My new-to-me Nacra 5.0 has a custom welded aluminum sail box with a fully hinged lid. In it are the sails, harnesses, life jackets, small tackle box of pins, etc. Every time I open the box the sail bag feels...not super dry. Should these boxes have some louvered vents? In Mobile we have dew every morning and I'd bet the box is condensing inside. Nothing is growing inside and there are no smells.
Rob
"If at first you do not suceed, well, so much for sky diving"
I have a fiberglass box for storage.
I had the same issue with dampness and it kept me from using the box for continuous storage. I only use it while trailering, for storage, and I did end up putting some soffit vents in on the vertical sides. I don’t launch with it, as I use beach wheels, so no seawater coming in, and the vents are angled down, so typical rainwater doesn’t blow in.
Hated to cut into it to install the vents, but it has kept my sails “dryer” while trailering. Most of the time I am mast up on my beach, so sails get stored in garage.
They do tend to do that.
My general rule is fabrics/sails don't stay in the box.
Venting will help, but once moisture gets in, it'll have to evaporate out.
Note, if you do cut vents, ensure you have some window screen or something to keep the bugs out.
Not sure how much vents will help, but I would just try to make sure everything is as dry as possible before putting in the box. One pair of wet sailing gloves or mainsheet system tossed in the box will hold plenty of moisture to make things damp/musty. If you sail in salt water, storing things wet will accelerate corrosion. If you sail in fresh water, corrosion will be less of an issue, but you could see some mold develop on your sails if they’re put away wet.
sm
Steve M.
I put a few vents in my sail box
helped to remove moisture
i put them on 2 sides (front /back) so air could flow in and out
next time i do it i will just drill a dozen small holes or so and cover that with some bug screen
this is the type of vent i used
MN3
Dogboy wrote: If you sail in fresh water, corrosion will be less of an issue, but you could see some mold develop on your sails if they’re put away wet.
When you come home from sailing, string up your sails and anything else that got wet and hose it down with fresh water. Then be sure it completely dries in the sun. This may include your boom, tiller extender and your rudders. In fresh or salt water, everything will last longer if you eliminate as much of the contaminants as you can.
Hanging up to dry is not a problem with an 8ft fence. I emptied my sail box and will relocate it out from under the cat. That will allow for the sun to heat it up during the day and should keep everything crispy. I will resist putting in wet items. I will also put in some vents. Thanks!
Rob
"If at first you do not suceed, well, so much for sky diving"
RCH701 wrote: Hanging up to dry is not a problem with an 8ft fence.
I use chairs, trees, a patio pillar, and a boulder to string mine up.
https://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=130857
when sailing in salt water - rinsing alone wont cut it
you really need to touch all surfaces with soap and sponge. otherwise you are just rinsing off surface debris and will leave salt on the surface where it will "do no good"
in fresh water ... not sure what rinsing off with more fresh water will do ... but really ... no clue as i live on the gulf coast and haven't sailed in fresh water since i was 12 at camp in PA
MN3
I have to check this box.
How about a little solar powered vent fan?
ctcataman wrote: How about a little solar powered vent fan?
that would be great! (although my boats are under tarp)
MN3