"KLC Lewis" wrote in message
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"Justin C" wrote in message
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In article , Larry wrote:
Leave the AC run all summer and the dehumidifier running all winter to
keep the boat dried out. Your problem goes away as soon as the air
inside the boat is DRY, not like a North Carolina swamp.

Out of interest, is it possible to keep the air in a boat dry? OK, if
you've got a de-humidifier running 24/7, and the boat is closed up then,
yep, I expect it'll dry out, but what about a boat that's used
regularly? Can you ever dry it out?

Justin.

--
Justin C, by the sea.

The two most important words, IMO, are, "Insulate and ventilate."
Insulating both above and below the waterline wherever possible keeps
condensation down, while ventilation keeps the humidity inside the boat
close to that of outside the boat, but prevents stale air and heat
build-up. Solar-powered Nicro Day/Night vents work very well if properly
placed, combined with passive vents belowdecks. The problem is not heat
and humidity per se, but differences in heat and humidity.


I agree. I've got the spaces between the component (inner liner) and the
hull all poured with two-part, urethane closed-cell foam. It makes the boat
stronger, quieter, unsinkable and eliminates the condensation in all but the
most ideal conditions for it. The overhead will get condensation on it when
cooking and boiling water but that's about it and that soon evaporates. Also
keeping the hatches open when aboard, which is most of the time for us real
sailors, helps keep the boat surfaces and air temperature in synch so you're
correct there Karin. When the water becomes colder than the air, regular
uninsulated boats sweat something awful on the inside surfaces below, at and
slightly above the water line. The same principle as a glass of iced tea
'sweating.'

If a boat doesn't have an insulated hull it's going to sweat and their is
nothing that can be done for it bar making a floating home out of it and
keeping it plugged into the grid and running de-humidifiers and air
conditioners. If you have to do that then what's the use of even owning a
boat. Just another waste of resources. Why is it people never even consider
that boats were never meant to be as luxurious as homes ashore. Sail them
and stop complaining or just find something else to do.

Wilbur Hubbard