sailboat dehumidifier

6 Best Dehumidifiers for Sailboats

Owning a boat comes with various benefits. Unfortunately, keeping mold and mildew at bay is a constant battle that requires serious commitment. So if your sailboat is smelling a little off lately or you've been noticing mold or mildew in your boat, going for the best boat dehumidifiers might just be the right solution.

Whether you're cleaning the deck or just going about your business of enjoying the winds and lounging on the deck, it's important to take a pause and worry about high humidity and moisture that are quite natural on the waters. Imagine the high costs of restorations that you might incur if you neglect your boat even for a few weeks and your gorgeously-designed cabin becomes moldy.

In essence, excess humidity in your boat will most certainly lead to excessive mildew and mold and the costs of damage caused may be quite high. It can even become fatal if you or your loved one suffer from serious allergic reactions to certain types of mold. The best thing to do is to get a good boat dehumidifier that can prevent mold and mildew from building up in your boat.

Of course, there are hundreds of boat dehumidifiers out there on the market. But selecting the best one for your boat can be pretty much overwhelming. Again, several factors must be considered when selecting the best dehumidifier for your sailboat. For example, you have to consider where you will be sailing, the level of humidity in the area, the climate zone, the size of your vessel, how to maintain the dehumidifier, among many other things.

So if you're still wondering how to get the best dehumidifier for your boat, we want to make it a lot easier for you. In this article, we'll highlight the best dehumidifiers for sailboats and factors to consider if you want to purchase one. At the end of this read, you'll be informed and better placed to choose the right dehumidifier for your boat.

Table of contents

Importance of Having a Boat Humidifier

Even though we love sailing and always want to keep our boats in tiptop conditions, the negative effects of humidity on your boat's beauty and efficiency can be devastating. And because marine environments are naturally humid and can cause serious mold and mildew that might damage your boat and even cause serious sickness to those using the boat. That being said, here are a few reasons why you should get a good boat dehumidifier for your vessel.

• ‍ Prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria
• Improve air quality
• Remove humidity from the boat's cabin
• Make your boat's cabin comfortable
• Protect your wooden-trimmed cabin from damage
• Dry condensation on the windows
• Prevent the growth of dust mites

Types of Boat Dehumidifiers

There are various types of dehumidifiers. The one you choose generally depends on the type of environment that the boat will be used in. For instance, a dehumidifier that's appropriate for dry or tropical environments might not be the best for winter environments.

Compressor-driven Dehumidifiers

This works in the same way as a normal air conditioner. It cools air over the coils and the resulting water condenses while dripping into a bucket. This means that you'll have to empty the bucket and this is a serious thing to consider if you've decided to go with this type of dehumidifier. Alternatively, you can have the bucket fixed with a hose to ensure continuous drainage.

Desiccant Dehumidifier

These types of dehumidifiers use chemicals such as Zeolite or Calcium chloride to absorb moisture. They're structured with a fan whose main function is to suck air into the dehumidifier before sending it past a wheel that holds the chemical so that the air can get dried. 

Thermo-electric Dehumidifiers

Such types of dehumidifiers do not necessarily have any moving parts. Instead, they're designed with a small but powerful fan that circulates the air. This happens when an electric current is passed between two different metals. The heat is transferred from one metal to the other during this process.

Well, it sounds like secondary-level chemistry but it's a simple process that doesn't involve the use of a defrost cycle or humidistat. As such, you don't have to worry about various parts breaking down. The fact that it doesn't have a compressor makes it quieter and more cost-effective than most models, though it can be slower in dealing with moisture.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Dehumidifier for Your Boat

Generally speaking, boat dehumidifiers have almost the same features as the standard dehumidifier in your home or basement. However, you can use the one in your basement because it doesn't have marine-specific features. As such, here are things to consider when choosing the best dehumidifier for your boat.

It wouldn't make any sense to purchase a small dehumidifier if you have a large boat with a hugely-sized cabin. As such, you should always consider the size of your boat and go for a model that can perfectly serve your boat's cabin.

Material Content

Keep in mind that various materials react differently when exposed to water, salty seawater, or any other thing in the sailing world. The material used to make the dehumidifier can be of great importance in terms of the durability and efficiency of the unit. This is essentially one of the main reasons why you should avoid dehumidifiers that have metallic components as they're prone to rust when exposed to saline water.

Moisture Extraction Rate per Day

A dehumidifier should be able to cope with the demands of the marine environment in terms of the level of moisture that it can extract in a day. You should choose a unit that can extract large amounts of water from the air at a sensible rate.

Safety Features

Of course, your boat dehumidifier should be safe and protected against corrosion or electrical damage.

A hose or vent

Instead of doing things manually by emptying the water that has been condensed into the bucket, you should make sure that your boat dehumidifier has a hose, vent, or any appropriate drainage system so that the moisture can be automatically drained to.

The dehumidifier should have fasteners that can be used to fasten it so that it doesn't roll or move when the boat is in motion.

The Best Dehumidifier for Your Sailboat

Here are the best boat dehumidifiers you can find in the market today. 

Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

Bring to the fore superb features and an incredibly high amount of moisture collection rate from the air in the atmosphere, this unit is unquestionably one of the best for your boat. Its small size makes it very portable so you won't need manpower should you decide to move it from one part of your boat to the other.

This unit integrates the Peltier technology to ensure that it is very quiet and goes about dealing with humidity without much fuss. It comes with a water tank that's large enough to carry about 52 ounces and is designed with a drainage hose to save you from the stress of having to empty it yourself.

In essence, we're talking about a unit that can extract 18 ounces of water daily to ensure that mold and mildew are never a problem in your boat. It can cover a wide area and is quite perfect for most boat sizes. Despite these marvelous benefits, we have to note that it doesn't work well at low temperatures and also uses lots of power, which can be a real turn-off, especially if you're on a budget.

• ‍ Ultra-quiet operation
• Covers a large area
• It has a large water tank capacity
• Auto shutoff and drainage
• Comes with a one-year warranty
• ‍ Not perfect for very low temperature
• Consumes lots of power

Iviation IVVADM35 Powerful Mid-size Thermo-electric Dehumidifier

Known for its excellent effectiveness especially in a very moist environment, this unit is specifically designed for small enclosed areas and has incredible features just to ensure that it never disappoints you. This dehumidifier unit is designed with the Peltier technology to ensure that it can work effectively without the inclusion of moving parts that can lead to high costs of maintenance.

As such, this unit comes with a very low cost or maintenance and is very portable, and can fit into some of the smallest spaces. The Peltier technology is also essential in ensuring that it is ultra-quiet to give you the utmost comfort and peace of mind both during the day and at night.

The fact that it can cover a wide area of up to 2,200 cubic square feet makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of boat sizes. That's not all; this is a powerful unit that can extract up to 20 ounces of water daily without feeling overworked. Speaking of the water tank, it has an incredibly large water tank that can hold up to 2 liters and will shut down automatically if it's full. Even though it requires a power supply to run, it is very popular with most boat owners as it consumes very little power.

• ‍ Very quiet
• High moisture extraction rate
• Auto shut off ‍
• A ffordable
• Full tank light indicator
• Consumes very less power
• ‍ Depends on a power supply

Homelabs Small Space Dehumidifier

As the name suggests, is ideal for mitigating humidity levels in small and confined spaces measuring about 150 square feet. This unit is quite small and portable as it measures about 8.5 inches off the ground and 5.3 inches wide.

This dehumidifier comes with a water tank that can hold up to 16 ounces of water, which is just enough for any small cabin. It can extract up to 9 ounces of moisture daily depending on the atmospheric condition.

When it comes to using this unit, you have to ensure that you clean it at least once a week to remove the allergens and dirt that are sucked alongside the air. Like most units in this list, it is designed with the innovative Peltier technology to ensure that it is very quiet. It also has a certified ETL adapter to prevent it from overheating.

The auto-shutoff feature and indicator light are also available to show you that the water tank is full. This is an incredible unit that is perfectly suitable if you have a very small boat.

• Auto shutoff
• Comes with a limited two-year warranty
• An indicator light when the water tank is full
• ‍ Ideal for small boats only

Eva-Dry E-500 High Capacity Renewable Wireless Mini Dehumidifier

Designed with an odorless silica gel, this unit is unique and different from the rest. It applies a very different mechanism in dealing with humidity levels and is very portable such that it won't take much space when fitted into your boat.

Using the silica gel, which has excellent high moisture-absorbing properties; this unit can extract humidity from your cabin until it's completely saturated. Unlike most units, you can easily recharge this unit into a power outlet. This means that you do not need a constant power supply for the dehumidifier to operate. Needless to say, this makes it a good fit if you want to go for long-distance sailing escapades.

That's not all; this is one of the quietest units on the market since it doesn't have a moving motor or fan. The only noise that you might hear is a calm popping sound that it makes when it is charging. The only downside is that it only covers a small surface area.

• Very unique
• Very durable
• Doesn't require a constant supply of power
• Comes with a 5-year warranty
• ‍ Offers a small area of coverage and not perfect for large vessels

Damprid FG83K Hanging Moisture Absorber Fresh Scent

Another very unconventional dehumidifier on this list, this unit works by absorbing moisture. All you have to do is fix it at the right place within your boat and it will absorb moisture. In other words, this is a simplistic unit that absorbs all the moisture and humidity and the only thing that you have to do is dispose of the saturated moisture.

Even though this unit may not be as effective in absorbing moisture as other units on our list, it brings to the table other benefits. For example, it's more durable and a lot cheaper than most units and can serve you just well if you're on a budget. As such, you can consider using it as a supportive dehumidifier to the primary dehumidifier.

• ‍ It's very cheap and durable
• Doesn't need electricity to operate
• It's portable
• Its mechanism is very simple
• ‍ It's no rechargeable
• Doesn't have automated features
• It is not ideal as a primary dehumidifier

Meaco Zambezi DD 8L Desiccant Dehumidifier

This is an outstanding desiccant dehumidifier that does an excellent job of dehumidifying almost all moisture for your boat's cabin. It has some of the best features in the game including a digital display and daily timer.

Designed to look modern and appealing, this unit is lightweight and very portable so it's unlikely that installing it in your boat will be a problem. While most desiccant humidifiers do not have a digital control panel, the Zambezi offers an intuitive digital display that allows you to view the current humidity levels and how the unit is operating.

It also has an anti-bacterial filter to keep the air in your cabin clean and fresh. Its water tank is also big enough to ensure that you don't have to continuously empty it. In essence, this unit is one of the best desiccant dehumidifiers that will ensure that mold and mildew are never a bother in your boat. 

• ‍ Excellent water extraction
• Daily timer and digital display
• You can easily set your humidity target using the humidistat
• ‍ Quite expensive
• Not energy efficient

To this end, it's important to note that humidity and sailing go hand in hand. And even though humidity isn't dangerous it can cause dampness that might damage your boat's cabin and this may cost you lots of money to repair. So if you want to avoid these costs while making your boat's cabin very comfortable, you should consider going for the best boat dehumidifiers.

Unfortunately, selecting the best dehumidifier for your sailboat can be a minefield, especially if you don't know factors to consider when choosing an ideal dehumidifier. That's why we've highlighted some of the best boat dehumidifiers currently available in the market to make the process enjoyable and for you to make an informed decision.

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Best boat dehumidifier: 11 models to keep your boat dry

• December 15, 2023

Damp, condensation and in particular, mildew drives me to instant apoplexy! If there's one piece of advice I can give to any boat owner is GET YOURSELF A GOOD DEHUMIDIFIER! Here's my top choices currently available.

 It sounds obvious, but boats tend to live in a damp environment. Even if you keep yours ashore or in your driveway, damp can still be an expensive problem. A good, reliable dehumidifier is an absolute essential piece of kit for pretty much every boat owner that has a boat with enclosed living space. I own two dehumidifiers and both work flat out from late autumn to mid spring here in the UK and in the Azores where humidity is often around 95%.

It doesn’t matter if you live on your boat or not, moisture, even in a  boat laid up for winter can be a really expensive and damaging problem.

An added challenge with boats is that that salt water inevitably finds its way down below. And salt, as we all know, retains moisture.

Since iron will start to rust when the relative humidity exceeds 50% (80% for steel), the problems caused by damp aren’t limited to mould, mildew and mustiness: electronics, electrics and engines will suffer too, not to mention tools.

If you don’t already have a dehumidifier, then what are you waiting for? These things pay for themselves in the reduction of damp induced electrical gremlins and mildewy interiors.

At a glance, Editors top three choices

Meaco dd8l junior – best desiccant lightweight model – buy it now, ufesa 10l dehumidifier – best compact compressor model – buy it now, ecor pro dh1200 inox dryboat – best premium integrated model – buy it now, 11 of the best boat dehumidifiers available right now.

Meaco DD8L Junior

On test for 8 years on the Tech Editors boat.

Reasons to Buy

Quiet, extracts lots of water, lightweight, has worked faultlessly for years

Reasons to Avoid

uses a little more power than a compressor type, filter housing is a little fiddly.

Meaco DD8L Junior. Made in the UK, this desiccant model from Meaco has proved very popular among boat owners because of its light weight (6kg/13lb), low noise and efficiency at low temperatures.

Fox Morgan, the Tech Editor here at Yachting Monthly notes: Indeed it was a recommendation from a fellow boat owner that made me run off to the internet to find one for my own boat about 8 years ago.

They claim it can extract 7.5 litres of water per day at 20°C and 60% relative humidity. It has two fan speeds, a variable humidistat and a laundry mode for maximum extraction or for drying clothes. I can’t say exactly how much this fabulous little Meaco Junior actually extracts,  but if I put it on the laundry dry setting over night,  it empties the dogs water bowl nearby.  It’s really very efficient at sucking water out of everything nearby. The benefit of the desiccant dehumidifier is that it blows gently warmed air out of the top, so it keeps the air moving in the boat as well as adding a bit of warmth.

It comes with a tube to allow continuous draining,  but the unit is too tall to fit on any of my boat counters, so I’ve been unable to use that function on my boat.

It’s economical to run because of the way it has an air sampling setting, so when it’s reached the level of dry you want,  it just ticks over, clicking in to sample and then back off again. When running on the second fan setting it consumes roughly 700W constant.

This unit,  pictured has been used for at least 6 months of every year for the past 8 years,  mostly on my boat,  but occasionally in a camper van and a damp office.  It’s been faultless and it has been a brilliant bit of kit that has easily paid itself several times over in reducing mildew damage to zero. Its been a total game changer for stress free winter boat maintenance.

5 stars from me for this stalwart bit of kit.

If you want an ioniser and an anti-bacterial filter, you can spend a little more and buy the DD8L model as opposed to the DD8L Junior.

Buy it now on Amazon

Ufesa 10L dehumidifier

compact size, easy to access and clean filter, efficient and simple operation

noticeable hum, caster wheels are both a blessing and curse

A compact and lightweight model,  the Ufesa will fit into smaller spaces and fit easily on countertops.

The supplied tube will allow you to leave this unit draining into a sink or other drain.  This compressor unit is fairly quiet, but in a small space you will hear it working.

It’s efficiency is on par with most other compressor dehumidifiers and after a day switched on,  the humidity is noticeably reduced.  It doesn’t have the sophistication of some more expensive models,  but it gets the job done. It does have a laundry setting too which basically makes the unit work flat out, but it has dried stuff pretty well when laundered and hung to dry nearby.

This unit has been on test for 2 years in a high humidity environment in a boat based in the Azores Islands in mid Atlantic and has performed well.  Though it would struggle if the ambient temperature were to drop below 5c, so an additional heater might be required if this is used in a cooler climate. Otherwise, as with all compressor dehumidifiers, you’ll lose some efficiency due to defrost mode.

The little caster wheels are both a blessing and curse.  To keep this safe on the counter top, I’ve had to jack it up onto some books to stop it rolling around when the boat rocks during inclement weather on its berth.

Buy it now on TradeInn

EcoAirDD1 Simple

This is one of the lightest, simplest and least expensive desiccant dehumidifiers on the market. Despite its relatively low price, it does a lot more than the old basic ‘on/off’ compressor types that some of us have been using for years.

One useful feature is a humidity dial, which allows you to set the level at which it turns itself off to save power. When power-saving is less important than drying a particularly damp space or directing the heat to help dry clothes, you can leave it on the ‘laundry’ setting for short periods. There’s also a two-speed fan, and a nano-silver anti-bacterial filter to help clean the air.

Weighing a modest 6kg (13lb), the DD1 Simple has a carrying handle on the top and is claimed to extract 7 litres of water a day at 20°C and 60% relative humidity.

Price: from £155

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Delonghi dex214f.

Some manufacturers have traditionally concentrated on compressor dehumidifiers, which have a reputation for lasting longer than desiccant types as well as for using less power. This means that people tend to be happier to leave them on for longer, while the nature of their noise is often considered to be less intrusive even if the actual decibel count is no lower.

De Longhi’s DEX214F sit in the middle of their range, with an extraction rating of 14 litres of water per day (given the standard test conditions of 30°C and 80% relative humidity, which are rarely seen on a boat in a high-latitude winter).

Buyers with environmental concerns about refrigerant gases will be reassured to know that DeLonghi use R290 gas, which is claimed to be much more environmentally friendly than the gases traditionally used in refrigeration appliances.

Price: from £217

Mitsubishi MJE 16V

This is by no means a budget dehumidifier, but that’s not what Mitsubishi designed it to be. Although it uses a compressor rather than desiccant, it has a low-temperature function that’s said to keep it working efficiently in cold weather.

Compressor dehumidifiers have to stop working at intervals when the temperature drops and moisture freezes on the cold plates of the heat exchanger, but the Mitsubishi has a hot-gas defrosting system to help offset this generic drawback.

In warmer, humid conditions (the standard 30°C and 80% humidity at which dehumidifiers are rated) it has a capacity of 16l per day.

A variable humidistat is among the other features, together with a laundry function, on/off timer and deodorising filter.

Price: from £330

Buy it now on AirconcentreUK

Ecor Pro DH1200 Inox Dryboat

If you want a seriously heavy-duty dehumidifier that’s made of stainless steel to withstand the marine environment and that can be left unattended and running 24 hours a day, one of the Ecor Pro desiccant models is likely to attract your attention.

Designed in the UK, the DH1200 Inox will extract up to 12l per day and can be free-standing or attached to a horizontal surface or a bulkhead. It has no water bucket because the moisture is vented out through a duct that will accept standard 41mm waste pipe. You can also attach an inlet pipe to suck in moist air from elsewhere.

Operating temperatures range from -20 to +40°C and this boat dehumidifier has been engineered for ease of access when maintenance is needed.

Price: from £630

Seago Ecodry

Seago’s Ecodry is one of the small number of dehumidifiers to be designed with boat owners very much in mind. You should be able to leave it running continually and, being of the desiccant type, it will keep working (collecting up to 7l a day) at temperatures down to 1°C.

Features include a digital display on the top, where you set the mode (choices include ‘sleep’ for lower noise and a dimmed display) and where the temperature and humidity are shown.

Carrying handles are recessed into the sides. While that’s arguably neater than having a fold-down handle on the top, you won’t be able to attach a line to haul it up if you’re on deck with the boat ashore. Then again, being one of the lighter and more compact boat dehumidifiers (it weighs 6kg/13lb and is less than 500mm/20in high), it’s less of a lump than some to carry up a ladder.

Price: from £179 / $250

Buy it now on eBay (UK)

Buy it now on eBay (US)

Ebac is a British manufacturer with a different take on what a dehumidifier needs to do and the best way to do it.

Rather than trumpeting the benefits of desiccant dehumidifiers and humidistats that allow you to choose the humidity level you want, Ebac presents an argument in favour of the compressor combined with their own patented Smart Control feature.

Compressors are used for their appreciably lower running costs – up to 40% lower, it’s claimed – while the Smart Control is said to detect changes in temperature and moisture levels, switching the dehumidifier on and off as needed.

Ebac’s premise is that there is no consistently ‘right’ level of humidity for any given environment: it varies continually, and the 3850e responds by extracting only as much moisture as is needed to avoid damp and condensation rather than making the space unnecessarily dry and sucking in more damp from outside.

It also incorporates a defrosting system that minimises the time when it’s out of action.

Price: £290

Meaco DD8L Zambezi

PBO tested: Meaco DD8L Zambezi review

If you like the Meaco approach but want something with a few more bells and whistles than the basic DD8L models, the Zambezi (named after an orphaned elephant in Zambia) might be the answer.

It’s a desiccant machine with a maximum extraction of 8.3l per day (at 20°C) and should still extract 7.5l at 10° and 60% humidity. Power consumption at 20° is 351W and the tank capacity is a larger-than-average 3l.

Features that make it more expensive than Meaco’s other models include the sterilising ioniser and a low-energy laundry setting. It also has full timing functions, which allow you to set when it comes on and when it goes off.

Price: £199

Buy it on Amazon

EcoAir DD3 Classic Mk II

Like most manufacturers, EcoAir offers models to suit a range of budgets and the Mk II version of their popular DD3 Classic dehumidifier comes with more features than you find on the lower-priced alternatives. As well as auto-restart after a power interruption and a laundry mode – both widely found elsewhere – this one incorporates multiple timer settings and an antibacterial nano-silver filter. It’s said to be quieter than its predecessor, producing 36dB on its lower setting.

Being a larger unit, with an extraction rate of up to 10.5l per day, it uses a little more power: consumption ranges from 420-735W. With a capacity of 4.2l, the tank is bigger too. It’s 520mm (20in) high and weighs 7.5kg (16.5lb).

Price: £220

Buy it now from Amazon

Pro Breeze 10L

ProBreeze makes both desiccant and compressor dehumidifiers as well as smaller models that use Peltier (thermo-electric) technology to create a cold plate on which moisture condenses.

If you heat your boat in the winter, you might find that a compressor dehumidifier makes most sense; otherwise opinions in colder climes tend to shift in favour of desiccant types and ProBreeze’s 10L (which stands for 10l of extraction per day) is the company’s offering in this department.

It offers a humidity sensor so you can set your chosen level, a digital control panel, a timer, a fold-down handle on the top, an adjustable outlet for the warm air, a nano-silver filter and a 3l collection tank.

Price: £169

What makes the best boat dehumidifier?

Mechanical dehumidifiers that run from a mains supply are often left on the galley worktop to drain into the sink so they don’t cut out when the water bucket fills up. That’s unless you have a top-of-the range boat dehumidifier that’s ‘plumbed in’ and expels water to the outside.

Your first choice is likely to be whether to buy a condenser type of boat dehumidifier or one of the newer desiccant types. The former use a compressor and refrigerant gas to create cold plates or coils on which moisture in the air, drawn in by a fan, condenses before dripping into a bucket.

With the desiccant dehumidifiers, the air passes over a rotating wheel coated with an absorbent material (typically zeolite). The saturated wheel is dried by hot air that’s then cooled so, again, the condensed moisture is collected. This process is more power-hungry, but desiccant dehumidifiers are typically lighter. They also heat the surrounding air and work better at lower temperatures, when condenser types have to shut down periodically to defrost.

Whichever you buy, bear in mind that not all domestic dehumidifiers are designed to be left running for lengthy periods. There have been instances of fires on board being attributed to boat dehumidifiers, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurers just to make sure.

Read PBO’s group test of boat dehumidifiers

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

🚚 FREE US SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $30 🚚

The 6 Best Boat Dehumidifiers to Go From Damp to Dry

Noticing mold or mildew in your boat? Does it smell a little off lately?

You just might need a boat dehumidifier . Boat dehumidifiers are a given in winter when you're not using the boat, but they're also handy to have onboard while you're actively using the boat.

This is especially true if it's a liveaboard trawler or a frequently used boat. Damp air and humidity can do much more than give you soggy crackers, clumpy salt and frizzy hair. It can rot wood, rust metal and cause mold and mildew damage.

All that stale air can also aggravate sinus problems, and believe me, you don't want sinus problems (especially out on a boat when you're trying to have fun).

Marine environments are full of humidity. While we do love being on our boats, we don't love the negative effects of humidity that go with it. Opening the boat hatch is all well and good, but what if it's raining? Or there are mosquitoes?

Fortunately, there's a way to take care of the issue without letting in pesky critters and precipitation.

You may be wondering, why do I specifically need a marine dehumidifier? Why can't I just use the same type of traditional dehumidifier that I have in my basement? The answer is pretty simple.

The best  Boat dehumidifiers are built to withstand water-based environments . They're made from waterproof and stainless steel components that won't rust, along with the fact that they'll be on a rocking boat.

You also want something that can be left unattended if you won't be using the boat over the winter . 

Featured Boat Care Product

Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's mildew stain remover breaks down and removes mold and mildew stains from vinyl, fiberglass, plastic, tile, grout and canvas. It's safe for use on boat seats, outdoor furniture, camping gear, awnings, bimini tops and more.   

Reasons to Use a Boat Dehumidifier

• Remove humidity from the air for a comfortable living space
• Improve air quality
• Prevent mold, mildew and bacteria
• Prevent the growth of dust mites
• Dry condensation on windows
• Protect the wood and metal in your boat

Types of Boat Dehumidifiers

The type of boat dehumidifier you choose depends on what kind of weather conditions it'll be used in, such as tropical or dry environments. In other words, you wouldn't necessarily use the same boat dehumidifier in the Great Lakes as you would in the Caribbean or the BVIs.

Likewise, a pontoon boat or deck boat wouldn't need the same dehumidification abilities as a large sportfishing boat.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant marine dehumidifiers use a chemical, usually calcium chloride or Zeolite,  to absorb moisture. They're built with a fan that pulls air into the dehumidifier and sends it past a wheel that holds the desiccant chemical, which dries the air.

Other examples of desiccant dehumidifiers include jars of DampRid and hanging bags of Absorbag and dehumidifier hanging bags .

Compressor-Driven Dehumidifiers

Compressor-driven boat dehumidifiers work like an air conditioner . The air is cooled over the coils and the water condenses, dripping the condensation into a bucket. So, obviously, you'll have to empty the bucket, which is something to consider.

Some compressor-driven boat dehumidifiers can be used with a hose for continuous drainage . This is nice for your boat winterization.

Thermo-Electric Dehumidifiers

Thermo-electric boat dehumidifiers work without the use of moving parts. Instead, they just have a small fan that circulates the air. Known as the Peltier Effect , it works when an electric current is passed between two different metals. During this, heat gets transferred from one metal to the other( since the electrons pass through different metals at different speeds).

It may sound like college-level chemistry, but this type is actually very simple. It doesn't have a humidistat or a defrost cycle, meaning fewer parts equal less worry. And since there's no compressor, it's quieter and more cost-efficient than other types, but it's also slower at removing moisture.

Features of the Best Boat Dehumidifiers

• Safety features to protect against electrical or corrosion damage
• Uses a vent, or hose, to release moisture rather than draining into a tank for prolonged and unattended use
• Can be fastened in place to prevent rolling when the boat is moving (boats have a habit of doing that)

The Best Boat Dehumidifiers to Go From Damp to Dry

It's time to check out a few of the best  boat dehumidifiers that made my list for affordability, fit and unique features.

Editors Choice

  Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's dehumidifier bags combine moisture-absorbing pellets with activated charcoal to eliminate odors and deodorize the air. Best of all, they're unscented so they don't overpower a small area.

1. Ebac AD850E Dehumidifier

On the higher end price-wise, the Ebac AD850E features a boatload of bells and whistles. The streamlined design fits into almost any space on your boat.

It has a two-speed fan motor that allows it to adapt to different humidity conditions. It can operate at 41 degrees , which makes it an ideal choice for over-winter use.

It's quiet and has an internal humidistat that automatically switches off to save energy. Saving energy is always a win-win situation.

• Type : Compressor
• Holds : 25 liters
• Size : 29.5 X 26 X 13.5

2. Eva-Dry EVD 22000 Dehumidifier

• Type :  Thermo-electric
• Size : 17.9 X 13.9 X 10.4

3. InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier

Since there's no compressor (it works on that fancy sounding Peltier Effect), the InvisiPure Hydrowave is super quiet . It removes up to 27 ounces a day and is lightweight enough to move to other areas of the boat when needed.

It automatically shuts off when the tank is full and you can also attach a boat hose for continuous draining . For the price and that cool continuous draining feature, this is my pick for a great all-around boat and marine dehumidifier.

• Type : Thermo-electric
• Holds : Up to 2 liters per day
• Size : 9.8 X 6.1 X 13.9

4. Ecor Pro Dehumidifier

The stainless steel interior and exterior of the Ecor Pro Dehumidifier makes it an excellent choice for boats. It's compact, saltwater resistant and designed to run 24/7.

This desiccant boat dehumidifier is specially designed for marine and water-based use such as around pools, spas and large and small boats.

• Type : Desiccant
• Holds : Up to 12 liters per day
• Size : 11 X 7.5 X 7.5

5. Meaco Zambezi DD 8L Desiccant Dehumidifier

Check price on Amazon The Meaco Zambezi DD is quiet, lightweight and works down to 33 degrees . It has a tank as well as a hose for continuous draining .

There's an  anti-mold coating on the tank , a variable humidistat, three fan speeds and a timer. I'm particularly partial to the sterilizing ionizer that helps to clean the air as it removes the humidity. Then there's that laundry mode, which I think is just plain cool.

For every purchase, Meaco donates to a baby elephant orphanage in Zambia. And who doesn't love baby elephants?

• Holds : 8 liters
• Size : 36 X 20 X 55

6. DampRid Hanging Bag

If you're just looking for something to hang in a closet or another small space on your boat, let's talk a bit about hanging desiccant bags.

Filled with moisture-absorbing pellets , DampRid hanging bags help to protect fabric, clothing and other items. They're designed to hang (either in a closet or on a doorknob) and won't dry out furniture.

You can even hang some in the cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom, as well as keep a few in your dock box . They leave a fresh scent and generally last about 60 days .

• Type : Desiccant hanging bag
• Size : 6.1 X 9.2 X 5

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Best boat dehumidifier: Which is the right damp buster for your yacht?

• May 6, 2019

Choosing the best boat dehumidifier can be a minefield, as Rubicon 3’s Bruce Jacobs found when identifying which best suit yachts at sea

Picking the right dehumidifier can save you thousands in damp repair costs

In the colder months, thoughts invariably turn to damp: one of the constant enemies yacht all owners face. It seeps in everywhere, can find every bit of clothing and equipment and will leave an otherwise perfectly sound vessel a soggy mess inside.

Damp arrives in various guises. The humidity of sea air is often high anyway while the cold sea environment will cool the hull of a yacht. What happens next is exactly the same as happens on car or bedroom windows – when the warm, moist air inside is cooled, it can no longer hold as much moisture and the water is released onto the cooled surface, causing unpleasant condensation to form… followed by damaging mould.

Superyachts have a permanent crew armed with chamois leathers to mop up every day, but for the rest of us there are three ways to prevent this damp and mould. Good insulation is key, but here you’re at the mercy of the yacht builder and the care and attention they paid to the vessel when it was being built.

The DryBoat 12 dehumidifier needs to be sited where moist air can be conveniently piped out through a vent

Next, proper ventilation is important as it expels the warm, moist air before it can do its damage. Cracking open a hatch and running a fan will make a noticeable difference but this is not really an option if you plan to leave the yacht unattended for any period of time. The third option is simply to reduce the humidity of the air inside the yacht and this is where a boat dehumidifier comes into its own.

At Rubicon 3, we swear by dehumidifiers on our high latitude expeditions to places such as Iceland and Spitsbergen, as not only do they dry and warm the air but they clean it too and the improvement to the environment inside the yacht is huge.

The only decision therefore is which one to go for, but here’s where the controversy starts. For us, the choice between a compressor or desiccant model was fairly straightforward: go desiccant. Desiccant dehumidifiers work better than compressors in cooler air temperatures and they produce clean, dry air that is a good 10°C warmer post drying – fulfilling two roles at once.

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They’re also generally quieter and more portable. The controversy, however, is whether your yacht is even insured when using a boat dehumidifier. Many models state in their instruction manual ‘not to be left unattended’ and various insurance companies demand that the dehumidifier must be suitable for marine use or the policy will be invalidated.

A domestic dehumidifier may not be designed to be left on continuously for prolonged periods of time (winter lay-up anyone?) and using it as such may also invalidate a policy. While over five million dehumidifiers have been recalled in the USA in recent years over safety concerns, both Meaco and Ecor Pro, two of the leading manufacturers of dehumidifiers in the UK, have highlighted the sophistication and safety of today’s models and say faults are incredibly rare.

Despite that, the insurance angle became an unexpected minefield for us and highlighted that careful research is needed, with possibly a call to your insurer before buying and using the dehumidifier on the boat.

Dehumidifiers with a built-in vent don’t need to be emptied

What to look for in a good boat dehumidifier

• Most dehumidifiers drain into a holding tank or into the bilge. Neither is ideal if leaving a yacht unattended for a long period of time.
• Salty sea air rusts domestic grade metal quickly and most dehumidifiers are not protected against this, hence some of the insurance concerns.
• Many dehumidifiers are portable units that cannot properly be fastened in place to prevent movement when the boat rolls with wash, wind or tides.
• The dew point is the temperature to which air can be cooled before the moisture held within it condenses from a gas to water.
• Compressor dehumidifiers create a cold surface and when warm, damp air comes into contact with the cold surface, condensation occurs and the water is removed from the air.
• Desiccant dehumidifiers absorb the moisture in the air, like a sponge. The desiccant is warmed and dried by an internal heater allowing it to be reused.

* Yachting World is not paid by manufacturers for our recommendations. If you click through and buy an item, we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer, at no cost to you.*

Best boat dehumidifiers available right now, meaco zambezi dd8l dehumidifier.

Winner of the Which? Award in 2016, this desiccant unit has a host of safety features to protect against electrical or corrosion concerns. It has a three litre tank or can drain into the sink. A great all-round boat dehumidifier that consistently gets top reviews.

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Buy it now on John Lewis (UK)

Buy it now on Currys (UK)

Seago Smartdry dehumidifier

A smaller, compressor-driven model that has a 1.8lt tank and a continuous drain option. This is a cheap option for small- boat owners looking for occasional assistance with keeping the boat dry.

Ecor Pro DryBoat 12 boat dehumidifier

This powerful, commercial grade desiccant unit can remove up to 12 litres a day. The unit is made from stainless steel, all but removing the risk of corrosion on board. It’s a serious option and investment, though, hence best for yachts over 40ft. After much research and using and trialling other models we ultimately selected the DryBoat 12 for our expedition yachts.

It has a hefty price tag, certainly, but we love its commercial grade construction and that it is also easily set up for a permanent installation – meaning it does not sit out in the open getting knocked about.

Most of all, we really liked that it expels moist air through a vent rather than draining into a tank or sink, so it really can be left operating almost indefinitely. It’s rare that we rate something this highly but the DryBoat 12 has proven to be a superb marine dehumidifier that has delivered exceptional results all summer in tough environments such as Spitsbergen and Norway.

Buy it now on MachineMart (UK)

A good boat dehumidifier is an essential investment to help protect the interior of a yacht over the winter months. Whichever model you are thinking about, do ensure it is suitable for marine use, that it can be left running unattended and does not invalidate your boat’s insurance.

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Better Sailing

Best Dehumidifiers For Sailboats and Boats

For most people, owning a sailboat is an advantage as one can sail all over the world, live inside the boat, and benefit from several amenities onboard. However, the growth of mold and mildew, and unpleasant odors in sailboats can be a serious problem for a sailboat owner. The most important reason for which you’d need a dehumidifier is the excessive humidity in the sailboat, which will likely lead to damage. Sailboats are built with water-resistant materials and coating so as to withstand different weather conditions. Unfortunately, this can not always guarantee the prevention of moisture. A solution to this problem is the use of a dehumidifier for sailboats. In this article, I’ll give you some details about dehumidifiers as well as which dehumidifiers are the best for your sailboat.

Factors to Consider before Buying a Dehumidifier

• Materials: The material from which the dehumidifier is made defines if it can be used on a sailboat or not. In general, the materials have to be durable and corrosion-resistant because they’ll be exposed to seawater. So, remember to avoid devices with metallic components or made with easily decomposing materials.
• Boat Size: Consider the size of your sailboat before purchasing a dehumidifier. If you have a large cabin then you ought to buy a model that will serve the entire size of the cabin.
• Safety: Many dehumidifiers are portable units and can’t be fastened in place so as to prevent movement when the boat encounters harsh weather conditions.
• Moisture extraction rate: Generally, boat dehumidifiers have to withstand the demands of the marine environment. In other words, a good dehumidifier has to deal with the constant replenishment and rise of moisture. Therefore, it has to draw a large amount of water from the air. The dew point is the temperature to which air remains cool before the moisture within it condenses from a gas to water.
• Drainage system: The condensed water into the dehumidifier’s bucket has to be emptied by a vent or hose in order to ensure that the moisture is gone. Many dehumidifiers drain into the bilge or into a holding tank. However, dehumidifiers with a built-in vent don’t need to be emptied.

Types of Boat Dehumidifiers for Boats/Sailboats

There are three main types of dehumidifiers. The type of dehumidifier that suits you best depends on the environment in which you’re sailing. In other words, if you’re sailing to dry environments you should pick a dehumidifier that can withstand this climate. Also, the type and size of the sailboat will define the device’s dehumidification abilities. A large sailboat will need a powerful dehumidifier with a long lifespan whereas a small sailboat will be able to manage with a simple model.

• Compressor-driven dehumidifiers: Compressor-driven boat dehumidifiers function just like an air-conditioner. Meaning that they draw in the air, pass it over a filter, and then over cold coils. Then the coils cool the water resulting in water condensation. Then, the condensation drips into a bucket that has to be emptied. However, some compressor-driven models can work with a hose so as to ensure constant drainage. 
• Desiccant dehumidifiers: This type uses some chemicals like calcium chloride or Zeolite, instead of condensation, in order to absorb moisture. Their construction consists of a fan that absorbs the air into the dehumidifier and taking it past a rotor that will eventually dry the air. This rotor contains the desiccant chemical. There are disposable, rechargeable, full-size consumers, and commercial desiccant dehumidifiers.
• Thermo-electric dehumidifiers: Thermo-electric dehumidifiers use a small but robust fan that circulates the air. Thermo-electric dehumidifiers, or Peltier, use the thermoelectric effect in order to convert electricity into a temperature difference across a Peltier unit. This process is what facilitates dehumidification. Furthermore, as these dehumidifiers don’t have a humidistat or compressor and have fewer parts, they’re cost-efficient and quieter. The drawback is that they need some more time to remove moisture.

Best Boat Dehumidifiers

Eva-dry edv 2200 dehumidifier.

The thermo-electric Eva-Dry EDV 2200 dehumidifier is small and reliable, so it’s a great option for use in a small sailboat. You can also place it in one room on a larger boat. It offers low energy use and features the Peltier technology that facilitates dehumidification. The model is capable of removing about 20 ounces of moisture per day. Check it out on Amazon .

Boat Dehumidifier and Moisture Absorber Bags

This is the most common and zero-energy solution as far as boat dehumidifiers go. You just hang the bags in a few areas around your boat and let them do their thing. However, as you can imagine it will not keep your boat dry all winter long if that’s what your plan is. This boat dehumidifier is actually a moisture absorber and odor eliminator. It actually pulls the moisture from the air that can cause musty smells and mold growth. This Boat Dehumidifier is an excellent moisture absorber for a boat cabin and other small spaces prone to humidity. This Dehumidifier hanger is an affordable moisture absorber that reduces the growth of smells, making it an excellent solution for a boat cabin. Here is the Link to Amazon .

Meaco DD8L Zambezi Desiccant Dehumidifier

This desiccant model has a variety of safety features that protects against electrical or corrosion issues. It has a three-liter tank or alternatively, you can use the supplied hose for continuous drainage. Moreover, it has a digital display, ionizer, and fan speed, among other features. Keep in mind that this dehumidifier is better for colder environments and when humidity levels rise. See the model on Amazon .

Ivation IVADM35 Powerful Mid-Size Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier 

This unit uses Peltier technology, is portable and compact, and has a detachable water tank. It shows high performance in absorbing moisture (up to 20 ounces per day), and it’s appropriate for enclosed areas, like inside a sailboat. Furthermore, the device is noiseless and can cover up to 2,000 cubic square feet of space. Check out the model on Amazon .

Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

This dehumidifier is small and portable but offers a variety of great features. It uses the Peltier technology, it’s noiseless and shows a high collection rate of moisture from the air. It has also a water tank with a capacity of 52 ounces and is able to extract about 20 ounces of water per day. In other words, the unit efficiently keeps the mold and mildew away. It can cover an area of up to 250 sqft so it’s practical for the common sailboat size. The drawback is that it runs on the power supply and that it can’t work in low temperatures. Check the model and its reviews on Amaz on .

InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier 

Another great dehumidifier suitable for your sailboat and equipped with many features. The unit is able to remove up to 27 ounces per day, has a continuous drainage feature, and uses efficient Peltier technology. You can either let it shut off automatically or attach a hose that allows continuous drainage. Lastly, it’s noiseless, can cover about 300 sqft, and is a great option for small sailboats. For its price, this dehumidifier offers more features than other more expensive models. Check it out on Amazon .

The Bottom Line

Dehumidifiers are an important investment so as to protect the interior of your sailboat during winter months or when sailing to dry climates. Mould, mildew,  and unpleasant odors in a sailboat cabin are a result of allowing damp and moisture in the sailboat’s environment over a large period of time. Whichever model you are thinking about purchasing, make sure first that is appropriate for marine use. Boat dehumidifiers must be made of stainless steel and corrosion-resistant components and withstand water-based environments. The best boat dehumidifiers have to be of high quality and be equipped with features that conventional dehumidifiers don’t have. So, always check the type and characteristics of boat dehumidifiers and most importantly consider the aforementioned factors before making a purchase. Wish you a pleasant and free-of-moisture voyage!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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