A Guide to Using Heaters and Dehumidifiers on Charter Boats
Keeping your sailboat warm, dry, and comfortable is essential for an enjoyable winter charter. The Modern Sailing fleet maintenance team equips each vessel with heaters and dehumidifiers, strategically placed to combat dampness and cold. These essentials ensure you embark on your San Francisco Bay adventure ready to sail in warmth and comfort. Here’s how to optimize their use for maximum moisture control.
Stowing Devices When Underway
- Dehumidifiers: The smaller Silver fleet boats (e.g., the Catalina 30') will likely have the dehumidifier condensation hose poised to eliminate moisture directly in the galley sink. On larger Gold, Platinum, and Catamaran fleet boats: Turn off the dehumidifier and unplug it. Empty the condensate in the galley sink. Stow the unit in a cupboard, closet, or as instructed in the white boat book (check navigation table) before getting underway. Make sure it is secured with straps if placing under the chart table.
- Heaters: If the heater is on when you board in the morning, turn it off and unplug it. Snugly stow it away during the trip in a labeled cupboard or closet after it cools. At the end of the charter, return it to the center of the cabin sole, forward of the companionway steps, facing towards the v-berth (or bow on catamarans).
General Tips
- Air Circulation: Open hatches and ports to reduce humidity when anchored or docked.
- Regular Inspections: Perform routine checks to spot and address moisture issues early.
- Guest Education: Inform guests on the proper use of dehumidifiers and heaters.
Heaters: Staying Warm and Safe
- Safety: Always choose marine-grade heaters with safety features (e.g., tip-over protection).
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation by opening a hatch to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Placement: Position heaters away from flammable materials and cushions and in well-ventilated spaces.
- Maintenance: Inspect heaters, the electrical cord and outlet for damage before use.
- Zone Heating: Use portable heaters for specific areas rather than heating the entire boat
- Note: Electric cabin heaters and water heaters can only be used while the yacht is connected to shore power. Diesel cabin heaters can be used away from shore. The electrical wiring for Liberty's climate control system is isolated from the rest of her electrics and requires a second shore power connection in order to power up.
Important: All MSC yachts have an electric space heater that plugs into an 110v outlet aboard, but these can only be used while the yacht is connected to shore power. If a boat has a 110v inverter, using a space heater away from shore may be technically possible, but is not permitted because it will drain the batteries very quickly, possibly leading to battery damage.
Dehumidifiers: Preventing Moisture and Mold
- Placement: Position dehumidifiers in condensation-prone areas like bilges, heads, and the galley. On multi-day charters, rotate them to dark, less-ventilated cabins to reduce moisture effectively.
- Maintenance: Check the filters regularly to maintain performance.
- Ventilation: Keep air circulating by opening a hatch to prevent musty odors and mold. Close the companionway and hatches
- Monitor Humidity: Own a boat? Use a hygrometer to adjust settings for ideal conditions.
- Empty Condensate: Regularly empty the condensate tray to avoid overflows.
Example of Dehumidifier instructions found aboard the Modern Sailing Fleet:
- J99 Dehumidifier Instructions
- J105 - Resolute Dehumidifier Instructions
- J105 - Nirvana Dehumidifier Instructions
- D’uphoria Dehumidifier Instructions
Additional Resources
- Read Cozy Winter Chartering - MSC Yachts with Cabin Heaters and Hot Water for a list of yachts equipped with water heaters for hot showers and/or cabin heaters.
- If you have any questions about using a water or cabin heater, before you leave the dock, please call the office on your cell phone or VHF radio channel 71 and ask to speak with a Fleet Technician.
- *To learn more about power management while away from shore, be sure to read the article Marine Battery Care and Power Management Basics in the Member Resources section of our website.
Multi-day Charter Bonus
Did you know that when you book a boat for two or more consecutive days, you receive a special discount on your overall charter rate?
- 2 days = 10% off
- 3 or more days = 15% off
Additional Resources for Multi-day Charters
- San Francisco Bay Dock and Dine Locations
- Anchor and Windlass Tips for MSC Members
- Onboard Electricity Basics & FAQ
- Marine Battery and Power Management Basics
- Multi-day Charters: Fueling Up and Pumping Out
- Managing Water Use on a Multi-day Sailing Expedition
- Charter Boat Icebox and Refrigerator Basics and Best Practices
Ready to make your reservation? Call our friendly office at (415) 331-8250, email us, or book online. If this is your first time booking online, the Member Resources article How To Book a Boat Online helps make it easy.
