Putting black mooring cover on overnight if no rain? Condensation? Need opinions

[NewBoater]

Fellas I am in the habit of putting on my black mooring cover at night (not fully installed ratcheting, Etc. just thrown over the boat). I do this to keep morning dew out of the boat, bugs, birds, etc. I recently had a condensation issue with the gauges which the dealer is going to fix. Do most of you use the cover at night or just leave it off if no rain in forecast. Just curious if I'm only one using the cover at night if no chance for rain. Could it be causing my condensation problem or would that have happened regardless?

I'm gonna try tonight with no cover and see how bad it is tomorrow morning with bugs, dew, etc.

Or you guys can talk me out of it and I will use the cover again tonight

 

[swatski]

Fellas I am in the habit of putting on my black mooring cover at night (not fully installed ratcheting, Etc. just thrown over the boat). I do this to keep morning dew out of the boat, bugs, birds, etc. I recently had a condensation issue with the gauges which the dealer is going to fix. Do most of you use the cover at night or just leave it off if no rain in forecast. Just curious if I'm only one using the cover at night if no chance for rain. Could it be causing my condensation problem or would that have happened regardless?

I'm gonna try tonight with no cover and see how bad it is tomorrow morning with bugs, dew, etc.

Or you guys can talk me out of it and I will use the cover again tonight

FWIW I always use the cover, condensation inside the boat is worse without it.

--

 

[mrtoastyjr]

I have an 2006 sx210 that has been covered for its entire life, with no condensation in the gauges. I put it on more for keeping the sun from beating up the interior, plus the dryer I can keep the interior when not in the water the better.

 

[jawsf16]

I always cover it outside over night.

 

[CraigAR]

My cover is on 24/7 when the boat is not in use. Ratchets tight.

 

[NewBoater]

You guys talked me into doing it same way I have been. Went out wiped light Dew off and got it all covered for the night Thanks for the replies

 

[zipper]

Always cover the boat, let me count the reasons...

 

[Mark]

If outside and not in use. Its covered. Unless I'm drying it out after use or a cleanup. Once it's dry it's covered. Sun bad! . No problems with gauges yet.

 

[adrianp89]

My cover is on 24/7 when the boat is not in use. Ratchets tight.

This. Not sure why you would do any different lol

 

[Slfmde]

I have a small fan running and rigged up a very small humidifier to drain out the boat while it's covered. I can take some pics of the dehumidifier if you would like.

 

[jdonalds]

I have an 2006 sx210 that has been covered for its entire life, with no condensation in the gauges. I put it on more for keeping the sun from beating up the interior, plus the dryer I can keep the interior when not in the water the better.

That's pretty much my method too. Boat in use uncovered. Boat not in use covered.

Here's an idea. We have a gun safe we need to keep dry. We have an AC heater made just for that purpose. It's only 9 watts. Perhaps one in the engine compartment and one in the cockpit area would keep the boat dry.

https://www.amazon.com/Goldenrod-725731-GoldenRod-Original-Dehumidifier/dp/B00D1WYZ1Y/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1506833862&sr=8-5&keywords=safe+heater&th=1&psc=1

 

[Britboater]

Looks like I'm the odd one out , I leave my cover off.
The full cover is not quick to use and my boat is on a lift, so I choose to leave it off. My gauges are ok and the only real time I notice condensation inside is if we go out early but then I just towel dry the vinyl.

 

[jdonalds]

Looks like I'm the odd one out , I leave my cover off.
The full cover is not quick to use and my boat is on a lift, so I choose to leave it off. My gauges are ok and the only real time I notice condensation inside is if we go out early but then I just towel dry the vinyl.

Are you not worried about the sun destroying the seats? That is my main reason for covering our boat. Ours is outside 24/7.

 

[djetok]

We cover all the time and use damp rid when not in use for extended times. Even in covered storage

 

[Julian]

My boat is covered all the time! There is a 242 down the dock from me that is never covered....his seats will need replacing in a couple of years....while mine still look brand new.

 

[McMark]

We cover when our boat is not in use. Always.

 

[Seadeals]

Throwing the mooring cover on keeps the whole inside from being soaked by dew. It also helps keep the spiders and bugs out overnight. The few times I have left it open, the Bimini was up and I used the bow cover. I still needed my handy ShamWOW! to dry out the inside for guests.

 

[Noko]

I mostly cover mine but sometimes leave it uncovered for one night if its not going to rain and we will be out early the next day.

 

[jdonalds]

Following this thread I just ordered this Davis Instruments Air-Dryr 500 Dryer from Amazon.

 

[Ancient canoe]

Are the gauges not sealed?