Condensation Under Shrink Wrap

[douglee25]

What are some other ways besides using damp-rid to remove moisture under a shrink wrapped boat? I have 4 vents on the wrap and for whatever reason, the condensation is very visible under the wrap itself. I have thought about putting a fan in there for a day or two. Any thoughts?

Doug

 

[Woody]

Dehumidifier??

 

[Quint4]

I keep one of these running in the cabin over the winter (my boat is covered and winterized).....maybe it would help? Available at WEST MARINE.

 

[douglee25]

I double checked on the number of required vents for my size boat. They recommend 6 apparently. I have used 4 in the past without issues, but I suppose you can never have too much ventilation. I checked Walmart's site and they have very small ceramic heaters for under $20 that may add some dry air to do the trick. The have overheat protection, so it probably should be OK for some temporary use. I may swing there on the way home.

Doug

 

[giff1]

My freinds and I shrink wrap our own boats. We use four 12"x12" plastic house vents from Home Depot,two taped on each side. We also use two regular shrink wrap vents for the stern. This gives us alot more air in the boat and still keeps the rain out.

 

[douglee25]

My freinds and I shrink wrap our own boats. We use four 12"x12" plastic house vents from Home Depot,two taped on each side. We also use two regular shrink wrap vents for the stern. This gives us alot more air in the boat and still keeps the rain out.

Do you have a link? I can not seem to locate the size you mentioned?

Doug

 

[kelnoegut]

An old Salty Dog told to me to use a Bag of Charcoal in the Cabin area. You will always have some condensation collect this will help the interior.

 

[douglee25]

Just to update everyone, I purchased a $20 ceramic heater from Lowes yesterday. I put the unit on low heat and put the thermostat at about 40-50%. Within 24 hours it was dry as a bone in there. I turned down the thermostat to about 30% now and I'll let it run for a few more days and I'll keep an eye on it.

The unit has tip over protection and also overheat protection. Not bad for $20 bucks.

Doug

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=42722-87513-DQ720&lpage=none

 

[Groucho]

Wouldn't a regular circulating fan do the same thing if you left it on?

 

[douglee25]

It may have. It was just super damp in there that I felt heat would do a better job than just circulating air. I will probably throw the unit into the cabin area as well to take the moisture out of the air. It should help keep any mold from forming over the winter.

Doug

 

[Daddubo]

Do you have the cabin door, Engine Hatch and port holes open to let air circulate. I would find the mirror on the head door always fogged up when I went in to it to do work so I opened every thing up even all the storage cabinets and compartments so it could get air all through it and take advantage of the few warm days we have left. The engine compartment has a lot of moisture in it after winterizing. I also found water in the storage under the side cushion in the V berth from a loose railing bolt. I haven't been in it for over a week to check it for some reason my wife thinks my time would be better spent putting in a new floor in the bedroom, I don't get it?:grin:

 

[douglee25]

Everything is open except the engine hatch. I wasn't sure how good an idea it would be to leave that open since I do have a gas engine and I'm sure the fan motor/ceramic element are not 100% sealed? I checked last night again and things still seem drive which is great.

Any idea if opening up the hatch would be a good thing or not?

Doug

 

[Daddubo]

.

Any idea if opening up the hatch would be a good thing or not?

Doug[/quote]
If you are vented and don't smell gas when you open the hatch you should be good. It will also help to keep the condensation out of the engine compartment from the temperature changes and give is a chance to dry out.