Sell the the steel yacht and buy a foam sandwich yacht - perhaps .

Thanks dinsdale... you're not the first to suggest that!!

slammin... I'm not keen on spraying the hull with foam at all. One idea I had was getting hold of some air cell insulation (that's sandwiched between aluminium, with one side being sticky) and sticking that to the inside of the hull. But I don't think that's going to solve any condensation issue, only make it worse by keeping any moisture between the steel hull and the insulation. Or is it? Maybe if any condensation occurs it would be within the air cell part of the insulation, would be away from the steel hull and would dry with some light air flow.

The hull is in really good shape (only 14 years old), just a couple of light spots that need a scrub with a wire brush then some etch primer. I just want to ensure that everything is ok, looking for peace of mind to know she'll be right. (And yes, I've read the coastal passage article before and I'm nowhere near that type of problem thank goodness!!)

eljayw said...
Thanks dinsdale... you're not the first to suggest that!!

slammin... I'm not keen on spraying the hull with foam at all. One idea I had was getting hold of some air cell insulation (that's sandwiched between aluminium, with one side being sticky) and sticking that to the inside of the hull. But I don't think that's going to solve any condensation issue, only make it worse by keeping any moisture between the steel hull and the insulation. Or is it? Maybe if any condensation occurs it would be within the air cell part of the insulation, would be away from the steel hull and would dry with some light air flow.

The hull is in really good shape (only 14 years old), just a couple of light spots that need a scrub with a wire brush then some etch primer. I just want to ensure that everything is ok, looking for peace of mind to know she'll be right. (And yes, I've read the coastal passage article before and I'm nowhere near that type of problem thank goodness!!)

Just thinking about that article gives me the heebee"s. As the article notes make sure absolutely everywhere is accessible.

Back on topic, and the condensation. I would consider how much more effective a fan would be than a coating of anything. I assume if it's steel then you have size and power on your side? If not maybe a few 12v computer fans to get the air moving out of the boat.

I have heard of anti-condensate paints, but have never used them. Apparently the Ultimate 18 (trailer sailer) had the stuff and it had a rubbery feel and is very effective.

On a lateral note my boat is fibreglass and has a carpet headliner, which is glued on. I don't know your design/interior but maybe you could attach it in a way that it is somewhat easily removable?

Out of the 3 I bet the fan is easiest!

I am not sure the dark colour option is such a good idea.

Knew a bloke that painted his fibreglass hull black and all his lockers were like ovens.

Good ventilation has to be the best solution. Some people glue carpet to the inside which seems to work. Spray foam has to be the worst solution.

how does a dark hull go in the tropics?

Yes, a dark painted steel hull is hotter than a white paint job but my hull is 27yrs old and in very good condition. If you want the advantages of steel-and they are many-it is a personal choice to have or not have interior condensation.
I will post some photos but it will take a day or two to organise.How bad was your damage Cisco? The last couple of years I have been horrified by the carnage up and down the coast.

I run a Delonghi Dehumidifier and it is amazing the amount of moisture the thing can draw from the air.