Saoirse Downs
Condensation is a common problem for boats, especially in the winter or when people are living aboard. Boats are designed to keep water out, but this means they are also good at keeping moisture in. This can lead to condensation, which can cause mould and a damp, unwelcoming environment. To prevent condensation, it is important to reduce the amount of water vapour in the boat and increase ventilation. This can be done by using dehumidifiers, fans, and opening hatches when possible. Insulation can also help, but it must be done carefully to ensure that warm air is not trapped in areas without ventilation, as this can make the problem worse.
How to stop condensation in a fiberglass boat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Closed-cell foam, such as neoprene or cross-linked polyethylene, can be applied to the inside of the hull. |
| A product called Mascoat can be painted on the interior of a fiberglass boat. | |
| Foam insulation can be used to prevent condensation under bunks. | |
| Ventilation | Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) fans can be installed to blow air into the boat or suck air out. |
| Cockpit tents can be used to keep moisture out while allowing for air circulation. | |
| Opening hatches and vents can help circulate air and prevent condensation. | |
| Air exchange with the outside and circulation against the hull surface can reduce condensation. | |
| Dehumidifiers | Dehumidifiers can be used to dry out the air and reduce moisture. |
| Heating | Space heaters or diesel heaters can be used to increase the air's capacity to hold humidity. |
| Cooking | Closing bedroom doors while cooking can prevent warm and moist air from reaching colder areas of the boat. |
| Clothing and bedding | Wet clothes and towels can be dried in a cockpit tent or covered on deck. |
| Bedding and mattresses can be aired out in the cockpit tent before being packed away. | |
| Cushions and bedding can be removed and stored during the fall and winter seasons. | |
| Maintenance | Leaks should be fixed to limit water from entering the boat. |
| The bilge should be kept as dry as possible. | |
| The inside of the hull should be wiped down with a bleach/soap solution and dried regularly. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulate the fiberglass hull
Insulating the hull of a fibreglass boat is a delicate process, as improper insulation can worsen moisture problems. When warm air reaches a cold space behind the insulation, condensation can form in unseen areas.
Closed-cell foam, such as neoprene or cross-linked polyethylene, can be applied to the inside of the hull using contact cement. Cross-linked polyethylene comes in 2 and 3-pound densities, with the latter being antibacterial and flame retardant. However, it is important to note that some of the insulation will be exposed and should be a light colour.
Another option is to use a product like Mascoat, which can be painted on, allowing it to be used in places where foam and carpet are not suitable alternatives.
In addition to insulating the hull, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation. This can be achieved by keeping hatches cracked to allow moist air to escape, using fans to blow air in or suck it out, and ensuring a positive air exchange with the outside.
Finally, it is recommended to regularly clean the inside of the hull with a bleach or soap solution to prevent mould and mildew.
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Use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce condensation in your fibreglass boat. They work by drying out the air, reducing the amount of moisture that can condense. This method is particularly useful if your boat has poor ventilation, a common issue in many production boats.
When using a dehumidifier, it's important to note that they need to be emptied regularly. The collection tank will fill up with the moisture from the air, and this will need to be removed. Depending on the size of the tank, this could be as often as once a week. Additionally, dehumidifiers work best when the air temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the air is colder, the dehumidifier may not be effective, and you may need to consider an alternative method.
Dehumidifiers can be expensive to run, and they may not be a complete solution on their own. However, they can be a very useful tool in combating condensation. If you have access to shore power, an electric dehumidifier is a safer and more efficient option than a space heater. You can also run a hose from the dehumidifier to the bilge, allowing the condensation to discharge directly into the bilge.
In addition to using a dehumidifier, there are other steps you can take to reduce condensation. Proper insulation and ventilation are key. Insulation helps to prevent the circulation of air, as only still air will insulate. By insulating surfaces, you can create a barrier that prevents warm, humid air from meeting cool surfaces and forming condensation. However, be careful when adding insulation, as it can sometimes make the problem worse. Ensure that warm air is not getting into a cold air space behind the insulation, as this can cause condensation in hidden areas.
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Increase ventilation
Well-ventilated boats do not have condensation problems. Ventilation is your helper. If you are finding that your bed gets moist where you sleep, add a ventilation pad under the mattress/cushions.
A cockpit tent is a vital part of minimising condensation in a yacht. It allows you to keep the top hatch open when cooking so that the cooking moisture goes out of the saloon. You can also dry wet clothes and towels in the tent.
When it is warm outside, you can open your hatches to let the moisture out. In cooler months, you can use a fan to blow air in or suck it out. A dorade vent can be used passively, pointing against the wind.
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a large, slow-running fan that takes air from the loft of a house and blows it in through a vent, usually in the ceiling. Amidships fans have been found to work efficiently at keeping boat condensation at bay.
You can also increase ventilation by keeping a hatch cracked to let moist air escape.
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Avoid temperature differences
Temperature differences inside and outside a boat can cause condensation issues. Therefore, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce the impact of temperature fluctuations.
Firstly, ensure that your boat is well-insulated. Closed-cell foam insulation, such as neoprene or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), can be applied to the inside of the hull. XLPE has the added benefits of being antibacterial and flame retardant. Alternatively, a product like Mascoat can be painted on, which is ideal for areas where foam and carpet are not suitable alternatives.
When insulating, be cautious of creating hidden condensation traps. For example, when insulating mattresses, ensure that warm air is not getting into a cold-air space behind the insulation, as this can lead to condensation in unseen areas.
Another strategy to manage temperature differences is to use heating solutions. While space heaters can be effective, they are a common cause of fires. A safer alternative is an electric dehumidifier, which can be run when connected to shore power. Dehumidifiers work by drying out the air, reducing the moisture available to condense. However, they are expensive to run and may not be as effective in temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, consider using fans to manage temperature and airflow. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems, which use large, slow-running fans, can be very effective in keeping condensation at bay. Multiple fans can be strategically placed to ensure efficient airflow throughout the boat.
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Use a cockpit tent
A cockpit tent is an effective way to minimise condensation in a fibreglass boat. While some may consider it a luxury item, it is a valuable tool in reducing moisture in the yacht. Firstly, it allows for cooking moisture to escape. When cooking, the top hatch can be left open, allowing the warm, moist air to escape through the cockpit tent rather than reaching the colder ends of the boat. This is particularly useful in the winter months when the temperature differences inside and outside the boat are more pronounced, leading to increased condensation.
Secondly, a cockpit tent provides a space to dry wet clothes, towels, bedding, and cushions. By placing these items in the cockpit tent, you can prevent moisture from accumulating in the boat's living areas. The warm air inside the cockpit tent will dry these items, reducing the overall moisture content in the boat. This is especially beneficial when sailing in climates with unpredictable weather, such as the UK, where a sunny morning can quickly turn into a cloudy afternoon.
Additionally, the cockpit tent can be utilised when preparing to leave the boat. By placing bedding and mattresses inside the cockpit tent, you can air them out before packing them into sealed vacuum bags. This helps prevent moisture build-up during storage, keeping your boat dry and mould-free.
While a cockpit tent is a valuable tool, it should be combined with other strategies for a comprehensive solution. For example, proper insulation and ventilation are crucial to preventing condensation. Insulation helps to create a barrier between warm, humid air and cold surfaces, reducing the formation of condensation. However, it should be installed with care to ensure it does not trap moisture in unseen areas.
Furthermore, adequate ventilation is essential. By increasing airflow and exchanging inside air with drier outside air, you can reduce moisture accumulation. This can be achieved through various means, such as opening hatches, using fans, or installing dorade vents. Overall, by utilising a cockpit tent in conjunction with proper insulation and ventilation, you can effectively minimise condensation in your fibreglass boat.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent condensation in a fibreglass boat, you need to reduce the amount of water vapour inside the boat and improve the airflow. Cooking, human breath, and perspiration can all contribute to water vapour. Try to ventilate the boat as much as possible, especially when cooking. Dehumidifiers can also help to reduce moisture in the air.
To improve the airflow, you can try keeping the boat well-ventilated by opening hatches and using fans. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems can also help to improve airflow by blowing air into the boat.
Close the doors to bedrooms before cooking to prevent warm and moist air from reaching the colder ends of the boat. If possible, open a hatch or use a cockpit tent to allow the cooking moisture to escape.
Humans exhale a significant amount of water vapour when sleeping, so it is important to have good airflow in the sleeping areas. Avoid closing doors for privacy, as this can worsen the condensation problem. Instead, use insulation carefully to prevent warm air from reaching cold spaces behind the insulation.
