Storage compartment ventilation

[captras]

There is a video on You Tube showing installation of vents in each of the storage compartments as a method of reducing trapped moisture and thereby aiding in reduction of mold formation. Has anybody done this? Has it made a difference? Thanks!

 

[rkgdmd]

Yamaha really needs to address this issue. The biggest problem is a design flaw in the seat cushions that pretty much allows the water to pour into the storage compartments as fast as the rain comes down. I worry a little about those somewhat large vent holes. They let air circulate through, but they can also let lots of water in. Remember the issue with last year's Bimini crossing. You can survive taking a good amount of water over the bow if you can keep moving and let the scupper do it's job. I'm not sure that salt water pouring over the batteries is such a good idea...or any compartment for that matter. In all fairness, I guess most don't use their boats in situations like that, but it would make me uncomfortable personally. I know it would cost more, but some roto molded tubs would be awesome for the storage compartments. Carpeting should never be on a boat in those locations, especially those that see salt water use. Maybe some cheap gasketing and swalling of the fiberglass around the seat cushions could help.

 

[ToddW850]

Seems like it would be a good idea. But seems like that screen would allow a lot of water to get in if it's raining or washing your boat. Just wondering if the hole needed to be that big too. But being I can remove my seat cushions, I don't really have this issue.

 

[captras]

I agree....I dont think you need a 4" vent. My plan is to install 2, snap in 2" vents in the upper corners (1 aft, 1 rear) each storage compartment. This would keep them above the floor, thus helping keep out the water, they would be smaller, and the white PVC will not be as noticeable. But I do plan on something to vent these compartments, especially for the winter when the boat sits, to help prevent mildew.

 

[Ancient canoe]

Maybe a closable vent or some kind of cover? Not that it's going to be a perfect seal, but at least block most of the water when the vent takes a direct hit. That way you can open when you put the boat away, close it when in use.

 

[Corey Champlin]

Maybe something more like this. Put on a downward angle. Should keep most of the water out while still allowing air flow.

 

[Ancient canoe]

I don't have a Yamaha yet. Is the issue rainwater getting in or water getting in from wet suits?

 

[captras]

I don't have a Yamaha yet. Is the issue rainwater getting in or water getting in from wet suits?

Its not an issue at all for me. However, the storage compartment get pretty warm, and dont have alot of ventilation. I dont think water getting in will be a problem if the venting is near the top. I dont think any of this is a big issue at all, I just like the idea of some ventilation in the storage compartments. You probably wont see many others talking about it because it is not a big problem.....just me thinking of ways to spend more money

 

[captras]

Thanks for all the good suggestions....I believe I found the perfect solution. Louvered to keep water from coming in to a minimum, and screened to keep the bugs out!

 

[rkgdmd]

Its not an issue at all for me. However, the storage compartment get pretty warm, and dont have alot of ventilation. I dont think water getting in will be a problem if the venting is near the top. I dont think any of this is a big issue at all, I just like the idea of some ventilation in the storage compartments. You probably wont see many others talking about it because it is not a big problem.....just me thinking of ways to spend more money

Actually, if you leave your boat uncovered and you experience a soaking rain, it can be quite an issue. When we use our boat, it is left in the water anywhere from 1 to two weeks at a time. It is simply not practical to cover and then uncover the boat every time we use it. We get some pretty good soaking rains, especially in the summer months of South Florida. Those storage compartment carpets get completely saturated. If you are a day boater and trailer your boat home every day, you're much less likely to experience this situation. Our canal is full of center consoles whose compatments are bone dry after a good rain....not so with my Yamaha.

 

[Julian]

We used to go on a two week boating vacation to Canada every year, but no matter what, the cover would go on the boat at night. Because of rain, dew and because of may flies....for some reason they'd land on the boat by the thousands overnight.

If I had a problem with this (which I don't), I think I'd put in a solar powered vent fan before cutting a huge hole like that....I agree with others that I would never put a vent like that so low.

Solar Powered fan vent (its 3"...the photo makes it look huge)

 

[gpp7824]

Actually, if you leave your boat uncovered and you experience a soaking rain, it can be quite an issue. When we use our boat, it is left in the water anywhere from 1 to two weeks at a time. It is simply not practical to cover and then uncover the boat every time we use it. We get some pretty good soaking rains, especially in the summer months of South Florida. Those storage compartment carpets get completely saturated. If you are a day boater and trailer your boat home every day, you're much less likely to experience this situation. Our canal is full of center consoles whose compatments are bone dry after a good rain....not so with my Yamaha.

Do we think the rain is getting in from the cupholders or under the seat cushions, or....?

 

[captras]

We used to go on a two week boating vacation to Canada every year, but no matter what, the cover would go on the boat at night. Because of rain, dew and because of may flies....for some reason they'd land on the boat by the thousands overnight.

If I had a problem with this (which I don't), I think I'd put in a solar powered vent fan before cutting a huge hole like that....I agree with others that I would never put a vent like that so low.

Solar Powered fan vent (its 3"...the photo makes it look huge)

I appreciate everybody's input...however, they are 2" vents, so no big hole, and they wont be low, they will be at the top of the compartment just below the seats. Here is an idea of where I plan to put the back vents, similar location for the front storage areas.

 

[gpp7824]

I appreciate everybody's input...however, they are 2" vents, so no big hole, and they wont be low, they will be at the top of the compartment just below the seats. Here is an idea of where I plan to put the back vents, similar location for the front storage areas.

Why not place one of the vents on the front side, facing the captain's and co-captain's chair? Might not look like so 'many' vents if those were not visible...

 

[Julian]

I appreciate everybody's input...however, they are 2" vents, so no big hole, and they wont be low, they will be at the top of the compartment just below the seats. Here is an idea of where I plan to put the back vents, similar location for the front storage areas.

I'd also consider putting a vent by the speakers if this really is a problem....and as @gpp7824 says...use the front edge as well to get them even more out of the way. But a solar fan moving the air would do a ton more than just a static vent.

 

[captras]

Why not place one of the vents on the front side, facing the captain's and co-captain's chair? Might not look like so 'many' vents if those were not visible...

Actually, that is where I am going to try to put the second vent. THe only issue is that area is not flat, and not sure if the vents will flush mount with the curve. It will definitely work in the front. As for the solar fan...good idea, but wont help when the boat is covered and stored. I have a lot of problems down here with humidity, and during the off season I get quite a bit of mildew. I am going to install these vents and put a dehumidifier in the boat during the 2-3 months it is not in use.

 

[gpp7824]

...good idea, but wont help when the boat is covered and stored. I have a lot of problems down here with humidity, and during the off season I get quite a bit of mildew. I am going to install these vents and put a dehumidifier in the boat during the 2-3 months it is not in use.

Another totally free and 'drill-less' option for ventilation during the off season (if boat is covered!) is.... pop-out the cupholders! You will have immediate access to some free ventilation that will be totally reversible in the spring...

 

[Julian]

Another totally free and 'drill-less' option for ventilation during the off season (if boat is covered!) is.... pop-out the cupholders! You will have immediate access to some free ventilation that will be totally reversible in the spring...

Or just leave the seat up or propped open with something. But don't leave the bow seats all the way up and then cinch the cover down on them as someone posted that this bends the seat. I have always left my seat propped open.

 

[Stacey in SC]

Its not an issue at all for me. However, the storage compartment get pretty warm, and dont have alot of ventilation. I dont think water getting in will be a problem if the venting is near the top. I dont think any of this is a big issue at all, I just like the idea of some ventilation in the storage compartments. You probably wont see many others talking about it because it is not a big problem.....just me thinking of ways to spend more money

It’s an issue for me! Doing research on adding solar vent/fans to boat cover to reduce mold and mildew.