For the first time I'm putting our boat on the hard for the winter. Since I'm not allow to run power to it I have to do some passive moisture control. I have heard charcoal briquettes are a low cost alternative. Has anyone tired this with success? How much is required?
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Charcoal
RG I haven't ever heard of this one. Before you leave that stuff on your boat, consider ventilation first. Also suggest you review BOAT/US website, and their write ups on charcoal in their Seaworthy magazine. Stu
RG I haven't ever heard of this one. Before you leave that stuff on your boat, consider ventilation first. Also suggest you review BOAT/US website, and their write ups on charcoal in their Seaworthy magazine. Stu
Moisture Control
Get some of the white crystal stuff used to melt ice. Spread a piece of metal screen across the top of a bucket and place a pile of the crystals on the screen. Leave the bucket in the main cabin of the boat. The crystals will draw in the humidity and it will drain into the bucket. Been doing this for years.
Get some of the white crystal stuff used to melt ice. Spread a piece of metal screen across the top of a bucket and place a pile of the crystals on the screen. Leave the bucket in the main cabin of the boat. The crystals will draw in the humidity and it will drain into the bucket. Been doing this for years.
Calcium Chloride
The white crystals that absorb water are calcium chloride. Buy it in the little plastic Dri-Z-Air bags at around a buck apiece, or in a big jug for "melting sidewalk ice" for a couple bucks at Walmart in the winter time. Same compound that Dri-Z-Air sells. Also available in bulk from swimming pool chemical stores.
The white crystals that absorb water are calcium chloride. Buy it in the little plastic Dri-Z-Air bags at around a buck apiece, or in a big jug for "melting sidewalk ice" for a couple bucks at Walmart in the winter time. Same compound that Dri-Z-Air sells. Also available in bulk from swimming pool chemical stores.
Dry storage
Ventilation is the best way to prevent moisture build up. I always remove the speed log transducer. This provides two benefits. First, it permits air to circulate through the bilge and engine areas which carries away moisture, as long as there is an opening higher up for the air to leave the boat. Second, if for any reason the boat should take on a large amount of water, rather than collect inside the hull, where it could freeze or cause damage, most of it will run out.
Ventilation is the best way to prevent moisture build up. I always remove the speed log transducer. This provides two benefits. First, it permits air to circulate through the bilge and engine areas which carries away moisture, as long as there is an opening higher up for the air to leave the boat. Second, if for any reason the boat should take on a large amount of water, rather than collect inside the hull, where it could freeze or cause damage, most of it will run out.
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