Winter Moisture Control

[Jgbrown]

I'm surprised so many boaters like those oil filled heaters. I hate the bloody things.
My dad bought me one, and it works OK at night(I use it at 700watts and the proper electric forced air heater at 600watts to keep the boat fairly evenly heated).
However, I find that it smells a bit, and doesn't warm the boat nearly as well as the one that moves some air, in addition the humidity stays much higher with only the oil filled one.

The worst parts of the oil filled heater is its tendency to burn things, I burn myself on it at least once a day, or melt a plastic bag onto it or something.
By contrast, the Caframo(re-branded by west marine with fewer fan speeds, the original is nicer.) helps keep my boat dry, warm and isn't prone to burning things.

[TheTardis]

Originally Posted by benjiwoodboat

I've lined my boat with bubble wrap (on the inside) and used Damp Rid. We also don't heat the interior excessively. That seems to help minimize the moisture.

Although I'm sure a silver, bubble wrapped boat would look quite spectacular!

[miatapaul]

Originally Posted by Jgbrown

I'm surprised so many boaters like those oil filled heaters. I hate the bloody things.
My dad bought me one, and it works OK at night(I use it at 700watts and the proper electric forced air heater at 600watts to keep the boat fairly evenly heated).
However, I find that it smells a bit, and doesn't warm the boat nearly as well as the one that moves some air, in addition the humidity stays much higher with only the oil filled one.

The worst parts of the oil filled heater is its tendency to burn things, I burn myself on it at least once a day, or melt a plastic bag onto it or something.
By contrast, the Caframo(re-branded by west marine with fewer fan speeds, the original is nicer.) helps keep my boat dry, warm and isn't prone to burning things.

I would have the oil filled heater checked. I have seen several and none of them even on high would melt a plastic bag. On 700 watts you should be able to touch it. There also should be no smell from it, at least not after a short brake in time.

[pdqaltair]

Originally Posted by treilley

In Maine, we ventilate and dehumidify.

That sounds like seting a heater next to an AC unit and betting on the outcome (normally one either vents or dehumidifies). Please explain.

[Jgbrown]

Originally Posted by miatapaul

I would have the oil filled heater checked. I have seen several and none of them even on high would melt a plastic bag. On 700 watts you should be able to touch it. There also should be no smell from it, at least not after a short brake in time.

Brand new, less than 3 weeks old.
Smell is going away slowly, still hate the damn thing.
Just discovered mold spots on my new V-berth cushions.
Only where they sit over the air space that is exposed forward, but it's enough!
Oil heater is going out, and I'm putting the dehumidifier back in. Much better :-)

Still uncertain on the whole dehumidify and venting at the same time(seems counterproductive to do a lot of both.


I found the hypervent as a construction material(called examat) but no source to buy it from in the quantities I want. I'll pay the price at the marine store I guess, and get some more of it. I have it already under my settees, and in the lazarette seems to allow decent drainage, and I haven't seen any mold on it yet.

[TheTardis]

So, all of you who use the hypervent would agree that it is worth the price?

[miatapaul]

Originally Posted by Jgbrown

Still uncertain on the whole dehumidify and venting at the same time(seems counterproductive to do a lot of both.


I found the hypervent as a construction material(called examat) but no source to buy it from in the quantities I want. I'll pay the price at the marine store I guess, and get some more of it. I have it already under my settees, and in the lazarette seems to allow decent drainage, and I haven't seen any mold on it yet.

I have seen a very similar product sold as roof ridge vent mat at most Big Box stores, but it comes in fairly narrow strips (likely good for settees) and long full rolls, but I think it was less than $50 for a 10.5 inch by 20 foot (Crobra brand by GAF).

[flyingriki]

Originally Posted by miatapaul

I have seen a very similar product sold as roof ridge vent mat at most Big Box stores, but it comes in fairly narrow strips (likely good for settees) and long full rolls, but I think it was less than $50 for a 10.5 inch by 20 foot (Crobra brand by GAF).

I think that was it. If I remember correctly it was a HELL of a lot cheaper than the rip off prices for the same thing at West Marine.....

[TheTardis]

Thanks! Doesn't seam like anywhere near me has it in stock but I can order it. That is a whole lot less expensive than $10 per foot!

[BubbleheadMd]

Originally Posted by TheTardis

Thanks! Doesn't seam like anywhere near me has it in stock but I can order it. That is a whole lot less expensive than $10 per foot!

Mine was a gift from a friend because he had leftovers from fitting out his boat.