Hatch open or closed during winter?

Sicktght311

Active Member
Sep 21, 2021
107
Boat Info
Sundancer 270
Engines
7.4L MPI/Bravo3
Boat is shrink wrapped by the marina, and they left a bunch of triangular shaped flaps/cuts around the bow rails to allow for airflow during winter. They left my cabin door closed, but the hatch open a bit to allow for airflow into the cabin. My concern is if there's a stiff sideways rain during the winter, is it possible some rainwater/moisture could find its way through the holes and into the cabin through the hatch? Wouldn't it be smarter to close the hatch, leave the cabin door slightly ajar, and put a bunch of damp rid tubs around? They also have a couple push in plastic vents at the top where the shrink wrap is propped up by 2x4s to allow for airflow there as well.
 
Hmm...I've never seen hatches open under shrink wrap around my area. As far as I know everyone closes them up 100% with a 6+ pack of Dam Rid inside the cabin.

I wouldn't be comfortable with an open hatch over winter...
 
Yeah i kinda figured the same. It was a weird move i wasnt expecting. I have to head down there tomorrow, so i think i might close it up and just leave the cabin door cracked. I have 3x large tubs of damp rid in the cabin, so that should take care of any moisture
 
I would never leave a hatch open for the winter under shrinkwrap
 
Raccoons, mink, skunks and other critters looking to get out of the elements….
 
…and just leave the cabin door cracked.

I would advise against that route - close the cabin up. Sometimes it helps to prop things open (cabinet doors, fridges, etc) to ensure that there are no closed up spaces inside.
 
Side and aft cabin sliding windows stay open year round with screens. Hatches no. Never ever had critters. Never ever had mold either, leave windows gapped. Boats need ventilation.
 
Noted all around. Thanks for confirming my concerns
 
Just my opinion, i dont shrink wrap, but the slits are for breathing cause that white plastic dont. Wouldn’t hurt to prop open the hatch (one) just a crack for vent, but not enough to let a ‘coon in. You don’t want mold.
When you look at boats on boattrader, facebook, craiglist etc, amd you see cockpit seats with grey stains, it ain’t dirt, its mold, and it ain’t coming off. Dont be that guy.
 
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Or just forget the shrinkwrap……
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Air circulation keeps mold away. On both our sail and power boats the ports in the heads stay open 24,7 year round unless heat in on. Unlikely much rain will get under shrink wrap and then in boat. Bilges are dry every spring. When not wrapped any water that comes thru the head portlights just drains into the floor drains. Air flow is your friend.
 

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