Ventilation on Boats
Why is ventilation on unattended boats so important?
Unattended boats make the perfect moisture traps due to the different temperature changes around the boat. The temperature of the water the hull is sitting in, the ambient temperature of the air around the boat and then the temperature of the air inside the boat are all different and always changing!
When different temperatures meet, moisture in the atmosphere can build up, especially on surfaces, and this moisture can quickly start to cause problems. It makes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which then turns into mould, and mould looks bad, smells bad, damages your boat and makes the inside of your boat an unhealthy place to live.
This is why, when ventilating a boat, you need to do more than just move the air around the main compartments. You need to try and keep all compartments, including the small areas you never see or
think of, ventilated.
There are various vents available to enable you to keep the boat well vented whilst you are sitting back at home.
Deck vents
These are available as constantly open for dry decks, often used on boats on the inland waterways or closable to make them water tight. You can also have them fitted with small 12 or 24 volt fans or solar powered fans.
Louvered vents
Very basic and the least expensive vents. These are available in stainless steel or plastic and with or without fly screens. These can be used for ventilating bilges, deck boxes, fuel lockers, storage lockers or behind electronics.
Large louvered vents are commonly installed on the side of the engine room allowing air to naturally get to the engine.
