Do sailboats deteriorate quicker in warmer temperatures?

[tanre]

Just curious about the extensive experience on this forum. Given two hypothetically identical boats cruising the same amount and being on the hard the same amount, does anyone believe that water, air temp and humidity(mold) affect one differently than the other?

[AiniA]

Don't forget sun. UV is hard on a boat.

[tkeithlu]

My impression is that the closer you get to the equator the faster a boat deteriorates. Sun helps, but lots of stuff, from barnacles to mold, grows faster with warmth.

[S/V Illusion]

How does one quantify the effects of freeze/thaw, storage on the hard in cold climates where condensation is a common problem and latency as compared with southern climate boats?

Obviously, UV exposure in warm climates can have some effect but stacked against all the detrimental effects of a cold climate, any generality is inevitably wrong.

[tanre]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

How does one quantify the effects of freeze/thaw, storage on the hard in cold climates where condensation is a common problem and latency as compared with southern climate boats?

Obviously, UV exposure in warm climates can have some effect but stacked against all the detrimental effects of a cold climate, any generality is inevitably wrong.

Im guessing that since it's hypothetical, people reading will pull from their own personal experiences rather than attempting to actually quantify it scientifically. Hoping, that from these various experiences and input, we will all be able to see some pattern emerge.

[Svsumurun]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

How does one quantify the effects of freeze/thaw, storage on the hard in cold climates where condensation is a common problem and latency as compared with southern climate boats?

Obviously, UV exposure in warm climates can have some effect but stacked against all the detrimental effects of a cold climate, any generality is inevitably wrong.

Condensation is only an issue when it's warm in the boat .. so , once it gets cold , leaving it sit does nothing . The biggest thing is keeping it covered.. the freeze/thaw/freeze cycle we seem to get all the time will get water into places it normally wouldn't get

[ChrisJHC]

I vaguely remember a rule of thumb from my chemistry classes that a 20 degree (C) increase in temperature leads to a doubling of the rate of reaction.

Since many things are chemical reactions (eg oxidation) then, yes, you should expect that warmer temperatures will lead to faster degradation.

[APWTryfan]

FWIW not a temperature related response but had a survey done recently and asked about our rod rigging and how to detect deficiencies. We are in BC and surveyor commented that due to the rain here that rigging faired better with the frequent fresh water rinse.

Originally Posted by tanre

Just curious about the extensive experience on this forum. Given two hypothetically identical boats cruising the same amount and being on the hard the same amount, does anyone believe that water, air temp and humidity(mold) affect one differently than the other?

[geoleo]

I guess Florida boats deteriorate much faster than San Diego boats. The cold water around San Diego keeps bottom growth down and the cloudy mists along the shoreline keep UV damage down. The rain -sun and humidity in Florida ages a boat both inside and out.

[djousset]

I was taught the two most damaging things to a boat are water and sun. Which are the two most constant things in a boat's life. Minimize both as best as you can.

[Northbound44]

besides the other points mentioned, mold and accelerated degradation of objects subjected to combined humidity, high temperature is common. for example, rubber objects harden, ropes, upholstery , cushions and canvas becomes mouldy. Decks are more prone to rotting when when exposed to water infiltration boats stored on land are more likely to be invaded by insects and vermin.

Boats located in colder regions are also subject to these problems to a lesser extent , however, damage associated with freezing, such as deck and rudder delamination and
cracked engine blocks are the main problems in areas subject to frost

[sailorboy1]

I am from the Northeast and now have been in Florida/south for the last 4 years. Haven't noticed any difference in boat condition that I can determine from being in warmer weather.

[robert sailor]

Its not rocket science, a boat kept in moderate climes tends to deteriorate slower than one in the tropics for a variety of reasons. Fortunately for boats the structures being fiberglass or aluminum there is little degradation in the structure other than possibly blistering on an older fg hull. however the cosmetics are always effected more in the tropics. Simple things like the sun damaging plexiglass, canvas,interior upholstery, curtains and bright work. There are other issues with heat and humidity. That's not to say that a boat that is kept up to a very high standard can not overcome most of it but given two boats left sitting without any care in the tropics or a northern climate for 6 months I can tell you which one will look better.

[sailorboy1]

boats taken care of do better than ones left to rot

it really is that simple

[barnakiel]

Imho yes.


There are, however, a number of other factors that will work in either direction:


- cold climate, winter haul-out (mostly, on dry), (positive)

- cold climate, freezing, (negative)
- warm climate, winter haul-out on dry - quicker drying of the hull (positive)
- warm climate, winter, typically storage in water (negative)
- mentality (Nordic - high maintenance) (Southern - no maintenance),



Etc.


But overall, I am able to buy a 20 y.o HR in SWE that is immaculate (except the deck). I have never seen a 20 y.o. HR in the tropics that will look close to its Nordic peer.


barnakiel