Dehumidifiers And Air Purifiers Review

Summary

For those who have to keep their boats docked and locked up for part of the year, there’s nothing worse than opening up a cabin or compartment and walking into the stench of several months’ worth of mildew. Humidity is an unseen enemy, one which can fill a boat with musty odors and cause a great deal of damage to whatever is stored within. Therefore, every boater should take at least some measure to protect against mold and mildew. Some methods are more expensive or involved than others, so evaluate your needs and decide how much you want to invest in a breath of fresh air.

Dehumidifiers available on the market today are a diverse lot. They range from $10 chemical baskets to high-end electric models that go for $80. The cheaper ones are disposable and run for the short term. They can fight off low degrees of humidity while the boat is in use, and they generally do a good enough job to control the smell, too. Some of the fancier chemical baskets feature replaceable cartridges and generally represent a small investment that builds up over time. The electric dehumidifiers can work from a variety of systems—some cycle air through repeating fans, while others use ion technology to clean. Regardless, these are more expensive initially, but their longevity and low-maintenance design might make them worth the investment for serious or even casual boaters. There’s always a worry over leaving electric appliances plugged in while a boat is locked up during the winter, so be sure to find a dehumidifier that has a low voltage, sparkles design to minimize the risk of shortage or fire. An electric option will be the best bet for anyone with a medium to large boat that needs to be stored for an extended period of time.

For all the various types of air purifiers sold in boat shops today, it’s worth noting that few are much different than the simple air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror in your car. These can cover up the scents from mold and mildew, but few actually eliminate them. An effective solution to their spread involves a great deal of vigilance, elbow grease, and a well-implemented dehumidification system.

Pros

• Relatively effective.
• Cheaper and easier than cleaning up after mildew spreads.
• Variety of options for different boat sizes and types.

Cons

• No replacement for care and elbow grease.
• Some models and types expensive.

Featured Manufacturers

Marine Air and Caframo

Conclusion

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and in this case, a bit of investment in a basic dehumidification system can save you loads of money, work, and heartbreak in the future. To keep your boat smelling good enough to sail, consider your options and decide accordingly.