How to Manage Moisture Problems Using a Dehumidifier For Boat

Tired of fighting a losing battle against dampness on your boat? You're not alone! That constant moisture, the threat of mould, and the musty smell can ruin the joy of being on the water. But what if you could protect your investment and ensure your boat is always fresh and ready for your next adventure? The secret weapon is a reliable boat dehumidifier!

Let's dive into the most common questions boat owners have and discover how to win the war against humidity.

What absorbs moisture in a boat?

Boats are built with water-resistant materials to keep them sturdy while sailing at sea. Over time, the boat's fibreglass body will absorb a bit of moisture, but not enough to cause any significant damage. However, a boat that is constantly exposed to excess moisture will start to show significant damage, especially to its core, which is mostly made of wood.

 

The main moisture-related issues in a boat can be summed up as:

● Structural damage

● Mechanical damage

● Electrical problems

● Aesthetic damage

 

Structural damage

Boats are built with fibreglass sandwiched between layers of wood, cardboard, and foam. Some parts of the boat's interior like the doors and furniture are made of wood as well. Excess moisture can cause wooden surfaces to swell and warp. This can result in doors that refuse to close or open and furniture like chairs not balancing well.

 

Mechanical damage

Although most of the mechanical parts of a boat are built with corrosion-resistant materials, prolonged exposure to high humidity can still cause rust. In addition, moisture will reduce the lubrication of mechanical parts, causing them to malfunction. Boat owners complain of reduced performance and power of their boats when sailing in damp or humid conditions.

 

Electrical damage

Moisture getting into your boat's electrical system can cause damage and can be dangerous if not contained. This can cause damage to the electrical circuits feeding into your boat's main control system and other electronics within the boat. Moisture getting into the electricals could also cause a fire.

 

Aesthetics

Besides ruining the structure of your boat, high humidity will ruin the outward appearance of your boat too. When moisture sits in your boat for too long, it can cause mould and mildew to grow inside or outside your boat. Those black mould spots take away from the decorative look of your boat. In addition, mould and mildew will cause a bad odour that makes your boat uninhabitable.

How to get rid of moisture in a boat?

Beating boat moisture is a two-part strategy: ventilation and dehumidification.

Ventilation

Ventilation is Key: Whenever possible, open hatches and ports to allow air to circulate. Solar-powered vent fans are a fantastic, low-energy way to keep air moving even when the boat is closed up.

Dehumidification

Dehumidification is Your Power Play: This is where your boat dehumidifier comes in. To stop condensation on a boat overnight, simply run your dehumidifier in its "Auto" mode. Its smart humidistat will automatically maintain a healthy humidity level (aim for 50-55%), switching on and off as needed to keep the air dry while you sleep.

How to remove mold on boat?

Don't fret if your boat is already mouldy and musty. These boat mould removal hacks should help in clearing any mould and mildew from your boat, restoring its once pristine and fresh look.

● Invest in a high-quality dehumidifier for boat to manage excess humidity. If you will be leaving your boat docked all winter, a smart dehumidifier with Wi-Fi can help remotely monitor humidity levels in your boat.

● Fix any leaks in the roof, walls, or floor of your boat. An easy trick to uncover hidden leaks is to leave a trail of paper towels on the floor and find the wettest patch. You could also add food colouring to the water to unearth leak points.

 

 

● Reduce dampness in your boat by improving air circulation. Leave doors and windows open to prevent damp air from being trapped inside your boat and causing dampness.

● Clean any mould spots with boat mould removal products such as hydrogen peroxide, diluted vinegar, baking soda, and diluted bleach. Tea tree oil is another organic mould remover with fungicide properties.

● Always wash the boat’s canvas with fresh water to remove the saline water of the sea.

● Perform regular checks on your boat, even when not in use.

Catching these minor issues early will help prevent severe moisture and mould damage to your precious sailboat.

How to stop condensation on a boat overnight?

Want to wake up to dry windows and mould-free cabins instead of a boat that's dripping wet? You're targeting the most critical time! Overnight, as temperatures plummet, your own breathing can release up to a litre of moisture into the air inside a sealed cabin, creating a perfect storm for condensation on every cool surface. This nightly soak-down is what fuels mould growth and that classic "boat smell."

The most effective and "set-and-forget" solution is to run a boat dehumidifier overnight. The best boat dehumidifier for the job features a super-quiet "Sleep Mode" (<38dB) and an adjustable humidistat. Simply set your desired dryness level (aim for 50-55%), and it will automatically work through the night, actively stripping that moisture from the air while you sleep, ensuring you wake up to a fresh, dry sanctuary.

How to stop condensation in a fiberglass boat?

Stopping condensation in a fiberglass boat is a unique battle! Fiberglass is a fantastic thermal bridge—meaning the cold outside temperature quickly chills the entire hull and cabin interior. When warm, moist air inside hits these cold fiberglass surfaces, it instantly turns into water droplets. In fact, a small cabin can generate over a litre of condensation overnight from breathing and cooking alone, creating a perfect breeding ground for mould right inside your hull!

The most powerful weapon against this is a boat dehumidifier. The best boat dehumidifier for a fiberglass boat actively warms and dries the air, breaking the cycle by ensuring the air holds less moisture. By maintaining a low humidity level, you prevent that moisture from ever reaching the "dew point" of your cool fiberglass, stopping condensation at its source and protecting your boat from the inside out.

Do dehumidifiers work on boats? Should I put a dehumidifier in my boat?

The answer is an absolute yes, and for fiberglass boats, they are nothing short of a game-changer! Fiberglass hulls act like a giant cold plate, and when warm, moist air inside your cabin hits them, it instantly sweats—a single night can see cups of water form, creating a perfect storm for mould and damage. A boat dehumidifier directly attacks this problem at its source by actively pulling that moisture from the air before it can condense.

But not all units are created equal. The best boat dehumidifier for this job is a compressor model, like our Morris 12L, which is powerful enough to handle the damp marine environment yet energy-efficient and compact for cabin spaces. By maintaining a dry atmosphere, you're not just clearing the air; you're actively protecting your electronics, upholstery, and the very structure of your boat from costly moisture-related damage.

What size dehumidifier do I need for my boat?

Some things to consider when determining the best-sized boat dehumidifier are dimensions, weight and tank capacity. Is the boat dehumidifier big enough to fit in your yacht or boat and still serve the entire vessel? Are you able to ferry the unit to and from your boat without hurting your back?

 

 

For dimensions, we do recommend choosing a boat dehumidifier with a slim profile. The Morris 12L Quiet Dehumidifier, for instance, measures 22 cm by 25.5 cm by 45 cm. It is slim, compact and won’t take up much space in a smaller boat.

 

Second, a dehumidifier for boat should be lightweight enough to be moved around when needed. The Morris line of boat dehumidifiers have four wheels at the bottom that improve mobility. Place it anywhere in your boat to reduce excess moisture and keep your boat dry.

 

The tank size of a dehumidifier determines how long it can run before emptying its reservoir. A 12L Dehumidifier is perfect for a cuddy cabin or deck boat that houses 4 to 8 people. On the other hand, if you are sailing through Lymington in a catamaran, you would need something bigger like a 20L portable dehumidifier to keep moisture at bay. You can also opt for a boat dehumidifier with a drain hose to continuously remove excess moisture from all compartments of the boat.

Set Sail for a Drier, Healthier Boat Today!

You are now armed with all the knowledge you need to banish dampness, defeat mould, and protect your prized boat for years to come. Remember, a reliable boat dehumidifier isn't just an appliance—it's your most valuable first mate in the fight against humidity, safeguarding your comfort, your investment, and your next great adventure.

Ready to transform your boating experience?
Explore our top-rated Morris dehumidifiers and find your perfect match right here!

We'd love to hear from you! Did these tips help? Do you have your own clever trick for keeping your boat dry? Drop a comment below with your questions or success stories—Join our community of dry, happy boaters!

Unleash the Power! Discover More Amazing Dehumidifier Uses

Mastered moisture on your boat? That's just the beginning! Your dehumidifier is a true home hero, ready to tackle humidity in every corner of your life. Discover more amazing ways to create a drier, healthier, and more comfortable environment everywhere!

Ready to become a dehumidifier expert? Your journey continues here:
● Protect Your Spaces: Banish damp from your garage, protect treasures in your loft, and conquer condensation in your conservatory.
● Conquer Every Room: Create a healthier bedroom, a mould-free bathroom, and a fresher kitchen and hallway.
● Smart Pro-Tips: Learn the secret tips to reduce running costs, use our running cost calculator, and discover everything you need to know before buying a small portable dehumidifier.
● Discover Genius Hacks: From protecting your wardrobe and caravan to drying clothes faster indoors, unlock uses you never knew were possible!

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