Have you noticed moisture problems in your boat - especially during winter storage? You are not alone. Condensation, stale odours and mould are common problems when your boat is static and cold for a long time.
In this article, we look at why moisture occurs in your boat, the risks it poses, and how you can deal with it effectively.
During autumn, winter and early spring, temperatures vary greatly between day and night. Warm and humid air then condenses against cold surfaces in the boat when it reaches dew points - just like fog on the inside of a window, or an early summer morning.
Wooden items, cushions, textiles and other furnishings can act like a sponge and soak up moisture. When it relative humidity (RH) climbing over approximately 70% for an extended period of time increases the risk of mould, bad odours - and in the worst case, material damage. This is true whether you use your boat regularly or store it for the next season.
So moisture is not just a nuisance - it can become a major problem. Wood can swell, crack or lose its shape. Electronics can corrode and textiles can start to mould. It also has a negative impact on air quality, which is particularly noticeable when you open the hatches to the cabin after leaving the boat for a long period.
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There are several ways to reduce the risk of moisture problems. Many boat owners try dry-balling or ventilating with open hatches. This can work to some extent - but has clear limitations. Ventilation on humid days can actually increase the humidity level, and dry bulbs rarely have the capacity to maintain a consistently low humidity level over time.
If you want a safe and long-term solution, a desiccant dehumidifier the most efficient option. It works even at low temperatures - unlike many other types of dehumidifiers - and is therefore ideal for winter storage in cold boathouses or under a tarpaulin on land. During the season, it can also be used to continuously control the moisture level in the boat.
For best results, the boat should be as sealed as possible, so that the dehumidifier can work with the moisture already inside - instead of constantly bringing in new, moist air from outside.
It is also important to be able to discharge the wet gas via a hose, so that the moisture is removed in a controlled manner. A major advantage of this type of dehumidifier is that you don't have to empty any containers - the system takes care of itself thanks to a built-in hygrostat that switches on and off as needed.
Sure, a dehumidifier involves both a purchase and energy cost. But in terms of what it can save you in future problems, it's a small measure with a big impact - both on the condition of your boat and your well-being. What about longevity? Many of our models have been in operation for over 15 years without any problems.
Spring desiccant dehumidifier EvoDry 6H 2.0 is specifically designed for cold and confined spaces, in other words it is ideal for boats, caravans and containers. It is compact, quiet and flexible to install: wall-mounted or in a storage compartment using accessories.
EvoDry 6H 2.0 efficiently disperses the dry air in the room, while discharging moist air through a wet air hose - so no need to empty a container. Even in spaces that are not completely sealed, it can extract up to 8 litres of water per day.
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