Winter living
All-
I am in dire need of advice here, so feel free to post opinions. I will be moving onto the boat for the winter in the Annapolis, MD area. I can reasonably expect sub-freezing temps and water approaching or hitting that temperature. While the Bay itself doesn't freeze, it's not unreasonable to expect that the water around my boat will. I don't have a "bubbler," but while marina shopping this has been one of my main options. I have AC/DC/propane systems onboard. I have a small electric space heater I was planning to use, but honestly have no other REAL plans for dealing with the cold. I'm not sure how the boat is going to react floating in what boils down to a big glass of ice-water. Do I still need to winterize the engine? How about insulation? What's the difference in a balsa-core boat and a solid fiberglass boat where cold is concerned? I know at least two members of the group live onboard 24/265, anybody have any suggestions? I'm not long on money, but NOT being forced to live wrapped from head to toe would be nice...
Thanks!
Mike
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Wed, 10/19/2011 - 19:21
#2
I've been told using a fan to keep the air circulating is a good way to prevent mold and mildew. Non liveaboards say they can get away with using less heat and therefore save money on power. Might be a good idea for liveaboards too if they can find a fan that isn't too noisy.
Tue, 10/18/2011 - 06:26
#3
Mike,
I completely agree with David above and our 1330 hulls are insulated with Airex foam. I believe the 35's are solid glass. That non-insulated hull will make a big difference with respect to trying to keep the inside of the boat hull dry.
A few years back I invested in a relatively compact (about the size of a "carry-on" suitcase) dehumidifier. It pulls about a gallon and a half of water out of the air every day which seems to make a remarkable difference in our comfort level. We don't have near the problem with mold, especially at the "ends" now. The dryer air inside also seems to be a little easier to heat when there is less moisture in the air.
Last winter we had a cold snap right before Thanksgiving that was the coldest and the longest I have ever had to go without power (and Internet!) while living on the boat. What literally saved our bacon last winter was a portable kerosene heater. The unit I got puts out about 10.5K BTU's and burns for 10-12 hours on a 1.5 gallon tank. With the temps in the low teens outside day and night and with no other source of heat, the little kerosene heater really save the day. I just ordered a replacement wick and glow plug for the coming winter and already looking to stock up on the super clean burning K-1 kerosene.
Other than that air circulation really helps. Seems like anytime you can put some air between two objects the better. The tighter clothes are packed and stowed away the quicker they will turn into a big moldy mess. Especially if cotton. Leather will soak up moisture and mold as well.
Good luck!
Mon, 10/17/2011 - 04:11
#4
Hello Mike,
I can share what I have experienced in the area of cold weather liveaboard. Usually, the greatest challenge is controlling condensation on the inside of the hull, and the subsequent water damage, mold and mildew.
If your mattress is on top of a cold locker storage area, it will get soggy wet in a few weeks. You will have to ether put a pad that circulates lots of air under it, or heat the space in the storage locker under the sleeping area. One human body gives of a surprising amount of moisture, and cooking, especially with open propane flame really gets the moisture flowing. You can expect to get condensation drips from the overhead hatches. Cooking on an electrical burner instead of an open propane flame is a great help in reducing humidity in the air. Yes, I would winterize the engine. It is so easy to drain the raw water from the heat exchanger, and the raw water strainer now, and not have to do it when that really cold snap comes and you lose electric power. Try to get out and around outside every day, it helps prevent cabin fever. Let us know how it goes, and what you learn about the art of cool sailboat life.
David Vollrath S/V Swell Horizon S-1330
I've talked to a lot of locals about heat, but air circulation hasn't come up much. Sounds like the advice I'm getting from the group is gold. Perhaps I should find a couple small computer fans (or something along those lines) and mount them in such a manner as to circulate the air in the boat's dead spaces, like under the settees and the v-berth...
Mike McCombs
SV Christy Lee
S-35 Hull 8
Chesapeake, VA, USA
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