Hold condensation.

[Callum4878]

Hi, have a problem with condensation in my bow hold, have regularly to remove a couple of litres of water! Just wondered has anyone experimented with a 12volt heater or dehumidifier to alleviate the problem?
I spend most of my time in a marina currently, so am using shore power, and have two 145Ah bow thruster batteries housed in said hold, so no chance of seriously draining them.

Any thoughts, suggestions please?

Keith

[Tracy D'arth]

In this cold weather it will be almost impossible to stop condensation.  Ventilation is the best cure but it has been so damp that it is counterproductive.

You will not get enough heat in there with any heater at present, generating heat with batteries at 12v is a quick way of destroying said batteries.

[David Mack]

19 minutes ago, Tracy D'arth said:

In this cold weather it will be almost impossible to stop condensation.  Ventilation is the best cure but it has been so damp that it is counterproductive.

You will not get enough heat in there with any heater at present, generating heat with batteries at 12v is a quick way of destroying said batteries.

Heating will simply increase the temperature difference between the relatively warm moist air and cold steel, thereby increasing the amount of condensation.

[roland elsdon]

Unless you can seal it heat it insulate it transfer the moisture elsewhere, you are trying to dehumidify the planet.

Everything metal under waterline is wringing wet,at present.

Best way of managing the issue is as good a paint layer as you have on the hull. It is unstoppable. In our hold you can see the outside waterline at this time of year. Anything below canal level is wet, anything above is dry. Thats why old boats rust through from both sides.

[Callum4878]

Thanks for replies, I’ll try to grin and bear it! And buy a good moo and bucket.

[BEngo]

57 minutes ago, Callum4878 said:

Thanks for replies, I’ll try to grin and bear it! And buy a good moo and bucket.

Mopping out is a cow of  a job.

 

N