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Seastream · 20-12-2013, 18:07

We have dri dek under the mattress and run a dehumidifier at night. We are also shrink wrapped (live is fantastic under the plastic) so there are no drafts. I will try to leave a hatch cracked open tonight and see if that helps. Thanks to all for the responses. I think we will try several of them

bondohater · 22-01-2014, 14:37

To stop the drafts on the main hatch opening the 1"square foam for air conditioner installation works well. Comes in 3 foot lengths. Just push into the joint and pull out when opening.
Bondohater

bondohater · 22-01-2014, 14:48

Have just ordered some double bubble, 2 sides in foil reflective insulation for my Cal 27. Closed cell foam does not absorb water and reflects back up to 97% of radient heat. It only needs to be stapled, glued or taped in place and 2 of those allow for easy removal if access to insulated area is needed. 3" of snow on deck today and 2 heaters going. Should be installed next week. Will post results.
Will also tape into some port openings and post results.

Abrain · 22-01-2014, 15:07

I have found that the bubble with foil will rust and offers little to no insulation help. I did a few test spots on the boat and it had the same condensation as the bare hull. The R value was not enough.

bondohater · 22-01-2014, 15:12

The necessity of heating the bige in freezing temps is obvious. In my Cal 27 if the wide door to the engine compartment is left open to prevent freezing the electric heaters almost never stop so much cold comes through the hull under the cockpit. I am proposing to line the hull sides under the cockpit with the double bubble reflecrive insulation. It can be taped in place along the upper edge and gravity will hold it to the hull sides. You just need to hire a midget contortionist or a good 6 year old to go in and install it.

Artful Dodger · 24-01-2014, 04:34

I arranged having 50 watt bulbs (eight) in several areas in the under the inside floor boards which has fixed sweating and keeps the floor relatively warmer giving us a good start at keeping the rest of the boat warm. This winter with the cold snap here some boats have had their water lines freeze. Our selves with the 50 watt lights we are not having this issue. For our bed we use and heating blanket with great success.

bondohater · 29-01-2014, 13:48

Have the reflective, double bubble, reflective insulation installed in overhead of my Cal 27 sailboat. Last night it went down to 18degrees farenheit and 8" of snow fell and river froze a couple of inches thick. Interior of boat a comfortable 70 degrees. Snow on cabin roof and roof hatch itself did not melt. ALL seams taped with reflective tape. And small electric heaters cycle on and off. Happy with the insuldation. Only bought 50 square feet to start/test. Will buy more to insulate all accessible areas.
Bondohater