One of the difficulties with keeping boats over the winter is moisture building up causing all sorts of problems. Apart from being unpleasant when you’re on the boat, condensation problems can affect electrical, finishes, adhesives and fittings.

Mould and mildew also thrives in these conditions and can start to smell, while excess moisture can seep into the woodwork and lead to rot.

Simply ventilating the boat will not help much to prevent the boat from smelling musty on their return; however the use of a dehumidifier is a popular solution to keep boats dry and mould-free and should be an essential purchase for any mariner.

A common setup is to put the dehumidifier onto the galley side and use the hose to drain the water into the sink so that the dehumidifier can be left unattended for long periods of time. As electricity rates can be high at a marina, it is recommended to look for a dehumidifier with a good humidistat and a timer function.