Tube heater

[dublin]

We have a problem this year with condensation accumulating in the corner of the aft cabin. Even opening all portholes every day for a number of hours does not help. Probably mostly caused by the even for scortland overly cold and wet June.

After 4 weeks living on board there is quite an amount of damp accumulating in the corner.

I considered fitting a small tube heater to the wall in the cabin to create air circulation but they seem to suggest it must be fitted at least 8cm above the next nearest item below it and at least 30cm below the next nearest item above it. That leaves very little space in which to position the heater.

Has anyone used a tube heater and if so have you positioned it close to other items without any problems.

[so36idavid]

No experience with tube heaters, sorry. I have a dehumidifier running when I'm not on the boat and it's awesome. No mould, no smell, fluff out your wet gear and leave, it'll be bone dry when you return. This assumes that you're tied up at a dock with AC of course. 

David

[no3l]

Hi

As a quick first fix I'd suggest using a small 12v fan to create some circulation in the cabin. It may do the trick and avoid the need for a heater.

We had the same problem with condensation and mould after a wet two weeks in the Clyde, the photo of every piece of fabric from the boat drying out on the pontoon in Glenarm is a fine memento of the trip.

Regards
Noel

[ianpowolny]

Dublin, we've used a dehumidifier and 500 watt standalone heater for the last 2 years and the boat is always dry and smells fresh. We did look at tube heaters but decided they were just too much hassle to buy and fit. Ian

[dublin]

A dehumidifier and larger heater are ok for periods of disuse. I am looking for something which will reduce the humidity during extended live aboard in damp climate.

The problem this year had been the dampness when open portholes and hatches are letting in more damp air than is escaping. I do not want to run the dehumidifier and large heater when on board so thought strategically placed tube heaters might create an airflow to prevent the damp air accumulating in a "dead" corner.