Recommendations for Desiccants to control humidity in the cabin over the winter?

[Dave S]

Today while working in the cabin of my boat I noticed the humidty level was at 77 percent. Most of this was due to the fact that it was a relatively warm and foggy day with high humidity and I had the cabin door open. But it got me thinking that maybe I need to use some type of Desiccant in the cabin to absorb excessive moisture in the air during the winter. I don't have any access to electric power so I think that leaves me with few other choices than some thing like this. http://www.alwaysbrilliant.com/aa/aspx-products/1-649/2-45639/SC-FROOGLE/bb/Desiccant Air Dryer.htm

Does anyone use a Desiccant over the winter or have some other method of controlling humidity levels? If so what do you use and how do you place it around the cabin? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

 

[69911S]

Dave,

We have been using this:http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...Primary Search/mode matchallpartial/0/0?N=377 710&Ne=0&Ntt=damp rid&Ntk=Primary Search&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=damp rid&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=12&classNum=380

So far it seems to be working well, and I can attest to the fact that it is both idiot and fool proof. The only thing is that we change the material more often than recommended.

 

[Dave S]

Dave,

We have been using this:http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...Primary Search/mode matchallpartial/0/0?N=377 710&Ne=0&Ntt=damp rid&Ntk=Primary Search&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=damp rid&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=12&classNum=380

So far it seems to be working well, and I can attest to the fact that it is both idiot and fool proof. The only thing is that we change the material more often than recommended.

Thanks for the reply. How many of those units do you use in your 260DA?

 

[69911S]

Just one, as that was the suggested use for our boat.

 

[GJarrett]

How come you couldn't use something simple like the old trick of filling a cheesecloth bag with rice? :smt017

 

[estebanj]

I'm using 1 large DampRid in my 260 since March and haven't had any problems. I need to replace the bag every 30-60 days depending on humidity levels.

One thing I like about this unit is the large size. One thing I dislike is that you have to use the bags. I haven't tried the loose pellets, but it looks like the unit is not meant to support those. DampRid has a few sizes and varieties, so go with the one you like best. I went with the large one purely based on size.

Keep in mind my use is also year round (South Florida humidity) and I also don't have electric 100% of the time.

Esteban

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

I would not use a rice filled bag. It could be a buffet for all those four legged rodents named Mickey.

 

[dpvandy01]

For years now I've used large rubbermaid tubs filled with cedar shavings (hamster shavings). works great and smells good in the spring as well.

 

[Alex F]

Dave,
I'm using the same DampRid from WM for my 240. The only thing is I put the container in the gally sink and the other in the head sink. This way if it overflows it'll just find it's way out via sink drain. This year I'm putting one in the bildge area since I've notice some meldew even before winter season started.

I don't have access to the boat while it's covered, so this is my way of handling this. I'd love to hear other ideas.

Alex.