humidity control during layup

[ieyp35d]

over the years I have heard about a number of ways of controling cabin humidity during layup

1) take 2 5 gallon buckets, one with holes drilled in the bottom of it, and fill with the salt used on concrete in the winter to prevent spalding. The bucket filled with the salt sits on a screen fit into the nondrilled bucket
2) Bucket full of brickets/coal
3) cedar shavings

Does anyone have any experience with these or other ideas other than the usual "damp rid"?

Thanks
Jordan

 

[Bridog]

Jordan, Just curious... did you not have good results with the store bought stuff??

 

[ieyp35d]

To be honest - I have never been really impressed with the damp rid. What I disocvered by using those chambers with the crystals is that some water would accumulate in the collection cup. However, often times the crystals would congeal and become solid with a layer of water ultimately floating on top. It may simply be a volume issue - the amount of humidity in the boat pending the marina shrinkwraping exceeds what these containers can withdraw. I'm not sure. That is one of the reasons I was looking to see what other people do.

 

[Tyree Too!]

We've used the Damp Rid hanging bags for over 5 years (two different boats) with excellent results! The bags hold about 14 ounces of water -- when it's full the crystals in the top section of the bag are gone and you just pitch the whole thing and replace. We use two bags in the cabin (one hangs on the refrigerator door handle and the other on the vanity door handle in the head) of our 270 and have never ever had a problem with mold or mildew anywhere, plus the boat always smells fresh and clean. We change the bags about every three weeks year round. I also use the Damp Rid plastic container in the refrigerator and keep the door closed. (We don't leave the refrigerator running when we're not using the boat.) I've never had mold develop anywhere in there. I buy the bags at Walmart for a reasonable price.

Maybe we're just lucky but they sure work well for us. Our boat sits in the water 24/7 365 and not on a lift. It's in a covered dock, our lake never freezes so no bubblers needed. The Captain visits the boat regularly during the off season and the cabin door gets opened to admit the cold and sometimes damp air. Still no problem using the Damp Rid bags.

NAYY but I could probably do commercials.

Peggy

 

[dpvandy01]

over the years I have heard about a number of ways of controling cabin humidity during layup

1) take 2 5 gallon buckets, one with holes drilled in the bottom of it, and fill with the salt used on concrete in the winter to prevent spalding. The bucket filled with the salt sits on a screen fit into the nondrilled bucket
2) Bucket full of brickets/coal
3) cedar shavings

Does anyone have any experience with these or other ideas other than the usual "damp rid"?

Thanks
Jordan

Never tried damp rid but the cedar shavings and rubbermaid tubs has worked very well for me for the past 8 years...