Humidity and condensation in a boat occurs when excess humidity is cooled to dew point and condensation takes place. Moisture-laden air meets cold surfaces such as hatches, walls or ceilings of the ship, changing this moist air to liquid.
This relative humidity in the air causes an excessive presence of bacteria, fungi and mold to proliferate, which can create a bad smell and will also cause damage to the electronic equipment and furniture of the boat, damaging the wood, mattresses and metal materials. All these problems become more acute when we do not take the right safety measures before storing a boat for an extended period.
This humidity and condensation in the boat can be easily avoided using the following recommendations:
·Ventilate: Periodically ventilate the interior of the boat by opening hatches, ports and hatches to allow the entry of fresh air and allow air with excess humidity to escape.
·Avoid leaving wet clothes, towels or any material such as life jackets, sails, or wet ropes inside the boat. These should be laid out in the sun to keep them dry.
·Keep the interior temperature above dew temperature whenever possible.
·Reduce the humidity of the air using dehumidifiers. There are different types, electronic ones will need electrical power. Others simpler and cheap but also very efficient, they are based on silica gel granules that, when in contact with the air will absorb excess moisture.
·Dry any remaining moisture well with towels and cloths after using the shower and kitchen, ventilating these compartments well.
·Regularly inspect the boat for places where water can enter. Water leaks from the outside due to some defect in hatch joints or the insulation of walls and ceiling.
Where you store your boat has a huge influence on humidity levels inside your boat. If your garage is not well aerated, consider getting a specialized storage unit such as this one for boat storage in Mohave County. These types of facilities have controlled conditions that keep humidity levels at a minimum.