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Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
#5803847
02/04/11 03:19 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 124
sparkywags
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 124 |
Anyone had any success with controlling this problem? I have a good quality (Ranger) boat cover on at all times when the boat is not in use. Unfortunately, it has to be stored outdoors. I'm seeing mildew starting on the vinyl seat covers. I've thought about trying those electrical dehumidifier rods like they use on gun safes, or maybe some type of chemical/dessicant containers placed under the cover. Anything you've had success with? Thanks
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: sparkywags]
#5804026
02/04/11 03:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,136
PEZZ
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,136 |
I had the same problem, I changed to a good cover (boat came with cheap rubber on canvas cover) and I spray water repellent on it every so often, I use CAMP DRY. Seems to help alot. And I do my best to keep big water puddles and dirt off so it stays waterproof.
Seen a commercial on TV for a waterproofer for boat covers but I don't remember the name.
Last edited by PEZZ; 02/04/11 03:50 PM.
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: PEZZ]
#5804261
02/04/11 04:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,473
gregd
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,473 |
that stinks (literally). other than the dehumidifiers you could also see if there's a way to get some air circulating under the cover. maybe figure out a way to get some fresh air in there without letting in water or critters. good luck
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: gregd]
#5806226
02/04/11 10:24 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 124
sparkywags
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 124 |
Good suggestions, Guys. I'm experiencing no water leakage from the Ranger cover. It is a custom size to my boat model, so the mildew is apparently a result of trapped (environmental) moisture under the cover. Pain in the arse, though. Guess when the weather warms up, i'll give everything a scrub down (under the cover and on the upolstry) to remove the mildew and use both your suggestions as prevention for a reoccurrence. Thanks for the input; this is what the "forum" is all about. Much appreciated.
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: snmcc]
#5806490
02/04/11 11:20 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 325
Impulse
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 325 |
From my experience, there isn't much you can do to keep the mildew out in an environment like Texas outdoors (unless it's West Texas and dry as a bone).
The chemical desiccants are designed for enclosed spaces with no circulation of new moisture after they have absorbed all they can. Unfortunately, that seems to take a few days under a boat cover, then they're non-functional.
We haven't tried an electric dehumidifier because of the low chance of success and high cost of running one. Plus 110V on an open boat on a dock in the water is a little risky- not like a battery charger inside a closed compartment.
We keep a pontoon boat on a dock and have resigned ourselves to spraying Clorox on it every once in awhile to get rid of the mildew. No hard work is required- just put regular bleach into a $1 spray bottle, spray it on everything that's discolored then watch the black stains go away. No scrubbing is usually required at all. That was a pleasant surprise.
It doesn't even require enough Clorox that any drips into the water, and there's no residue left after the bleach has evaporated. So far, we haven't seen any ill effects to anything from the bleach, but did try it on some small areas before starting to do the whole boat.
Post back if you do find something that works to prevent the mildew in the first place.
Last edited by Impulse; 02/04/11 11:21 PM.
'81 Aggie
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: sparkywags]
#5807158
02/05/11 01:33 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,220
Allan W
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,220 |
Put 2 dryer vent hoses in it one in front and one at transom. It will help alot.
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: Allan W]
#5807270
02/05/11 01:59 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,450
jsplinter
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,450 |
Go fishing everyday, then you have to take the cover off
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: jsplinter]
#5809353
02/05/11 06:00 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 434
Bigbobdallas52
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 434 |
Never thought about the mildew will have to look at mine when I rake off the snow
P/B 27 lb
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: jsplinter]
#5809360
02/05/11 06:04 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 17
okfishin
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 17 |
Watch the Bleach I have ruined all the seats on my toon by useing it ;;it takes all the oils out of them and makes them crack
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: okfishin]
#5811252
02/06/11 03:22 AM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 460
Mxbubs
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 460 |
I live in Louisiana and this is why I am selling my factory cover.
Features "Bullcrap Technology" as seen on TV!
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: Mxbubs]
#5811442
02/06/11 04:15 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,262
CRS
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,262 |
I've not had that problem, and I believe its because I allow a day or so for the boat to dry out and in the evening put the cover on. I hope this helps ofcourse I maybe wrong if so please disregard....LOL
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: okfishin]
#5811509
02/06/11 04:31 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 325
Impulse
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 325 |
Watch the Bleach I have ruined all the seats on my toon by useing it ;;it takes all the oils out of them and makes them crack okfishing, I know the kitchen cleaners with bleach will take the oils out of the vinyl, because they also have solvents to clean kitchen grease. I'm hoping just plain bleach won't have that problem, and so far, so good. But we've only had the 'toon for a couple of years so I can't vouch for the long term... Thanks for the info- I'll be watching out for degradation.
Last edited by Impulse; 02/06/11 04:33 AM.
'81 Aggie
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: Impulse]
#5814179
02/06/11 11:28 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,353
one-3lb-er
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,353 |
You might try putting a small fan to circulate the air. That is if Elec is available.
"One-3Lb-er" PB= 3Lb 4 OZ Texarkana, TX Fish in Texas=Wright Patman, Lake of Pines, Caddo: Arkansas=Millwood, Greeson, Dierks, White Oak: Oklahoma=Pine Creek, Hugo.
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Re: Suggestions for Dehumidifying Under the Boat Cover?
[Re: one-3lb-er]
#5816108
02/07/11 03:41 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 603
Retired Fisherman
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 603 |
I have meldew problems on vinyl seats with my boat being under a cover outside. I created an opening at the front and rear of the boat cover and it helps but does not entirely eliminate the problem. I also open compartments while the boat is covered.
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