SKETCHBOOK
Getting rid of cabin condensation for good
A Droplets of condensation form when water vapor condenses on colder surfaces. Warm, wet areas like galleys and showers need opening ports, hatches or big ventilators to let the moist air out. An often overlooked source of moisture is the burning of hydrocarbon fuels. The old saying that “burning a gallon of gas produces a gallon of water” still holds true.
B Our bodies also produce a lot of hot, wet air. This condenses on cold window panes or frames, and then drips down on to bunks, etc... It can even pass through open-cell foam mattresses to meet the air underneath
C that’s cooled by the sea or, in certain cases, water tanks.
D These wet, dark areas are ideal places for mold to form.
E Leaving wet gear in the main cabin also increases the moisture content of the air.
F Some boats have a handrail-cum-drip tray under windows to catch any droplets. screens G Condensation can drip down on aft-sloping onto instruments. winding
H Warm have been air de-misters used on up-market and double-glaz- boats.
I shaving Low-tech foam solutions or a cut potato. include rubbing on
J Cat litter in an old sock may help dry out the area.
K Adding a thick barrier layer of closedcell foam under a mattress can reduce condensation and mold problems.
L Special non-rusting spring mattresses can be custom-made to create masses of space for ventilation.
M Various slatted devices are also available, which can be put under mattresses to increase air flow. Dick Everitt has sailed thousands of miles in various parts of the world. He has been an illustrator, journalist and engineer for more than 40 years