Boat Dryer

[mrlassi1]

Wanted to pass along information about my boat dryer. My 19' I/O is carpeted and stays under cover when not in use. I needed a way to get the moisture out, but keep additional moisture from getting in. First I added a vent on the support pole. The circulation from the vent alone didn't do much good. Looking around my shop I found a high volume NuTone bathroom exhaust fan that was not being used anymore. The fan has a 4" exhaust and good air volume movement. I added a electrical plug pigtail, a couple of support blocks and some casters. The air is directed under the cover using a section of 4" flexible drain pipe. This configuration is almost silent when in operation, uses little electricity and dries the boat out quickly.

Information from the Forum has very helpful to me over the years, hopefully this post will help someone with a similar need.

 

[tonyjh63]

Re: Boat Dryer

While on the subject, has anyone ever used an electric dehumidifier to dry out the boat, including the bilge area?

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Boat Dryer

Great idea. I just don't know if those are made for continuous operation.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Boat Dryer

Yeah, why not just put a couple of open milk cartons with silica gel in them? Seems like it would hold the moisture down pretty well. I have never had any problems with moisture with my "sofa boat" being under cover all of the time. Cover was not vented at all.

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: Boat Dryer

Great idea! As for 24-7 operation, a simple timer would fix that issue. Moisture usually forms during the coldest part of the day, so running it from 3am to 9am would work great, then a few 15 minute runs thru the day for good measure...

Only problem I see with using a desiccant is, having to go buy the desiccant.

 

[tonyjh63]

Re: Boat Dryer

I wonder how much one of the electric dehumidifiers would help if a boat's foam was wet? Could that be one way you could keep from having to tear up everything and replace the foam?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Boat Dryer

I like it. Very clever!

I wonder how much one of the electric dehumidifiers would help if a boat's foam was wet? Could that be one way you could keep from having to tear up everything and replace the foam?

I don't think it would help in any kind of reasonable time frame.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: Boat Dryer

I like this thought. Thanks for sharing.

 

[mrlassi1]

Re: Boat Dryer

This garboard drain wick also helps get the water out. It's simply a strip of absorbent material weighted on one end so that it stays next to the center stringer. The loose end goes out through the drain hole. Water wicks up and drips out. This little trick also helps get the boat dry faster.

 

[mrlassi1]

Re: Boat Dryer

Good point. I only run the unit until the boat is dry inside. It takes about three days to dry out completely when the carpet is soaked from swimming activity or getting caught in an afternoon thunderstorm while being towed home.

 

[captain zac]

Re: Boat Dryer

de-humidifier works great

Harry

 

[tonyjh63]

Re: Boat Dryer

Captain zac, could you elaborate please?

 

[captain zac]

Re: Boat Dryer

I have a de-humidifier that allows you to set the % of humidity and when it gets to that number the unit shuts off
We have a lot of humidity here in south carolina
it also has a hose connection that keeps you from having to empty the tank
I just leave it in the boat while the boat is at the house
the carpet is dry and crisp all the time
I still try not to put the boat away damp though
we have had 26 inches of rain since the 1st of june
boat had to sit with a cover on it because it was raining every weekend
I have had no mold or mildew
I think that the de-humidifier is the reason

Harry