SCFD rtrd. Posted August 14, 2019 Report Share Posted August 14, 2019 My boat is stored on a lift at my condo. I live in Orlando, so sometimes the boat sits for a month or so. Just had a full cover made, but now I'm worried about mold. I remember someone posting about propping the compartment lids open with tennis balls to circulate air and prevent mold. Another person posted about using a fan to circulate air. I like that idea, but what type fan is made for continuous use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale Nelson Posted August 15, 2019 Report Share Posted August 15, 2019 A good Solar powered DC fan would be your best bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradM Posted August 15, 2019 Report Share Posted August 15, 2019 I have done what you're talking about for years. I use a regular 3 speed box type (although round now) fan from Walmart...I run it on the lowest speed and don't even think about it. It is on a GFCI outlet, if you need piece of mind. I also use a cut up pool noodle to prop the hatches open rather than tennis balls. They do tend to flatten and smoosh, so I fold them over and put them closer to the hinges. My wife recently stole my fan for the laundry room, so I bought an inexpensive blower fan from Northern Tool, which works well. Link is HERE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knotthereelworld Posted August 15, 2019 Report Share Posted August 15, 2019 I've also heard of folks hanging Damprid bags, or similar product, in their boat to help keep the mold at bay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurem Posted August 15, 2019 Report Share Posted August 15, 2019 I us a fan just like BradM and I take the splash well pie plate out and place a fan blowing towards the bilge. I also loosen the pie plate that is located under the center console so fresh air can circulate under the console and fill up the boat cover. I still have small amounts of mold that show up and have to clean out under the center console and wipe it down about once a year but I feel it has slowed it down some with the fresh air circulating constantly. I also run a EVA DRI dehumidifier under the boat cover but that needs to be emptied every 3-4 days or once it gets full. It is a constant battle for me as my boat is under a carport which is under a huge oak tree. My outside humidity gauge always shows 90-94% humidity readings under my carport. https://www.amazon.com/Eva-dry-Edv-1100-Electric-Petite-Dehumidifier/dp/B000H0ZDD2/ref=asc_df_B000H0ZDD2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167142742016&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=879457433248548126&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012103&hvtargid=aud-799146894166:pla-305170695489&psc=1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradM Posted August 15, 2019 Report Share Posted August 15, 2019 Good thread...Wonder if I can use it to convince my wife to run the portable A/C under the cover....you know, to keep the moisture at bay. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted August 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2019 Thanks for the help. Since I have a 120 volt GFI receptacle close, guess I'll buy a small 120 volt fan and run it on low. I could make a box out of 5/8" fire code drywall just incase it has a melt down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 15, 2019 Report Share Posted August 15, 2019 If your using any type of damp rid product make sure it is kept in a open container so when it fills with water it will not get all over, it will stain. Bowls of charcoal also absorbs dampness and musty odors. Dehumidifier is great but use one that has a tube to drain outside the boat so you do not have to keep emptying it. Use to be a product called a goldenrod, plug it in and take dampness out. Have used all of the above for many years on several boats of all sizes. Swim noodles to keep hatches are good but when they start to get old it crumbles all over the place. Plan rubber balls seem to last the longest. Some keep a small wattage electric bulb in the bilge to keep dampness out. If having cover made have vents put in. If already have cover buy vents for covers that look like dorad vents that look like the ones used on sailboats or can make them out of pvc and glued to canvas the cut hole in canvas to size. They work great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMG Posted August 16, 2019 Report Share Posted August 16, 2019 Good idea, may try this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMG Posted August 16, 2019 Report Share Posted August 16, 2019 Just now, HMG said: Good idea, may try this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purebred Posted August 16, 2019 Report Share Posted August 16, 2019 I run a blower type fan on my boats... I have these on an outdoor timer and run them around 12hrs each day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert3 Posted August 16, 2019 Report Share Posted August 16, 2019 I too run the squirrel cage type blower on a timer.. Last year an extended power outage on the dock caused it to be off for almost 2 months and no ill effects.. IT MUST be 200F under that cover. The cover itself has 3 chimneys built in, and has a flow thru venting around transom.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conocean Posted August 16, 2019 Report Share Posted August 16, 2019 I've been using a 10" electric Honeywell or Holmes fan to run under my boat covers for years. I let it run continuously on medium speed while plugged into a GFCI outlet. All my hatches stay cracked. The fan usually lasts about 6-8 months before it burns out then I replace it for about $12-15 on Amazon. It helps keep the mold/mildew spots at bay & bilge is bone dry every time I use my boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurem Posted August 16, 2019 Report Share Posted August 16, 2019 I wonder what would happen if we were to put a couple of the heated rods like the ones in gun safes? I do not know how much area they cover but they are maintenance free. Maybe that is what fin-addict is describing above? goldenrod? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 16, 2019 Report Share Posted August 16, 2019 5 hours ago, lurem said: I wonder what would happen if we were to put a couple of the heated rods like the ones in gun safes? I do not know how much area they cover but they are maintenance free. Maybe that is what fin-addict is describing above? goldenrod? Sounds like a goldenrod, have not seen them in many years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nag Juice Posted August 17, 2019 Report Share Posted August 17, 2019 Good information here. I’ve wondered this myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernieNC Posted August 17, 2019 Report Share Posted August 17, 2019 I have use something like this in boat cabins for years. I would think the small one would be all you need. Same principle as a “golden rod”. https://www.wholesalemarine.com/davis-air-dryr-marine-dehumidifier-38109.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwy97qBRDoARIsAITONTL-PzF-1M3NBR9o2z4kuQmSeKl8I3sq2K2vXlid1PCnh_WiBAVh41EaApWrEALw_wcB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted August 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 BenieNC, I like the idea, but wonder how affective that air dryer would be, considering the boat hangs in a lift over water and the humidity here in S/W Fl. is always off the chart in summer.The cover itself has 3 chimneys built in, and has a flow thru venting around transom just like Robert3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernieNC Posted August 23, 2019 Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 The small one is only $40. I had a 28’ Carolina Classic and used the larger size in the cabin. Boat was kept in a wet slip. Currently have a Regulator in a lift with the small dryer in the center console. That boat is on a lift. You guys down there don’t have a patent on humidity, we have it also. Humidity here is around 90% every morning at sunrise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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