For most people, owning a sailboat is an advantage as one can sail all over the world, live inside the boat, and benefit from several amenities onboard. However, the growth of mold and mildew, and unpleasant odors in sailboats can be a serious problem for a sailboat owner. The most important reason for which you’d need a dehumidifier is the excessive humidity in the sailboat, which will likely lead to damage. Sailboats are built with water-resistant materials and coating so as to withstand different weather conditions. Unfortunately, this can not always guarantee the prevention of moisture. A solution to this problem is the use of a dehumidifier for sailboats. In this article, I’ll give you some details about dehumidifiers as well as which dehumidifiers are the best for your sailboat.

Factors to Consider before Buying a Dehumidifier

• Materials: The material from which the dehumidifier is made defines if it can be used on a sailboat or not. In general, the materials have to be durable and corrosion-resistant because they’ll be exposed to seawater. So, remember to avoid devices with metallic components or made with easily decomposing materials.
• Boat Size: Consider the size of your sailboat before purchasing a dehumidifier. If you have a large cabin then you ought to buy a model that will serve the entire size of the cabin.
• Safety: Many dehumidifiers are portable units and can’t be fastened in place so as to prevent movement when the boat encounters harsh weather conditions.
• Moisture extraction rate: Generally, boat dehumidifiers have to withstand the demands of the marine environment. In other words, a good dehumidifier has to deal with the constant replenishment and rise of moisture. Therefore, it has to draw a large amount of water from the air. The dew point is the temperature to which air remains cool before the moisture within it condenses from a gas to water.
• Drainage system: The condensed water into the dehumidifier’s bucket has to be emptied by a vent or hose in order to ensure that the moisture is gone. Many dehumidifiers drain into the bilge or into a holding tank. However, dehumidifiers with a built-in vent don’t need to be emptied.

Types of Boat Dehumidifiers for Boats/Sailboats

There are three main types of dehumidifiers. The type of dehumidifier that suits you best depends on the environment in which you’re sailing. In other words, if you’re sailing to dry environments you should pick a dehumidifier that can withstand this climate. Also, the type and size of the sailboat will define the device’s dehumidification abilities. A large sailboat will need a powerful dehumidifier with a long lifespan whereas a small sailboat will be able to manage with a simple model.

• Compressor-driven dehumidifiers: Compressor-driven boat dehumidifiers function just like an air-conditioner. Meaning that they draw in the air, pass it over a filter, and then over cold coils. Then the coils cool the water resulting in water condensation. Then, the condensation drips into a bucket that has to be emptied. However, some compressor-driven models can work with a hose so as to ensure constant drainage. 
• Desiccant dehumidifiers: This type uses some chemicals like calcium chloride or Zeolite, instead of condensation, in order to absorb moisture. Their construction consists of a fan that absorbs the air into the dehumidifier and taking it past a rotor that will eventually dry the air. This rotor contains the desiccant chemical. There are disposable, rechargeable, full-size consumers, and commercial desiccant dehumidifiers.
• Thermo-electric dehumidifiers: Thermo-electric dehumidifiers use a small but robust fan that circulates the air. Thermo-electric dehumidifiers, or Peltier, use the thermoelectric effect in order to convert electricity into a temperature difference across a Peltier unit. This process is what facilitates dehumidification. Furthermore, as these dehumidifiers don’t have a humidistat or compressor and have fewer parts, they’re cost-efficient and quieter. The drawback is that they need some more time to remove moisture.

Best Boat Dehumidifiers

Eva-Dry EDV 2200 Dehumidifier

The thermo-electric Eva-Dry EDV 2200 dehumidifier is small and reliable, so it’s a great option for use in a small sailboat. You can also place it in one room on a larger boat. It offers low energy use and features the Peltier technology that facilitates dehumidification. The model is capable of removing about 20 ounces of moisture per day. Check it out on Amazon.

Boat Dehumidifier and Moisture Absorber Bags

This is the most common and zero-energy solution as far as boat dehumidifiers go. You just hang the bags in a few areas around your boat and let them do their thing. However, as you can imagine it will not keep your boat dry all winter long if that’s what your plan is. This boat dehumidifier is actually a moisture absorber and odor eliminator. It actually pulls the moisture from the air that can cause musty smells and mold growth. This Boat Dehumidifier is an excellent moisture absorber for a boat cabin and other small spaces prone to humidity. This Dehumidifier hanger is an affordable moisture absorber that reduces the growth of smells, making it an excellent solution for a boat cabin. Here is the Link to Amazon.

Meaco DD8L Zambezi Desiccant Dehumidifier

This desiccant model has a variety of safety features that protects against electrical or corrosion issues. It has a three-liter tank or alternatively, you can use the supplied hose for continuous drainage. Moreover, it has a digital display, ionizer, and fan speed, among other features. Keep in mind that this dehumidifier is better for colder environments and when humidity levels rise. See the model on Amazon.

Ivation IVADM35 Powerful Mid-Size Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier 

This unit uses Peltier technology, is portable and compact, and has a detachable water tank. It shows high performance in absorbing moisture (up to 20 ounces per day), and it’s appropriate for enclosed areas, like inside a sailboat. Furthermore, the device is noiseless and can cover up to 2,000 cubic square feet of space. Check out the model on Amazon.

Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

This dehumidifier is small and portable but offers a variety of great features. It uses the Peltier technology, it’s noiseless and shows a high collection rate of moisture from the air. It has also a water tank with a capacity of 52 ounces and is able to extract about 20 ounces of water per day. In other words, the unit efficiently keeps the mold and mildew away. It can cover an area of up to 250 sqft so it’s practical for the common sailboat size. The drawback is that it runs on the power supply and that it can’t work in low temperatures. Check the model and its reviews on Amazon.

InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier 

Another great dehumidifier suitable for your sailboat and equipped with many features. The unit is able to remove up to 27 ounces per day, has a continuous drainage feature, and uses efficient Peltier technology. You can either let it shut off automatically or attach a hose that allows continuous drainage. Lastly, it’s noiseless, can cover about 300 sqft, and is a great option for small sailboats. For its price, this dehumidifier offers more features than other more expensive models. Check it out on Amazon.

The Bottom Line

Dehumidifiers are an important investment so as to protect the interior of your sailboat during winter months or when sailing to dry climates. Mould, mildew, and unpleasant odors in a sailboat cabin are a result of allowing damp and moisture in the sailboat’s environment over a large period of time. Whichever model you are thinking about purchasing, make sure first that is appropriate for marine use. Boat dehumidifiers must be made of stainless steel and corrosion-resistant components and withstand water-based environments. The best boat dehumidifiers have to be of high quality and be equipped with features that conventional dehumidifiers don’t have. So, always check the type and characteristics of boat dehumidifiers and most importantly consider the aforementioned factors before making a purchase. Wish you a pleasant and free-of-moisture voyage!