5 Great Tips for Preventing Mold and Mildew on Your Boat

As a boat owner, you know that mold and mildew can be a big problem. Boats have many enclosed spaces, where moisture and condensation can build up. Keeping things damp and warm is a perfect breeding ground for mold mildew. And once it starts, it becomes very difficult to get rid of. Worst of all, there's a high chance your boat insurance won't cover damage due to molds and mildew!

So what can you do to reduce the risk of having mold and mildew? These 5 tips are a perfect way to prevent mold and mildew from forming on your boat.

Inspect and repair any cracks and leaks

One of the easiest ways to prevent mold is to stop water from getting into places it shouldn't. Inspect your boat thoroughly for any cracks and leaks. Look for any sealant that is coming loose or peeling. Places to look include hatches, ports, vents, cleats, etc. If it appears water is getting through at any of these places, repairs may be needed.

To be safe, don't just seal around the item and call it a day. If possible, remove the piece of hardware and inspect for any damage that may have already occurred underneath. Clean out any rot that may have happened then fill and reseal. Reattach your hardware and seal.

Keep Your Boat Clean

Keeping your boat clean is another good way to prevent mold. This is especially true for areas that are damp, have low airflow, or if already showing signs of mold and mildew. For these areas, you can use a vinegar and water solution. In most cases a 1:3 ratio is good, though a higher ratio may be needed if there is already mold. Another method would be a 10% bleach and water solution. This is effective for more stubborn mold or mildew. 

Reduce Humidity

Mold and mildew love humid conditions, so reducing humidity levels is a great way to prevent mold. There are several ways to accomplish this.

You can buy dehumidifiers that need to be plugged in. These are very effective at removing humidity, but at a cost. They require constant power, and should not be left unsupervised. If you plan to run it while you are working on your boat, great! But this is definitely not a long term solution to moisture control over the winter.

The best option are non-electric dryers. These are easy to use, work 24/7 and have no moving parts that could malfunction. MarineMaxx Canada has an assortment of dehumidifiers to meet your needs.

Cover Your Boat

A simple way to prevent water from getting into your boat is to use a boat cover. Make sure the cover securely covers your boat, and ensure it has proper venting. You can also shrink wrap your boat if you are storing it for a longer period of time. Ensure your shrink wrapped boat has proper ventilation. Whether you are using a boat cover or shrink wrapping, make sure water can not pool up anywhere. Pooled water has a nasty habit of finding its way into your boat!

Ventilation

Ventilation is key to preventing mold and mildew. Stagnant air can hold moisture, and when temperatures change, condensation will occur. To improve ventilation, open up any cupboards, hatches, lockers, etc. Also, consider installing passive vents such as cowls or dorades. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Another good thing to do, especially if storing for a long period, is to remove any cushions and blankets from your boat. These could hold moisture and condensation, which is not good for your boat. If you unable to remove them, consider covering them with an airflow barrier.

Conclusion

It's important to note that all of the above steps work together to prevent mold and mildew. Covering your boat when it's dirty or has leaks isn't going to do much good. Taking time to go through each step will help prevent mold and mildew from forming so your boat can have many years of trouble free boating.