Leave the cabin closed up?

[firecadet613]

My boats about to go into indoor, unheated storage for 6 months. I was planning on closing up the cabin and putting a canister of Damp-Rid, and some Bounce dryer sheets in there. In the cockpit I plan on using a canister of Damp-Rid, Bounce dryer sheets, and a No Pest Strip.

Should I keep the cabin doors and porthole windows closed for the duration of the winter? Or open up a porthole window with a screen so air gets in and out?

 

[BadaBingII]

I think your best off leaving the cabin closed. I have had my boat in cold storage for years. Every once in a while , someone will sand their bottom paint and the dust it creates gets all over the boat. It's easy enough to wash off the outside, but if the paint dust were to get inside, I think it would be a challenge to clean. Would also reduce your chances of allowing critters access to your cabin.

I typically do the dryer sheets and replace the damp rid every 3 months. Never had an issue.

 

[wetpaint]

good point and don't forget about those pigeons that take up shelter for the winter.......they might get board and might want to try to watch tv in the cabin

 

[dpvandy01]

I've said this before but here we go... I keep the cabin closed with two large rubbermaid tubs full of cedar chips (hamster stuff) keeps the moisture down and the cabin smells fantastic in the spring. I visit the boat monthly and "fluff" the chips. It has worked very well for me for 9 seasons so far.

 

[Stray Cat]

Ditto - Closed AND locked! I have indoor cold stored (non heated) for years without any ventilation or moisture supresants and our 3 yr old interior still smells factory new. My previous boat was 7 yrs old and never any mold or mildew. In the spring the boat will undergo a sweat period, the key is to let the interior temp come up at the same rate as the hull. As long as the boat is indoors and out of the sun, it seems to do that without a problem.

 

[67vetteal]

Keep it closed. By Venting you also allow a fresh supply of moisture to invade the cabin on a regular basis. Al W.