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Cyrus Safdari · 09-04-2021, 21:22

Has anyone tried putting a deck prism over a space prone to mold and mildew to introduce more light and so hopefully cut back on the growth? I am considering options to reduce mold and mildew in an anchor locker that is already well drained but still gets moldy, was even considering a coat of hard bottom paint on the undersides of the anchor locker ceiling, where the mold is worst.

**JPA Cate** · 09-04-2021, 21:44

We have a low profile vent that one screws closed for passages, and leave open at other times. The vent excludes rain, but allows some air in. You do have to clean out anchor lockers from time to time.

Ann

coopec43 · 09-04-2021, 21:51

I have an exhaust blower in the toilet which exhausts into the anchor locker. I'm am hoping that will blow out any mold spores and keep the locker dry.

Have you looked at other threads on this problem?

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ls-236541.html

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/...ion-36175.html

https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating...side-hull.html

Cyrus Safdari · 09-04-2021, 21:55

Yes I've got ventilation and checked other threads none talk about more light to fight mildew.

coopec43 · 09-04-2021, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus Safdari

Yes I've got ventilation and checked other threads none talk about more light to fight mildew.

https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/new...owdery-mildew/

The short wavelengths of UV light allow for mold to be destroyed as well. UV light has proven to be highly effective at killing mold because the entirety of the environment where the lamp is being used is blanketed by the light, which allows for the whole area to be disinfected.27 Jan 2020

Can UV light kill mildew?
The short wavelengths of UV light allow for mold to be destroyed as well. UV light has proven to be highly effective at killing mold because the entirety of the environment where the lamp is being used is blanketed by the light, which allows for the whole area to be disinfected.27 Jan 2020

Does UV Light Kill Mold? - Sensorex

https://sensorex.com › blog › 2020/01/22 › does-uv-lig...

Cyrus Safdari · 09-04-2021, 23:17

I'm not installing a UV light as there is plenty in sunlight lol. Mold/mildew requires three things: humidity, darkness, no ventilation. Humidity is inevitable and there's only so much ventilation possible. Has anyone tried more light via a deck prism or similar? I'm also considering slick ptfe coatings

coopec43 · 10-04-2021, 00:09

Maybe have a look at this?

https://www.quora.com/Can-UV-and-IR-...-for-the-prism

I wonder how much UV light you'd need? (On my yacht a prism would be out of the question)

**tkeithlu** · 10-04-2021, 06:34

I doubt that very much UV light is going to survive a trip through a deck prism, and it still won't impinge on the upper walls and ceiling of the locker. Flushing the locker with a VERY mild solution of bleach from time to time would I suspect be more effective. Very mild, given that nylon does not resist bleach. You want to kill the mildew, not the rope.

Chotu · 10-04-2021, 07:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus Safdari

I'm not installing a UV light as there is plenty in sunlight lol. Mold/mildew requires three things: humidity, darkness, no ventilation. Humidity is inevitable and there's only so much ventilation possible. Has anyone tried more light via a deck prism or similar? I'm also considering slick ptfe coatings

I can assure you that Florida mold doesn’t require darkness. LOL

I don’t think the deck prism will do it plus it won’t get the UVs to the ceiling.

So, I’d work on the other two things:

Humidity and ventilation. Luckily, they’re both related. Get a true wind blowing through there and keep it dry.

Ann’s approach with a special vent and cowling should do nicely.

Cyrus Safdari · 10-04-2021, 07:59

Sorry I should clarify that the goal isn't to get sunlight UV to kill all the mold, that would probably be limited in effect through a deck prism (but note that not all uv is blocked by glass and you can get a pretty good sunburn through glass) but seems it would help and whats the downside.? My problem is that I've never seen one in actual practice to see how much light they transmit. Light in general has a reducing effect on mold growth, more light in dark tight musty places on a boat the better, and since any potential leaks from the prism itself would be into the anchor locker rather than cabin interior then the biggest downside to a deck prism isn't as much a concern either, I was thinking . It won't be a total fix but seems to me that this is possibly an actual useful non-decoratuve place for a deck prism light. I assume they also introduce quite a bit if heat and potential hotspots...guess I'll get one to play with and the question "would a deck prism help control mold in an anchor locker" (ventilation etc all being equal) and see what happens. Hey Practical Sailor magazine, here's one for you!

jakkum · 10-04-2021, 08:24

AIR AIR AND AIR

wingssail · 10-04-2021, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus Safdari

Sorry I should clarify that the goal isn't to get sunlight UV to kill all the mold, that would probably be limited in effect through a deck prism (but note that not all uv is blocked by glass and you can get a pretty good sunburn through glass) but seems it would help and whats the downside.? My problem is that I've never seen one in actual practice to see how much light they transmit. Light in general has a reducing effect on mold growth, more light in dark tight musty places on a boat the better, and since any potential leaks from the prism itself would be into the anchor locker rather than cabin interior then the biggest downside to a deck prism isn't as much a concern either, I was thinking . It won't be a total fix but seems to me that this is possibly an actual useful non-decoratuve place for a deck prism light. I assume they also introduce quite a bit if heat and potential hotspots...guess I'll get one to play with and the question "would a deck prism help control mold in an anchor locker" (ventilation etc all being equal) and see what happens. Hey Practical Sailor magazine, here's one for you!

We have four prisms on Wings. They admit an amazing amount of light, seemingly far more than the square inches of glass surface would indicate (but not much heat). There are several other deck hatches which also admit light. All of these are in completely ventilated areas. None of this has stopped the growth of mold; it must be cleaned off periodically, an unpleasant task for sure. There is no easy way out of it.

MV Caroline · 10-04-2021, 08:48

IMHO a prism would just induce added heat, a true factor in mold propagation. The uv factor from a deck prism is not going to be sufficient to stop mildew. good positive ventilation is the answer (and as Ann said, a good cleaning a couple of times a year).