to vent or not to vent, that is the shrink wrap question

[2004 searay]

so i have been shrink wrapping boats for a few years now and i always add 2 vents to the job when i am done. it seems like more than 1/2 the boats are very mildew stained come spring when they are opened up. some people add damp rid others do not i can remove the wrap from 2 boats next door to another and one is spottless and the next required a full detailing.
im interested in what others are finding and what may work better.
i am thinking that maybe drop the vents all together and install the damp rid bags in the process.

 

[alldodge]

Opinion
Have never shrink wrapped a boat and don't plan to ever do. I have pole barns and while they are not sealed tight like shrink wrap they do sweat with temp changes.

Take any steel building with no insulation in the roof and there will be times it will rain inside from the temp changes.

Get as much ventilation as you can manage, this will keep temp in and out the same and no old build up

 

[Chris1956]

Generally, you want ventilation. It is very hard to keep water and moisture out, so letting it dry is essential.

I cover my boats with a simple ridge pole and tarp. I leave the rear open around the outboard motor hood to allow ventilation. In the spring, mildew is usually pretty light as cold air doesn't carry much moisture and the breeze dries the boat out, if it has any trapped moisture.

 

[Grub54891]

How about putting a solar fan vent in the shrink-wrap, and letting it run all winter?

 

[Scott Danforth]

What Grub said

 

[briangcc]

Mine usually have a vent or two put in by the winterizing marina. Depending on the marina, they may add DampRid baggies to the boat prior to sealing it up. Mold only appears to be an issue if the shrink wrap is punctured over the course of winter. Mine's kept outside under a bunch of maple trees over winter.

Then again, all the marinas that I have service my boat thoroughly dry it out before wrapping it so that may very well be the difference you're seeing - initially dry boat vs one rode hard and put away wet...

This year I will be adding some mouse deterrent as the cat population has gotten lazy...parents just paid $8k to repair a Toyota Sienna that the mice had a field day in.

 

[airshot]

Giving the boat a good cleaning then a coat of wax, will help any "stuff" come of much easier ! Most boaters don't clean and wax until spring.
One can never have to much ventilation under cover....