How Do You Insulate Bare Fiberglass?

[bobconnie]

You can add all the insulation you want, it will make it easier to heat, BUT the only way to get rid of the rain drops (condesation) is to have a good air circulation and some means of ventilation !! you would never believe the difference in just cracking a port or two will make! and it seems warmer when the air is moveing some !! Just sayin ya need air moveing to get rid of the condensation problem!!

[Strait Shooter]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

You can add all the insulation you want, it will make it easier to heat, BUT the only way to get rid of the rain drops (condesation) is to have a good air circulation and some means of ventilation !! you would never believe the difference in just cracking a port or two will make! and it seems warmer when the air is moveing some !! Just sayin ya need air moveing to get rid of the condensation problem!!

Absolutely correct!

[o_q]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

You can add all the insulation you want, it will make it easier to heat, BUT the only way to get rid of the rain drops (condesation) is to have a good air circulation and some means of ventilation !

But the bottom line is that if you are better able to heat your boat, condensation is reduced by the mere fact that your boat is warmer and warmer longer. Am I wrong?

Also, I'm a big fan of ventilation. I hate stagnant humidity (thus bacteria and mold)

[Roy M]

The moisture gets absorbed by warm, stagnant air. The moisture comes from your lungs, the water in the bilge, and absorbed in fabric, etc. Listen to these folks: open a ventilation port, move some air, put on a sweater. If you leave the ports closed, warm the air with your electric heater, and continue breathing, the walls will get wet. It can be reduced if you use a wood or diesel heater that actually combusts the interior air and pulls cooler, drier air into the boat, making things warmer and more comfy.

[Delancey]

Originally Posted by o_q

But the bottom line is that if you are better able to heat your boat, condensation is reduced by the mere fact that your boat is warmer and warmer longer. Am I wrong?

Also, I'm a big fan of ventilation. I hate stagnant humidity (thus bacteria and mold)

Fact - warm air has a greater capacity to retain water vapor than cold air, think thunderstorm.

Ventilation will work to reduce the amount of water vapor in a confined space as warm moisture laden air is evacuated and replaced by colder drier air. A dehumidifier works to extract humidity from air in a confined space without the associated draft and loss of heat that comes from ventilation.

If you like a drafty space, ventilate. If you dont like a drafty space, run a dehumidifier. Ventilation means money out the window, a cost which could be partially offset by not insulating, since what's the point? The dehumidifier we run draws about 4amps, has a fan which helps circulate air, contributes nominally to heating, and effectively keeps our space dry.

[Delancey]

Originally Posted by Roy M

The moisture gets absorbed by warm, stagnant air. The moisture comes from your lungs, the water in the bilge, and absorbed in fabric, etc. Listen to these folks: open a ventilation port, move some air, put on a sweater. If you leave the ports closed, warm the air with your electric heater, and continue breathing, the walls will get wet. It can be reduced if you use a wood or diesel heater that actually combusts the interior air and pulls cooler, drier air into the boat, making things warmer and more comfy.

Water vapor is a by-product of diesel combustion. Water vapor can also be driven from wood through combustion depending on the moisture content of the wood.

[Steve Bean]

Wood or diesel burning heaters will be vented, of course, if inhabitants are to survive. Fresh air must be allowed in; products of combustion go out. Result: dry heat in the boat.

[Delancey]

Originally Posted by Steve Bean

Wood or diesel burning heaters will be vented, of course, if inhabitants are to survive. Fresh air must be allowed in; products of combustion go out. Result: dry heat in the boat.

Agreed, just stating facts. Some folks run their diesel stoves in liu of a dedicated heater. Not advocating, but have seen it done.