26X - Condensation and ventilation

[Gary N]

As a new owner of a 26X moored in a freshwater bay, we are noticing a lot of condensation in the boat as a result of the cold winter temperatures that fluctuate about 10C.

The condensation is really making everything wet and the boat is smelling a bit damp and musty.

I was wondering what people do to combat this? I know it would be better to remove the boat from the water, etc, but I want to use this boat 12 months of the year so it will remain in the water.

There doesn't appear to be any decent ventilation on the boat and I was wondering if this was worth modifying to provide this?

Other ideas I have considered are storing a load of newspapers or a bucket of salt on the boat to absorb moisture. Anyone have any experience of doing this?

[Laika 26X]

This was/is my solution-

Odor Control
Based upon recommendation by John Greviskis of "Ship Shape TV" http://www.shipshapetv.com/, I used the following aboard LAIKA:
ProActive Cleaning Systems http://www.proactivecleaningsystems.com/ Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2)
I "shocked it"with the 24 hr ProAction 24 , and now use the ProLong 90 during layup.
You could use the ProAction 30 for the shorter periods.
Both available at Defender.com for ~$30 USD.
Cleaned up the smell, and I have evidence of the mold on retreat.

Ventilation
Due to the inherint lack of ventilation, I will be installing two the following streamlined dorado's this spring:
Plastimo Streamlined Dorado Box P/N 51637, available at http://www.marisafe.com/store/default.asp ~$88 USD each.
Their look and fit will serve LAIKA nicely. So it's worth it to me.

I still intend to use the ProActive sytem during each layup.

Water Intrusion
Scan the forums/mods for limiting rain water in the bilge (resealing forestay and port/stbd chainplates, etc)

"Sub" Ed

[AlaskaMan]

I live in Southeast Alaska and we get plenty of rain. To keep the moisture from building up I have a few "dri z air's inside.
http://www.drizair.com/

If you have electricity available you can also run one of these
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... 1/8200/0/0

They should help take care of your problem.

[restless]

It's a hard one... being uk based means we're well blessed with rain.
As well as annoying, the condensation question is quite fascinating. Is it better leaving the boat fully open to breathe or sealed up tight?
If you run a heater in it, does it not just suck in cold damp air as it cools? Will the warmth absorb more water in the air only to dump it back again as soon as the dew point is reached?
Seems the options are heat all night, or run a dehumidifier for an hour or so a day.. fine for on your drive only.
I suppose some of these absorbing bag things for caravans etc may be useful.. never really tried them.
I'd love to really know what the best options are for dealing with this tricky dynamic

[eddy]

Have the same problem over here in the Netherlands, end of this month i'm going to the Boot Messe in Dusseldorf hope i can find something to solve this problem. I think a lot of solarpowerd ventilaton could be the best solution...

[Craig LaForce]

How does that ClO2 thing work? is it a device or a powder or ? I have a lot of mildew on the boat and am very allergic to it. Thanks

[Kelly Hanson East]

I live in upstate NY which has a pretty good wet season - i have two Nicro vents on my boat and keep air going into it at all times. In Spring and Fall, I wipe down the interior with a mild bleach solution (keep away from fabric) and leave the residual on. I get very minimal mold, if any at all.

[Laika 26X]

It's a powder.

They give you everything you need. Essentially, you get a jar that’s divided in half, which contains the two chemical powders. You also receive a bag that’s clear plastic on one side, and paper cloth on the other (similar to coffee filter material).
You pour the both contents of the jar, shake the bag (reminds me of "Shake-n-Bake"!) to mix it thoroughly, and then hang it with the provided steel hook from a convenient spot in the cabin. I have an eye strap on the over head just aft of the compression pole that I use to hang a Weems-n –Plath Lantern from that works for me. I also keep the head door open.
Remember to use the Proactive 24 first to “shock it” (like a swimming pool), then use the 30 or 90 day solution.

I can say I see the mold disappearing. It really gets into the cracks and crevices as well as the cushions and other fabric aboard.

On a scale of 1-10, it’s a heavy 8.

"Sub" Ed

[restless]

I don't see how ventilation is really going to help... lets face it, you get more condensation on the outside (when not windy) which is completely open! Guess it just dries out a little sooner in the morning sometimes.
I've just fixed a dehumidifier which I'll set to run for half an hour a day with the boat sealed up tight as a drum next winter. But I would still like a good solution as I don't like waking up with drippy cabin roof either. I'm considering putting some insulation up in some of the ceiling sections where there's no double skin. Just got to find the right stuff.
Some of the old brass portholes were made with drip guides and catchers! It's all about cold surfaces.

[Craig LaForce]

Thanks Laika!

[nedmiller]

I would be sure and do a bit of research first on the possible corrosive effects of Chlorine Dioxide. It has potential to corrode--do a search on Chlorine Dioxide and stainless steel. Of course the type of stainless is a factor. Not sure it would be an issue, but do some checking.

Silk

[moondancer]

Farmer almanac solution to unwanted odors, will not solve condensation problem. A 1/2 inch of non-sudsing ammonia in a glass pie plate, don't use metal, will remove all odors. leave sit for 24 hours closed up and then ventilate well. It is a bit rough going in to retrieve the plate so hold your breathe. This has also removed the stale smoke smell from smokers cars. Mike

[Gary N]

The Chlorine Dioxide solution may be overkill for what we need.

The problem as I see it is that there is pretty much no ventilation in a closed up MAC and until there is some ventilation there will always be an issue with excess condensation and the problems that that brings. Last weekend we motored about a bit for about 10 minutes with the front hatch opened and that make a huge difference.

Has anyone tried those small solar powered fan assisted vents? They look a bit like upturned dog bowls. I'm wondering if one of those would do the job?

[Rick Westlake]

Due to the inherint lack of ventilation, I will be installing two the following streamlined dorado's this spring:
Plastimo Streamlined Dorado Box P/N 51637, available at http://www.marisafe.com/store/default.asp ~$88 USD each.
Their look and fit will serve LAIKA nicely. So it's worth it to me.

Let us know how well those "dorade boxes" actually work! And please post a photo or two - preferably, at least one with a ruler alongside it so we can all see how big the "teardrops" actually are.

I had used a Nicro solar vent on Beija-Flor, and I was afraid it just pulled in more moisture than it dissipated. This left me reluctant to install one on Bossa Nova, but there's more to "needing ventilation" than just condensation control.

I am now giving some thought to a pair of Plastimo #16933 Dorade boxes. These are a molded-plastic design with rounded ends, but the airflow and water-shedding system is near identical to the boxes that Olin Stephens designed for the yacht Dorade. (Which gave its name to those vents!) But those "teardrop" boxes would look nice and sleek on the cabin top of a 26X.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Gary - the solar vents are made my Nicro - see post above. Moving air through the boat will help keep mildew down in my experience. You and I probably a share similar climates, Im a bit colder here than Wales (Im actually Bristol born, the one the other side of the Severn)