Need your guys help again...

[Capt. BassinLou]

I know this topic was brought up in the past, but I can't remember.. 

On the new boat, I have tons of storage and store my baits and all of my outifts in their corresponding box. The storage and rod boxes seal VERY well, but here's the problem, living in South FL, the heat and humidity can be down right nasty. I keep the boat covered outside, and my rod lockers and storage compartments sweat like crazy!! To remove all my gear and baits after each trip is one PITA.

I was thinking of constructing short pvc stands and keep the storage boxes and rod locker propped open and have a small electric portable fan ventilating the boat. Thoughts??

I currently have 3 - 10oz Damp rid containers in each locker, and at the rate their going, I will need to replace each canister by next week.

I know electric fans have been recommended on here before, but can someone refresh my memory on to which brands to look at and point me in the right direction for my research.

Thank you!! 

[Bud Kennedy]

Lou, given your environmental conditions in SoFl, I don't think passive air ventilation will do you much good.  Perhaps you can consider a dehumidifier product.  The Eva- Dry folks have quite a few choices especially for boats.  Their website is eva-dry.com  Select the section for boats and have a look

Our area is also heavy humidity but have never had a problem with sweating in the locker compartments.  My lockers do not have compression latches and don't fit hard tight light yours or any boat with compression latches.

The problem you mention would make me worry about mildew

[Capt. BassinLou]

Lou, given your environmental conditions in SoFl, I don't think passive air ventilation will do you much good.  Perhaps you can consider a dehumidifier product.  The Eva- Dry folks have quite a few choices especially for boats.  Their website is eva-dry.com  Select the section for boats and have a look

Our area is also heavy humidity but have never had a problem with sweating in the locker compartments.  My lockers do not have compression latches and don't fit hard tight light yours or any boat with compression latches.

The problem you mention would make me worry about mildew

Thank you Bud, I will look into your suggestion. I brought this topic up because mildew is already an issue on my reel covers. 

[Flat Rock]

I used to live in that god forsaken state (except for fishing  )   Air circulation and ventilation is key in keeping mold down.   

[DonM]

This stuff works great!  DampRid
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q3FM8WE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Capt. BassinLou]

This stuff works great!  DampRid
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q3FM8WE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you Don, currently have that in the boat lockers now. My thinking was by having the lockers propped open and running a fan, the combo would minimize the volume of moisture in the lockers.

[FlatsNBay]

Wouldn't you worry about someone stealing your equipment? I'd probably cart everything back and forth. I probably wouldn't sleep at night knowing my tackle is stored in the boat!

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[Capt. BassinLou]

Wouldn't you worry about someone stealing your equipment? I'd probably cart everything back and forth. I probably wouldn't sleep at night knowing my tackle is stored in the boat!

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Stealing my equipment? Where,,,,at my house? That's going to be pretty damn tough to do. But to answer your question, no that's the least of my worries.

[Princeton_Man]

Lou, given your environmental conditions in SoFl, I don't think passive air ventilation will do you much good.  Perhaps you can consider a dehumidifier product.  The Eva- Dry folks have quite a few choices especially for boats.  Their website is eva-dry.com  Select the section for boats and have a look

Our area is also heavy humidity but have never had a problem with sweating in the locker compartments.  My lockers do not have compression latches and don't fit hard tight light yours or any boat with compression latches.

The problem you mention would make me worry about mildew

Those are cool,I saw them being promoted on TV not long ago. If they work as advertised they should solve the problem. I use Sta-Dri pouches in my gun safes. I acquired the medium and large pouches from boxes used for shipping higher end computers and electronics not too many years ago. I recharge them in an electric oven and keep them in a sealed container and only change them in a safe when I've had it open for a while.


Lou, I'll send you a few if you'd like to give them a try. Put them in the oven at 250 degrees for about 8 hours to recharge. Keep them in an airtight container or zipper bag. Throw them in your lockers when you return from fishing.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Those are cool,I saw them being promoted on TV not long ago. If they work as advertised they should solve the problem. I use Sta-Dri pouches in my gun safes. I acquired the medium and large pouches from boxes used for shipping higher end computers and electronics not too many years ago. I recharge them in an electric oven and keep them in a sealed container and only change them in a safe when I've had it open for a while.


Lou, I'll send you a few if you'd like to give them a try. Put them in the oven at 250 degrees for about 8 hours to recharge. Keep them in an airtight container or zipper bag. Throw them in your lockers when you return from fishing.

Thanks Jim, no need to send them , although I do appreciate the gesture. ... 8 hours in the oven?? How often do you need to that ?

[Princeton_Man]

Thanks Jim, no need to send them , although I do appreciate the gesture. ... 8 hours in the oven?? How often do you need to that ?

I would think in your situation you'd have to use a new set of packs each time you return from fishing. If you choose to go that route you'd want to have 4 or 5 sets so that you didn't have to recharge each time you used them.

[Oldfart9999]

If you have and opening at the bow and one at the stern you can set a small fan blowing out at the stern and have air flow in at one end and leave at another. It doesn't have to strong just a bit of movement, I've done it and it works.
Rodney

[Princeton_Man]

If you have and opening at the bow and one at the stern you can set a small fan blowing out at the stern and have air flow in at one end and leave at another. It doesn't have to strong just a bit of movement, I've done it and it works.
Rodney

I may be wrong but I think that's part of the issue with the Vexus. Unlike boats like the Bass Tracker, the lockers are pretty close to air tight.

[Capt. BassinLou]

I may be wrong but I think that's part of the issue with the Vexus. Unlike boats like the Bass Tracker, the lockers are pretty close to air tight.

When those lockers close, they close. I have driven through 2 torrential downpours with this boat, and the lockers have stayed dry. But... the level of moisture these lockers retain is ridiculous. I have seen on other aluminum boats, how owners have drilled and installed vents to prevent this same issue, but I'm not that handy. 

[j102]

Lou,
I had that issue when I had my boat and ended up bringing the equipment inside every time.
I built a PVC structure to keep the boat's cover from touching the gunnels and kept the compartments opened all the time to let the humidity "evaporate". I used a small fan every once in a while, it helped, but it was a constant battle.
Keeping the boat cover up a bit, so it doesn't touch the boat, lets air circulate better. Boat covers don't let rain in, but don't let humidity out either.
If I were to do it again, I would build a low tent and would store the boat with the compartments opened.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Lou,
I had that issue when I had my boat and ended up bringing the equipment inside every time.
I built a PVC structure to keep the boat's cover from touching the gunnels and kept the compartments opened all the time to let the humidity "evaporate". I used a small fan every once in a while, it helped, but it was a constant battle.
Keeping the boat cover up a bit, so it doesn't touch the boat, lets air circulate better. Boat covers don't let rain in, but don't let humidity out either.
If I were to do it again, I would build a low tent and would store the boat with the compartments opened.

That does it.... I'm moving to a house with a garage!!  ... wish it was that simple.

J102, good to see you around bud. Appreciate the tip. The custom boat cover that came with this boat is no joke. Like you said, protects from the sun and keeps the rain out, but it retains all that moisture, making it like a slow cooker.  . I have since removed my rods and reels from the storage locker, my plastics and other baits I have left them in the lockers with damp rid containers for the time being.

Appreciate all the tips and replies so far. 

[Mike Cork]

Carport or something like J102 said. Even if it's a PVC structure, something to park it under will not only allow you to open the boxes but will protect the boat. Save the cover for traveling.

When it comes to propping a box lid open, a plano 3700 works perfect.

[Flat Rock]

Humidity isn't as bad in Tenn as in Fla, but I have to leave all the boxes open for air ventilation otherwise I'll see mold on my rods handles

[merc1997]

Wouldn't you worry about someone stealing your equipment? I'd probably cart everything back and forth. I probably wouldn't sleep at night knowing my tackle is stored in the boat!

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man, if i did that, i would not ever have time to get any fishing done.  plus, it would become too much of a chore to go fishing.  if fishing became more like work than an enjoyment, it might cause me to lose my love of the sport.

keep it as simple as possible.

bo

[coldfront]

maybe that's the next big thing in bass boats:

under-deck circulation.  plug your charger in to top off batteries AND run the fan.

Lou:  know you don't need to hear this, but my ability to put my boat in my garage is priceless.  to the extent that I won't buy a boat that I can't get in my garage.

so, as I contemplate 'a bigger boat', that price tag just got inflated to include a new house.
now, if only I can find that 3-tandem car garage!

that, or I build a big barn and live in the loft with all the vehicles/toys on the main floor.

[Sandman7925]

I prop my boxes open with anything laying around to not trap moisture.
Boat stays under a metal carport with the cover on but it's Louisiana.

Currently building a pvc frame that will be on a pulley system to lower and raise the cover to make that easier.



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[Bud Kennedy]

Coldfront.  Ranger already is putting blowers in some of the lockers on the Z520 series

[coldfront]

Coldfront.  Ranger already is putting blowers in some of the lockers on the Z520 series

I know Bud, what frustrates me is that somehow manufacturers don't see the value in putting those features in smaller, ALL boats.

8 foot or longer rod lockers.  under deck circulation.
LED lights.  the list goes on.

they're 'getting there' but boy is is slow! 
they're finally also getting around to thinking that tin boats are just 'settling' moments but a very logical, rational choice for many folks.

[Bud Kennedy]

You are right, Aluminum boat however are starting to grow up to be a model of choice instead of a low cost alternative.  The new models over the past two years has developed the market that proves an aluminum can be a solid fishing platform with all or most of the features of their fiberglass cousins.  Buying an aluminum today no longer represents something you have to settle for.

[Flat Rock]

You're right Bud...   People will always want more out of their boat then what they have.  Maybe if mfg's would have just stuck with open jon boats, we wouldn't be worrying about rod lockers and humidity.   

You know it isn't all that hard to install small 12 fans in your rod lockers if leaving the lockers open isn't an option.  All you need is a hole saw and run 12 volts power to it.