Control mold and mildew to keep your cabin smelling fresh.
If you go below decks on most any wet-stored boat or one that has recently been taken out of winter storage, you will frequently encounter the smell of mold and mildew. Of course the reason for this is that the moist, humid conditions that arise in the enclosed environment of boats are exactly what mold and mildew need to grow and thrive. Following are a few suggestions and products you can use to prevent the growth of these obnoxious fungi, or when they are already present, virtually eliminate them from your boat.
Ventilate your boat.
For starters, we suggest you keep your boat well ventilated. For boats that are shrink wrapped for winter storage, this means installing vents as part of the shrink wrap installation. A second measure for shrink wrapped boats is to make use of Dr. Shrink or Star brite Mildew Gas Bags which emit a gas that, while not dangerous to humans or pets, penetrates to the deepest, most hidden recesses of a boat to eliminate mildew in those locations.
Suggestions for Wet-Stored Boats
For boats kept in the water throughout the year, ventilation is also key. This means to keep hatches open as much as possible and to install solar vents. If your boat already has mold or mildew, Star brite’s Mildew Gas Bags (like those mentioned above) can be used to treat all the spaces below decks on your boat.
Wet-stored boats can also benefit by use of boat dehumidifier products, such as Star brite’s No Damp Ultra Dome, their No Damp Moisture Absorber and Marykate’s Moisture Control Bag. These chemical dehumidifiers use special crystals that absorb moisture out of the air. Refill crystals are available.
A Plug-in Option
Another type of marine dehumidifier to consider is West Marine’s 120V AC Air Dryer with Fan. In cold climates, this device helps to keep boats dry by emitting a small amount of heat while drawing less than a 100W light bulb. This air dryer is designed for safe, continuous dockside operation.
Marine Dehumidifiers FAQ
Boats are prone to moisture buildup, leading to mold, mildew, and musty odors. A marine dehumidifier helps control humidity levels, preventing damage to wooden surfaces, upholstery, and electronics while maintaining a healthier onboard environment.
Electric dehumidifiers provide continuous moisture removal and work best with shore power access, while desiccant-based dehumidifiers operate without electricity, making them ideal for smaller spaces or boats in storage.
While home dehumidifiers can work in a marine setting, they may not be designed to handle the high humidity and salt exposure found on boats. Marine-specific models are built for compact spaces and optimized for moisture control in marine environments.
Desiccant dehumidifiers use moisture-absorbing crystals or silica gel packs to draw humidity from the air. They require no electricity, making them perfect for lockers, cabins, and areas without power access. Once saturated, some can be dried and reused.
During high humidity or when storing your boat, running a dehumidifier continuously or using a desiccant-based solution helps prevent moisture-related damage. In-season, use as needed to maintain a dry interior.
Yes, compact and battery-operated dehumidifiers are available for marine use. These models are lightweight, easy to relocate, and designed for smaller vessels or localized moisture control in specific areas.