Heat build up under boat cover

potis

potis

Active Member
Oct 15, 2006
143
San Ramon, CA
Boat Info
1998 400 DA Sundancer
"Soggy Dollar"
Engines
8.1L V-Drives
I have an '06 240 Sundeck. I had a custom Sunbella fabric cover made for the boat right after I purchased it. It covers the boat and wraps down around the hull to just a few inches above the water line, so that it not only keeps out the winter weather, it protects the gelcoat year round. There is no other cover (carport, etc) over the boat. Here is the problem. In the summer during warmer periods, it has gotten so hot under the cover that it has actually damaged parts of the boat: The adhesive holding in the headliner in the head compartment gave way, the shelf that houses the stereo unit literally melted and deformed. I'm trying to figure out what I could do to prevent such severe heat build up, without actually removing the cover itself. A small fan connected to a T-stat might help, but I don't know if it would really remove any of the heat, just circulate it. Any ideas are appreciated. :huh:
 
Why not use the cockpit cover and tonneau cover in the summer and the mooring cover in the winter? Do you have a covered slip or do you keep it somewhere else?
 
I've been thinking of those also.. Even using just my cockpit and tonneau covers ( which of course are black :smt009 ) makes it awfully hot during the summer. And I like the idea of venting out the moisture as well. I wonder if one is sufficient at the helm, which would be the highest point?
 
I'm in North Texas, where we get hot!!! :D

I keep the covers on even in storage, just to keep dust etc. out. However, it has to breath. I open the transom door and flip open the anchor locker to not only let it dry, but let air circulate. I also open the storage doors, head, move the seat cushoins open and open the sole storage door. Everything is open, air can move through from front to back. ;)

It gets hot, but it stays nice a fresh and it's not near hot enough to melt anything.

I know that's probably not ideal for a boat sitting outside in the elements, but it still have to breath like Frank pointed out.
 
I just got my new Westland Sharkskin cover an I plan on adding 2 vents (1 front/1 back) like the ones in the link. It they don't quite do the job I think I might try one of those solar vents.
 
Thanks for all the input. I think the solar powered vents are the way to go. This way, they will actually help draw the hot air out, rather than just let the heat rise up through the vents.
thanks again. I've got a new project for the weekend. :smt101
 
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