I don't know if this question is hijacking this thread. If it is the mods can move it.
I have a wet bilge so there is always water in the boat. I also have a full winter cover, (Lohman cover) from October to March/April. I leave the port holes open to enhance air flow.
Vancouver is pretty wet at the best of times in winter, so there is a lot of humidity. Would a humidifier in such a wet environment be worth it?
Graham, my over 40 years experience has been with boats sitting in the water year round in Puget Sound. Just because I have years of experience, doesn’t necessarily mean I have been doing it correctly all this time, however.
I have found that using a dehumidifier makes a huge difference in reducing the moister, mold, and mildew and increasing the comfort in the boat during the 3 wet seasons. What I’ve found to be the most effective is a compressor type of dehumidifier in the main cabin that drains into a galley sink and then something to cause the air to be circulated into the other parts of the boat. However, even the small compressor types of dehumidifiers are relatively heavy and not always easy to store.
I have also used multiple small peltier dehumidifiers. They are quieter and easier to move and store. I have found that they are not nearly as effective as they compressor type but they have been “good enough”. I also have found them to be less reliable. I’ve never had a compressor dehumidify fail on me, so far I’m 2 for 3 with the small peltier dehumidifiers. Only one is still functional.
I just ordered a desiccant dehumidifier yesterday. It is the type have uses a bit of heat to remove the moisture from rotating panels that are coated with a desiccant. It should be lighter in weight, and quieter than the compressor types. I’ll see how it works out.
Anyway, in your situation when you keep your boat covered, I’ would just use a small compressor dehumidifier and have it drain into a galley sink. I would also see what you can do to remove more water from your bilge. If you can’t stop the leaking, consider using a micro bilge pump such as “dry bilge” to remove most of the water from the bilge and keep it out.
Just my opinion base on my experience. Your experience may vary.