DOCKTALK
Keeping Warm & Dry Belowdecks by Beth Crabtree
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lthough many sailors have stowed their sails, line, gloves, and gear for the season, some of us are out on the water until Thanksgiving weekend and later. For the hearty souls still sailing, staying warm and dry is important, both topside and belowdecks. All kinds of strategies can be employed to keep skipper and crew warm while inside the cabin. Determining what’s best for you will depend on how you’re using the boat. For occasional day cruising, a few of the simplest strategies to employ are using the oven more often, wearing a hat and the correct insulating layers of clothing, and stowing and using more blankets. Liveaboards and sailors who cruise long distances in cold weather will desire a heater. SpinSheet contributor Paul Bollinger says, “Options for heaters include ceramic, electric, and diesel models, as well as the reverse cycle AC/heater systems. More sophisticated models have radiators, which distribute heat evenly, and thermostats that can be programmed to turn off the heating element when the cabin reaches a set temperature. If the unit is not mounted to a wall, you must be certain that it cannot tip over accidentally.” “A reverse cycle AC/heater model works like a home heat pump and is a popular choice, but these systems can only warm the air to approximately 20 degrees warmer than the water temperature,” says Bollinger. That may be fine for most mid-Atlantic winters, but last year this system left some liveaboards a little frosty, and more than a few sailors probably did some last-minute winterization work under pretty chilly conditions. Once you’ve warmed the cabin, condensation could be your next challenge, particularly with an older boat that lacks much insulation. Moisture needs to be monitored to prevent the growth of mold and mildew and to stop those pesky water droplets from falling Follow us!
##Which heaters work best is a hot topic on the docks among liveaboard sailors. Photo by Al Schreitmueller
on your head and from accumulating in storage areas. Power dehumidifiers and bags or buckets that contain moisture-absorbing materials can help in the battle against moisture. Increasing ventilation will also help solve the problem, but in the winter, it will probably impair your heating efforts. Bollinger describes a creative method he invented to improve insulation
and reduce condensation. “I purchased inexpensive rolls of aluminum reflective fabric at Home Depot. Using the hatch screens as a pattern, I cut the fabric to fit between the screen and the hatch. With a double layer of the reflective fabric, I’ve had good success not only with retaining heat during the winter, but also reflecting heat in the summer,” he says. SpinSheet November 2014 15