Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

[doral1985]

We had a exceptional warm day here in the Canadian Maritimes today 19 degrees C, took advantage to go in under the boat cover and tarps to check things out, boy was it damp in there, I can see why plywood seat bottoms, electrical connections and other non moisture loving items wrough and carrode. Wish I had a nice warm garage to store the boat in the winter. Hummmmmmmmmmm must talk to the better half about that

 

[Don S]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

When you cover a boat, there must be ventilation or you will get moisture buildup, mold, and all the fun stuff that goes with it.

 

[Mike Zee]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

I used one of those thicker silver cheap tarps this year. I have ropes tied loosely. Every time the wind blows, the tarp looks like a parachute. But you know what else? Snaked my head up under it today (60 deg) and it looks like I left it in October. I always used my fitted cover in the past, the vinyl would get moldy. And the old smell would be there. I have to admit the tarp won't last much longer. Buying another to throw over that one until the weather gets better about late April.

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

I agree with the covering the boat loosely. It allows air to circulate and helps keep the mold from growing.

 

[riptorn]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

When you cover a boat, there must be ventilation or you will get moisture buildup, mold, and all the fun stuff that goes with it.

The best way to store a boat is indoors or a car port or even a canopy. Plywood and fiberglass does not mix well with moisture. I stored my old Silverline in a tarp garage for two years and it was nice and dry each time I took it out. After it collapse I stored it outside with a tarp and when I took the cover off the inside was full of mold. The winter elements is not good for boats.

 

[Parrish416]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

I used one of those thicker silver cheap tarps this year.

 

[Gosub]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

Could the damp be prevented with some kind of heater? I ask because my boat is at a marina berth year round and I pay a fee for electricity whether I use it or not.

I live in a climate that never freezes, today is 23C. But would heat inside the cover keep it dry and fresh?

 

[doral1985]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

Tks for input guys, going to get out this weekend and loosen things up so air flows, we get a lot of snow here and I built center supports and covered it tight to eliminate snow build up should have left one end open for airflow. next year i will do better, now to ventilate it.

 

[rt_hawley]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

We had a exceptional warm day here in the Canadian Maritimes today 19 degrees C, took advantage to go in under the boat cover and tarps to check things out, boy was it damp in there, I can see why plywood seat bottoms, electrical connections and other non moisture loving items wrough and carrode. Wish I had a nice warm garage to store the boat in the winter. Hummmmmmmmmmm must talk to the better half about that

I'm just jealous that you had 19C temps yesterday!! It was -22C with windchill and a friggin' snow storm here in Winnipeg! Come on summer!!!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

Could the damp be prevented with some kind of heater? I ask because my boat is at a marina berth year round and I pay a fee for electricity whether I use it or not.

I live in a climate that never freezes, today is 23C. But would heat inside the cover keep it dry and fresh?

Heat WILL reduce the amount of water vapor in the air but not eliminate it if your air-space has no ventilation/recirculation.

Boats always have residual water inside from last use (I.E. dripping people, splash, bilge water etc). Boats that sit outside without cover will always get rain and snow unless completely covered and sealed.

If you want to ensure ventilation, AND you have power available, get a low current DC fan (like the type found in computers....they draw less than 1/2A at 12V) and allow it to "pump" outside air into the enclosed space or allow it to "pump" inside air to the outside. . Also provide openings to allow outside air to enter the enclosed space.........but you'll also need to ensure that you have some sort of barrier to "critters" entering the enclosed space.

Don't try to use battery power without a trickle-charger, external power supply etc........ Even a 0.1A draw on the battery will completely "kill" it after very short time.......

Shrink-wrapping locks in water vapor. You can mitigate it by having everything dry to begin with then using a desiccant like silica gel inside
before sealing it all up. Do it on a warm day when it is NOT raining (low humidity)

Iboats sells dehumidifier products As do others... just do a search for "silica Gel"

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

depending on a number of circumstances, of course, but loosely covered or uncovered (but protected) is usually best.

Sun is bad for a boat; lack of sun is bad for a boat. Boats is just bad that's all.

Also if your boat has a lot of sponges built in (carpet, padding, etc.) moisture will always be an issue. Think about what you can remove. I realize that a covered boat is tempting storage space, but your tube, PFDs, anchor liines, cushions, etc are never truly dry. that's why shrink wrapping is great for a new boat, but not necessarily for an old one.

I've seen some cool little fans that go on the drain hole

heat can't move water out; you have to have heat plus ventilation. Think about a sauna or steam room.

split open a bag of charcoal in the boat to help absorb moisture.

if you can, uncover during those dry sunny winter days.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

I had to leave mine outside this winter, Had planned on a indoor storage, but so far it hasnt ben bad, looks like a days cleaning and its good to go no mold any where so far.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

First winter for me and this boat - my old toon I just left in the water inside my house. Can't do that with this boat so I had it shrink wrapped with a vent insert. I wold like to get a vinyl tarp shed for it but the Admiral thinks there already too many canopies and sheds on the property. Depending on how the boat looks in the Spring I might push the point; there is plenty of room after all, and in winter it can double as a garage to keep snow off the Dakota. Hmmmmm . . . .

 

[doral1985]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

Good advice guys I like the charcoal idea, got a 120v small electronic equipment fan today, going to duct tape it to 4" asb pipe sticking out in under tarp and another asb open pipe for intake at the front. It has a surprising good volume for a 3" fan so should do the trick till we get some good warm sunny days when I can uncover her.

 

[Mike Zee]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

Any thoughts on fans-fumes-sparks? Just thinking out loud here, any potential for blowing the thing up?

 

[MWG2600]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

No different than the blower fan

 

[Gosub]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

Good advice guys I like the charcoal idea, got a 120v small electronic equipment fan today, going to duct tape it to 4" asb pipe sticking out in under tarp and another asb open pipe for intake at the front. It has a surprising good volume for a 3" fan so should do the trick till we get some good warm sunny days when I can uncover her.

Don't forget to cover the ends of the pipe with some kind of fine mesh to foil the aforementioned 'critters'

 

[Gosub]

Re: Winter Boat Storage Moisture, Just Saying.

Double post... oops.