what to use for mildew during storage.

[bigeasy1]

Can anyone recommend the best mold and mildew repellent for boats stored under shrink wrap from October to late April.(northern climate,NY.)
Every spring I find mold spots on the inner surfaces of my canvas work.It even rotted some of the thread and I had to have it restitched.The top is made from sunbrella supreme that has a vinyl inner layer.
I bought some fabric safe mold remover from 3M that did a great job,and followed it up with some treatment that you apply,which is supposed to prevent further mold growth.I did it this summer and so far no mold,but I guess time will tell when spring rolls around.

Are the hanging mold/mildew repellent things any good.?They claim to have a chemical that permeates the air and stops mold. Any thoughts? Thanks all

[fdheld34]

I used a product in my Travel trailer when put in storage..It came in a small bucket like container with granules on the bottom and would collect moisture thus preventing mold and mildew. I cant remember off hand what it was called though...but it worked. I know Lowe's sells a product called Damp Rid but don't know how well it works.
Might be a product you could spray on for storage too...check RV cleaning supply sites etc. like
http://www.campingworld.com/

[joshmon71]

do you use those vents you can place up high on the shrink wrap? always worked well for me. couple on opposite sides, and getting all the moisture out of the bilge possible. I

[Mikem8560]

we don't shrink wrap in Florida sorry

[NoBones]

John,

If you have power close by when she is on the hard....
Go buy a cheap dehumidifier and let it run through the winter..

Just let it drain out, without freezing...

[Bushwacker]

John,

Damp Rid works well in Fl., but even the large bucket only lasts about 3 wks. I've also tried the new dessicant gadgets that can be recharged/dried out by plugging them into 110V for about 8 hrs, but they need recharging weekly. Your best bet would probably be to install a 110V dehumidifier that drains overboard if you have access to 110V. Or maybe you can install enough vents to eliminate the need for it. Denny

[NoBones]

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

John,

Damp Rid works well in Fl., but even the large bucket only lasts about 3 wks. I've also tried the new dessicant gadgets that can be recharged/dried out by plugging them into 110V for about 8 hrs, but they need recharging weekly. Your best bet would probably be to install a 110V dehumidifier that drains overboard if you have access to 110V. Or maybe you can install enough vents to eliminate the need for it. Denny

We were both typing at the same time...

Great minds think alike.....

[bigeasy1]

Thanks guys,I think I'll have him throw in a lot of extra vents in the shrink when he does it.
I checked out the damp rid and see as mentioned that it doesn't last very long.The boat is kept at my camper(6 hours away) and the electric in the campground is usually turned off in late november,so the dehumidifier isn't an option.
I guess the best option will be a mix of extra vents and a few Damp Rids.

And,I envy you southern boys who don't have to worry about shrink wrap or giving up several months of fishing because of snow and freezing temps.
One of these days I'm going to pay you a visit.

Thank you all for the replies

[DonV]

"giving up several months of fishing because of snow and freezing temps"

Yuck!!!! Snow and freezing temps is BAD enough....big time!!....then you throw in losing months of fishing on top of that!!!! You need to move.

[bigeasy1]

Originally Posted by DonV

"giving up several months of fishing because of snow and freezing temps"

Yuck!!!! Snow and freezing temps is BAD enough....big time!!....then you throw in losing months of fishing on top of that!!!! You need to move.

Yes Don, you may be right.I'm still giving that some thought.I spoke to a few of the members on this site about it,and many were gracious enough to offer me a tour of the areas,if I decide to check things out down your way.

I'm giving some thought about selling my home in Mass,and maybe keeping my camp in NY on the Great Lakes, spending the summers there,and buying a small home in Florida for the winter months.Maybe get a 18-20 ctr console for protected back water fishing.

I truly love the Salmon and Steelhead fishing on the lakes,so I won't give that up,but winters are in the northeast are beginning to take their toll on me.
On the other hand,I used to go to Florida twice a year for my job,and found the heat in the summer tough to take.

Getting up the nerve to make the move is the hard thing.It sounds easy,but in reality there are a lot of things to think of,my children are 40 years old,but I'd miss them,and my family and friends are here.
Of course they tell me to go,and they'd come down to visit(free lodging).Then there's the question of should I buy or should I rent? If I was just going to spend the winters does it make sense to buy?Retirement is about a year away,maybe I should attend a CSC gathering to get a feel for the area,and to meet some of you.

Lots of things to think of.