vberth moisture...need liner?

[geary126]

So, the plywood base (the detachable part, that bridges the v berth) is slightly damp. I can't tell if this is as a result of condensation in part of the boat this is particularly confined, or if there's a hatch leak.

We have new cushions, however, and one thing I thought of, beyond checking the hatch, is placing some kind of liner, almost like those cross hatch vinyl drawer liners make by rubermaid, under the cushions.

Something to allow the wood area to breath, rather than having moist plywood up against the sunbrella 24/7/

thoughts?

[Faster]

The plywood under berth cushions can get quite damp from condensation when they are in use. A liner such as you suggest (there is a commercial product, pricey, called Dri Berth IIRC) would be helpful.

I've also read somewhere a suggestion to simply use cedar lattice like you buy for patios and fencing. Also have seen some boards drilled with numerous 1" holes for ventilation.

Anything that will promote some air circulation will help.

[sailingdog]

First thing you need to do is figure out whether the water is from a leak or just condensation. As I don't know how your boat is setup, or even what boat you have, you're going to have to figure this one out on your own or give a bit more information.

[geary126]

Hi, SD.

It's a Catalina 30. There's a hatch near the aft edge of the vberth, but I don't think (which is to say, far from certain) that there's a leak there. The cabin ports, do, for sure, but that's 15' away.

the cabin space up there is pretty constrained. And there's no vent in the hatch (I've been kicking around one of those solar vents).

My best guess, given above, is condensation.

Perhaps a piece of paper taped below hatch would give us proof? Something like that?

[sailingdog]

Either paper taped below the hatch or sprinkle the area with baby powder... any leaks will leave a trail through the powder.

BTW, have two solar vents on my boat.... they work quite nicely.

[geary126]

what brand solar vent? Any reccos? Also, what do you think of the under bunk materials idea?

[sailingdog]

The under the cushions idea is pretty good. IIRC, TrueBlue mentioned some industrial material that was good for this purpose, and far more reasonably priced than the stuff you get at the marine store.

The vents I have are Nicro 4" vents. Mine are the older, more expensive model that use a screw-in deck plate. This way the vents can be removed in the case of really horrible seas, and prevent green water washing over the decks from getting in. The vents are "waterproof" for most normal conditions though.

[Idiens]

If its a leak, you can find and fix it. If its condensation, then its going to happen, especially when two sleep in there on a cold night. The various materials used to separate the berth cushion from the plywood base aid ventilation and prevent the moisture wicking back into the bedding. Cabin ventilation and circulation are then essential, so springing systems like wooden slats or plastic stilts are better than the aerated cloth system.

[Bill Mc]

Our boat had a condensation problem that would manifest itself beneath our cushions. Our solution was, that when we left the boat we would stand to cushions on their edge to allow for air circulation. This worked just fine for a while until we went to the Chicago boat show and were introduced to the Froli system. This consists of numerous plastic interlocking springs that raise the matress to promote circulation and the spring rate can be adjusted to your comfort level so our 4 inch foam mattress feels more like 8 inches. The only thing I can complain about is the price$$$

Fair Winds,

Bill

[sailingdog]

The Froli system looks to be a good system, but only for situations where the cushions don't need to be moved to access storage and such. If the v-berth has storage underneath it, the Froli system can be a PITA. That's what one of my friends has said about it...but I've not used it... so YMMV.