Water in storage during winter

[Popscott]

Hello,
I have my 26x trailered over the winter and the boat was tarped off. Today I found some water in the storage (seating) Right next to the stove. Everything was drained and dry when I put the boat in my storage unit.
Any thoughts?

[mrron_tx]

Storage unit ?? As in an enclosed space with a door ?? Do You live in cold country where maybe some water bottles may have frozen and busted More info would be helpful . Ron.

[Jimmyt]

After you tell Ron where you are and describe your climate, tell whether your storage unit is cooled, heated, or ventilated, or some combination. If heated, is it gas heat? If gas heat is it vented. Based on what I know (nothing), and assuming that the storage unit roof doesn't leak, I might guess some sort of condensation issue. The fact that it was still there for you to find indicates low ventilation and/or a moisture source. Dirt floor, or concrete?

We're an inquisitive lot....

[mrron_tx]

After you tell Ron where you are and describe your climate, tell whether your storage unit is cooled, heated, or ventilated, or some combination. If heated, is it gas heat? If gas heat is it vented. Based on what I know (nothing), and assuming that the storage unit roof doesn't leak, I might guess some sort of condensation issue. The fact that it was still there for you to find indicates low ventilation and/or a moisture source. Dirt floor, or concrete?

We're an inquisitive lot....

Yep We are. And condensation is a possibility if He has it near a coastal area....like Ours are. Oh well...maybe We will find out Ron.

[Popscott]

I live in a cold climate, outdoor storage but boat was tarped. Ventalation was poor all winter and I found heavy condensation in the head. With paper towel soaked but no evidence of standing water in on floor. All cushions dry.
Also no water bottles on the boat that would have cracked over winter.

Ryan Scott

[Highlander]

I store my boat in my none heated shop but run a small w/m round 120v dehumidifier from fall to spring inside the boat to combat humidity & mold ,

J

[Jimmyt]

Good info. Was the head door closed?

Assuming that your tarp wasn't leaking liquid water and you don't have massive deck leaks, etc. I'd put my money on condensation. You're lucky if you didn't have anything freeze and break. Condensation in structures in cold climates can wreak havoc. Without some ventilation to purge the moist air out, or Highlander's sure-kill approach of putting a dehumidifier in the boat, a short period of high ambient humidity will flood the tarped enclosure with moist air. Then, if you get a fairly rapid cool-down, all of that trapped moisture will condense on cold surfaces within the boat; metal, plexi windows to the outside, single layer fiberglass construction, through-bolts, etc. - anything that can cool rapidly. The better you trap it, the more condensate you're likely to see.

If you can maintain the air in the boat at equilibrium with the ambient air, you could probably prevent it. If the air exchange with the outside is slow enough that the cool-down happens faster than the moisture migration, you'll have condensation issues.

Best guess without knowing more specifics...

Ron and the others may have better ideas.

[K9Kampers]

My is bow-frame covered outside during the winter. Companion way boards off and bow hatch propped open for natural airflow and ambient temperature.

[mrron_tx]

Well..... sounds like condensation is the main culprit , with lack of airflow or stagnant air coming in a close second I live in a moderately humid area , but keep Dauntless inside My shop , I usually keep My little dorm style fridge running , which helps keep the interior warm enough to keep most of the humidity down. Sounds like K9Kampers seems to have it figured out to a science I would likely borrow that mod if I were You Ron.

[Popscott]

Hello,
Thank you for all your replies. After finally getting time to go through the cabin I found some Disney water bottles shoved into a hidden space under the sink that leaked. Also the other main issue was lack of ventilation. To combat this problem I made a new hatch with vent you can close from inside. So far it's working.

[Jimmyt]

Hidden Disney water bottles leaking was my next guess..(wth). Glad it wasn't anything too serious!