and the effort they put forth to satisfy the customer. We live in the greatest nation in the world because we have freedom of choice. Where we live , where we work , how we live, and where we shop. It's your choice.
I know this does not pertian to the condensation question but I feel compeled to reply to the last few grumbling entries. I guess all retail establishments suffer from not being everything to everyone. Yes some things are cheaper somwhere else if you spend the time and money to save a few bucks. Usually while your down on the floor picking up nickles and dimes $10 dollar bills are flying out the window in time and gas searching for this savings which sometimes can be worthwhile. Some people have a lot (to much) time on their hands and cannot fathom the thought of doing any different without complaining about it. I work at West Marine and have to say I enjoy working for them and enjoy the respect and goodwill they foster upon their "family" of employees and the effort they put forth to satisfy the customer. We live in the greatest nation in the world because we have freedom of choice. Where we live , where we work , how we live, and where we shop. It's your choice.
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Steve
Well Said, Tim
I would like to add my 2 cents... and I have spent considerably more than that in the past and right now, in the present, to my wife's consternation! I have compared prices between the major national stores and a lot of local outfitters. With rare exception, most major items are the same.. nobody gets any great discounts that they pass along to customers.. national or local. If it says "marine grade", expect to pay for it, unless you can get comparable at Ace Hardware or some such. That being said, all West Marine in Washington, as Boat US stores in Florida, I have personally found... their advantage is that they will spend lots of time with you and most are pretty knowledgable, being boat owners, themselves. They give good advice if you have the time to listen and they SPEND that time with their customers. Personal relationships with boaters such as myself make for good customer loyalty and that is the best you can say for any business and West Marine, Boat US and Boaters World do as good a job as any local yokel. Steve
I would like to add my 2 cents... and I have spent considerably more than that in the past and right now, in the present, to my wife's consternation! I have compared prices between the major national stores and a lot of local outfitters. With rare exception, most major items are the same.. nobody gets any great discounts that they pass along to customers.. national or local. If it says "marine grade", expect to pay for it, unless you can get comparable at Ace Hardware or some such. That being said, all West Marine in Washington, as Boat US stores in Florida, I have personally found... their advantage is that they will spend lots of time with you and most are pretty knowledgable, being boat owners, themselves. They give good advice if you have the time to listen and they SPEND that time with their customers. Personal relationships with boaters such as myself make for good customer loyalty and that is the best you can say for any business and West Marine, Boat US and Boaters World do as good a job as any local yokel. Steve
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Ben
2 cents
Having worked for a Boaters World store, and shopped for a few things at West Marine, my opinion is that neither is really better, they are just different. Boater's world tends to have slightly better prices, but the problem for us sailors is that they tend to cater more to trailerable powerboats (and the fishermen in them) than sailors. If you are looking for a product that is applicable to any boat, perhaps look there first. But if you need sailing supplies, you may be better off heading for West Marine. Both stores have good customer service; I speak from experience that Boaters world employees will also go out of their way to get what you need. And just so we don't completely hijack this thread, I'll recommend the calcium chloride dehumidifiers, at least for a small boat. I'm not sure how well they would work for large cabins; you may need to put a lot of them in.
Having worked for a Boaters World store, and shopped for a few things at West Marine, my opinion is that neither is really better, they are just different. Boater's world tends to have slightly better prices, but the problem for us sailors is that they tend to cater more to trailerable powerboats (and the fishermen in them) than sailors. If you are looking for a product that is applicable to any boat, perhaps look there first. But if you need sailing supplies, you may be better off heading for West Marine. Both stores have good customer service; I speak from experience that Boaters world employees will also go out of their way to get what you need. And just so we don't completely hijack this thread, I'll recommend the calcium chloride dehumidifiers, at least for a small boat. I'm not sure how well they would work for large cabins; you may need to put a lot of them in.
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J Olson
Two soler vents
Ive been useing Two nico solar vents they are great they run 24/7 52 weeks out of the year and work under a tarp or shrink rap I have one in the head and one in the vee birth
Ive been useing Two nico solar vents they are great they run 24/7 52 weeks out of the year and work under a tarp or shrink rap I have one in the head and one in the vee birth
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