How to vent a boat cover?

[subkron]

Purchased a Sharkskin cover from iboats - works real great but the condensation is a killer.<br />What is the best way to vent the cover? It fits real tight so I can't leave an opening. How about the kind that you cut a hole and mount a plastic housing around? How many are needed?<br /><br />Anyone have links to vents?<br /><br />thanks...

 

[NCOffSeason]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

I have the same cover and the same problem. I use this - Overtons part # 26666.<br /><br />

 

[subkron]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

Thanks NCOffSeason.<br /><br />Any one else?<br />^^^

 

[Lou C]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

I also have a heavy winter cover that does not breath that well, I put 3 of the large size moisture buckets shown to absorb the moisture.<br />Overton's sells vents that you can install in the cover, but you may not want to cut into a brand new cover. Try the moisture buckets first, if you still find a lot of moisture esp on the underside of the cover, you may want to put in the vents to allow air circulation.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

If you have electric near by just put a fan in side and put it on a timer.I always leave a fan running in my cabin and I find that the moisture is eliminated.Charlie

 

[subkron]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

Thought of that, but when I lift the cover I smell gas fumes since the cover doesn't breathe.<br />Kaboom.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

Unless you have a dangerous gas leak there is no kaboom from turning on a fan.What do you think a blower motor is?????Charlie

 

[mattttt25]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

do you run your blower with your winter cover on? not a valid comparison.<br /><br />i wouldn't run the fan. stick with trying the moisture buckets suggested above.<br /><br />good luck-

 

[DC698]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

I recently purchased a heavy duty boat cover also and noticed a lot of condensation underneath when I took the cover off. Decided to go with the Ameri-Vent snap in vents. They come in pairs and are 3" in diameter. Here is the link to where I bought them. Checked with IBoats, but didnt find any in the mega-mall. They were cheaper here than at overtons.<br /><br /> http://www.websweeper.com/php/boat_covers/bc-019.php <br /><br />Also, on a side note, when I store the boat when not in use, I slide the engine cover back maybe 8 - 10" to expose the engine compartment a little to allow air circulation throughout and help keep condensation off any metal parts. Hope this helps.

 

[bob58]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

mattttt25 <br /><br />do you run your blower with your winter cover on? not a valid comparison.<br /><br />i wouldn't run the fan. stick with trying the moisture buckets suggested above.<br /><br />good luck-

@mattttt25 <br />Yes I do. So do alot of inboard cabin cruisers and I/O's.<br />They have full canvas enclosures and the blowers<br />are made for removing any volatile fumes so that they still have a vessel in one piece after turning over the engines!<br />If fuel vapors are building up it is time to check vents, hoses clamps etc.<br /><br />@subkron<br />DrizAir canisters or a dehumidifier will work well for drastically reducing your condensation problems!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

I still recommend the use of a fan as I have used one for 20+ years without a problem or humidity.I also use the drying pellets but they are not for everyone.I can get into my boat through a zipper to empty and drainoff the water collected in the canister.The drainoff is a step that most forget to do.If you have the condensation that you claim,the drying pellets will be used up within a week.You will have to drain and refill often.Charlie

 

[airman]

Re: How to vent a boat cover?

I bought a household dehumidifier and ran the drain tube out the drain plug hole. $100 in the classifieds for a good used one. Dusty dry in a day and I leave it unplugged most of the time. I just ran an extension cord out thru the cover so I can plug it in for a few hours occasionally.