Boat smell

[FittsFly]

OK, so recent rains have caused reoccurring smells in my 26 X . Anybody know of a good treatment for the winter to stop smells? I wondered about a bleach spray but dont want to make a mistake for next spring sailing!

[Stickinthemud57]

Check out your local big box store. I have seen bags of odor absorbers that look like rocks. I have never tried them, so don't know how well they work. If you have access to shore power, perhaps an ozone-generating air cleaner would work. I have one at the house for the occasional odor run amok. Just run one in a room with people or pets (or plants?). Ozone is a lung irritant.

[NiceAft]

I see you’re in New Mexico. Is your Mac covered? If yes, you might try leaving the hatch opened a crack so there is some venting.

[Ixneigh]

Leak patrol, and ventilation. These are the best options. Nothing smelly will occur in a dry well ventilated boat. If it’s covered, like with shrink wrap, even residual moisture will cause odors there’s no ventilation, especially in hot climates.

Ix

[Stickinthemud57]

Ventilation, definitely.

I recently devised and installed a cabin vent system just behind the mast with a timer. It has definitely helped keep the humidity and mildew under control. If anyone is interested, I can post details in the mods section. Note - requires 3D printed parts and a white frisbee from Academy sporting goods.

[kmclemore]

I installed a solar-powered vent to the port side of the mast. It has been working effectively for over 15 years. I replaced the battery once (required soldering). The battery gets charged all day long, and continues the fan running many hours after dark. It prevents mold growth and also eliminates any smells. Being above the galley on my 26X, it also draws out any cooking smells and humidity. I strongly recommend that every owner install one - the boat really should have had one when new.

https://www.amazon.com/Marinco-Solar-Po ... B075N7KPY3

[Ixneigh]

Re:solar vent. I was going to install one in the same place but the opposite side (strbd) I was worried about a tripping hazard.
Re:custom vent. yes please do post details

Ix

[Starscream]

Once mold and mildew has set in, it's hard to get the smell out, even with ventilation.

One option that has worked for me is to use an ozone generator. You can get cheap chinese ones on Amazon, or more expensive quality ones from industrial supply outlets, depending on your preference. I use an Amazon one, and it's quite effective. The ozone smell last a day or two, but really helps reset the boat smell back to the point where ventilation can maintain it.

OBV don't go in your boat when the generator is or has been working. Read the manual.

[Russ]

For many years I enjoyed the "New boat smell" of fiberglass resin. My wife, not so much.

[The Islander]

Hey Guys,

Just spending time in my newly acquired 26M. After spending the last 4 weeks dealing with approaching and in the eye hurricanes it is good to be back onboard.

Smell? Interesting sense. I have spent most of my life around fiberglass, resins and assorted other ways to kick up fiberglass smells. I think the brain cells have not been effected yet. I will keep you posted.

My best solution to curtailing fiberglass smells is to have a "bait bucket" attached to the boat at "all times". If you need to alter the air around the cabin area, either bring the bucket onboard or cook the shrimp or other fish soon afterwards. If you really want to kill the smell of fiberglass bring the old dead shrimp in the bait bucket onboard and let it sit for 48 hours.

Any thoughts or smells?

Ed