Boat Dehumidifier - Peltiertype?

[Rixram]

Hey all. I'm trying to plan ahead for my wi...wintppbbth.. sorry, can't bring myself to name that season that all the white stuff falls from the sky, and the temps drop to block crack temp, yet.

Well, I need to set myself up with a good dehumidifier for the season-that-shall-not-be-named. I'm seeing dehumidifier units of the Peltier-style type, and want to know if anyone has had good experience with them. My SR Seville II Mid-Cabin (smallest mid-cabin I've ever seen) tends to feel damp, and I shudder to think what kind of mold would be inside of it after a 5 month layup period.

These units seem to be popular, but the reviews are hit & miss, but no one in them specifically referrs to boats. I'm thinking an air purifier to clean and stir the air, in conjunction with a dehumidifier (set to drain out the sink) just might be the ticket I need. I do not want to pull the trigger on this (limited funds) without any sort of input from my fellow captains out there.

Dehumidifier unit: http://www.amazon.com/Eva-Dry-Edv-2200-Mid-Size-Dehumidifier/dp/B001QTW6KQ/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header

I'd prefer to avoid the compressor type units if I can because they have a large power draw and are overkill for something as small as this boat, and the units cost more, too. I'd rather spend 88w/hr instead of 1,000w/hr ($0.015 per hour, versus $0.17/hour, or $50 versus $575 for the 5 months in electrical costs) by going with the Peltier-style unit over a compressor unit, if the Peltier can adequately do the job. I'm not trying to be penny-wise and dollar stupid, but why use a chainsaw to cut butter, when the butterknife suffices?

Not enough coffee in the brain yet...I'm likely not making sense about cents...

 

[Lazy Daze]

Wint.... I know what you mean!

I would try to avoid anything electrical. One... Possible unattended fire (granted it's a very small chance). Two... Could stop working. Three... You'll be dripping water during freezing temps.

If you get the cabin aired out, clean and dry before putting it away, all you really need is some desiccant (bags or tubs - can also buy it at a craft store). And even that is an option. Either take the cushions in for the season or make sure to prop them up so air can circulate. And that doesn't cost any cents!

 

[JimFromMD]

There was a recent article on panbo about a small boat dehumidifier. Check that one out.

Also, many people use the kind with the white pellets, like "damp rid" etc. OH, and if you do use the chemical pellett kind, put the bucket in a bucket or resting in the sink in case the water over flows. I knew someone who had that spill out on a seat, and during the summer, the seat cushion had a wet spot where it always collected the summer humidity from the chemical getting in the cushion when it spilled.

 

[SloBurn]

Yea, stay away from anything electrical, too dangerous. Remember that wintttteee er temps being so low the air can't hold the humidity of a nice hot summer day. So a bag of Dri Rite should be sufficient. I've never user anything else in the last 35 years of boating and usually just have minimal mold to clean up. Bring your cushions home, hang them up, and clean the boat before covering. You'll be fine.

 

[Rixram]

Thanks for your input, fellas. I was a little concerned about the freezing temps, but hadn't considered electrical fires.