Dehumidifier Types

[RobMcClain]

My wife and I recently took delivery of a C30 Sedan which we berth on the Columbia River. We are discussing options and types of dehumidifiers as we consider next winter. We have a Caframo Pali Engine Compartment Heater, as well as a Caframo True North Space Heater. I find the Caframo products to identically match those branded by West Marine but at a substantial cost savings. We have searched the TugNuts posts regarding dehumidifiers but are still a bit confused about the need and types of dehumidifiers. Do we need one, and if so, what is the better type for the PNW winters? Do we want something like the Caframo Stor-Dry, which operates with a low electrical draw and lightly warms the air with no need for a water drain, or do we want one that needs to be placed nearby a sink because it collects and drains the moisture in the air? Any product suggestions would also be appreciated!

Rob

 

[NewMoon]

We have two Caframo True North heaters on low settings, and a 30-pint dehumidifier which drains into the galley sink. Seems to work well on our 37 Nordic Tug in Poulsbo WA.

 

[The lyons den]

Although my r23 is quite a bit smaller, I have had great success with dollar store pail style dehumidifiers. I am able to slip them into small areas where air doesn’t circulate well. One in the foot of the cave, one under the kitchen sink, one in the head and a couple in the v-berth. I also installed a digital humidity/temperature gauge at the helm just to make sure humidity is under control. The pails are an excellent indicator of damp areas as they fill much faster.
Curt

 

[SJI Sailor]

In Seattle we have used 2 of the Caframo StorDry units and observed no problems over several winters. Make sure to keep them clear.

At the same time, we also sometimes use an Ivation 19 pint dehumidifier with a hose to drain to the bilge. My impression is that the dehumidifier is not required in addition to the Caframo units but OTOH does make it nicer and drier inside. It is a small pain to haul it off and on the boat, and it's too large to store easily when underway. But I like adding it when it is convenient!

 

[knotflying]

I always thought humidity levels drop in the winter.

 

[SJI Sailor]

I always thought humidity levels drop in the winter.

True in some places but not in Seattle https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Humidity-perc,seattle,United-States-of-America. I'm actually surprised it is that humid here in the Summer. I suppose the diurnal change would be high (it can be very dry during sunny daylight Summer time, sometimes even approaching desert levels).

But more importantly, we use the boat less in the Winter so it stays closed up more. I use the dehumidifier year round as much as possible.

 

[Chimo]

There is a great deal of comment and information on this site about dehumidifiers. This is perhaps one of the better threads viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17440.

A couple of important highlights:

Peltier dehumidifiers do not work below 15°C.

Small units that simply blow a minor amount of warm air [which is a good thing for circulation] only affect humidity levels because they add heat.

I find it costs me about 4 to 5 dollars per month to continuously run a full-size dehumidifier. Having experienced black mould when we boated on the Chesapeake Bay, I am more than happy to pay that cost.

 

[RobMcClain]

I appreciate the feedback being offered. It is helping me better understand a topic I’ve not previously needed to consider. Thanks to all…