Mold

[basshunter81]

Does anyone els have a problem with mold in their rod lockers? I put some moisture absorbing containers in each locker but still have a mold problem. I never put anything away wet. I just don't get it! I do have one locker that always seems to have a wet spot in the corner but I have the mold problem with all of my lockers. Very frustrating! Any suggestions?

[Traveler2586]

I don't have a problem with mold in my lockers, but it's on the under-side of my boat cover.

Can you tell where moisture is entering your lockers, are your lids tight, or do you have any openings between you lockers and other parts of your boat? My rod locker rod tubes were open in the bow area under the switch plate. Do you have drain holes in your lockers? If so, moisture may be entering from your bilge. Also, do you cover your boat with a properly fitted boat cover, or is it garage kept?

My boat lives in my driveway so when the weather is damp I'll run a small fan under the boat cover to circulate the air, it appears to be keeping my mold problem at bay, but I can't get rid of the mold stains no matter what cleaner I try.

IMHO, I don't think moisture absorbing containers in each locker is a workable solution. Depending on your storage situation, you could try propping your lids open with small blocks of 2X4X4 to let air circulate in the lockers.

[BassChump]

I live in Phoenix now so with little rain and humidity in the single digits, I don't have much mold problems but I moved from Oregon last year. It's so wet up there that not only was there mold problems with almost everything, I even had problems with grass growing out of the carpet of the boat while it was under cover for the winter. My solution? Just spray a little mixture of bleach and water in there once in a while. Just takes a minute and it always kept the mold at bay.

Just keep some pre-mixed clorox stuff for the boat. I'd spray once every couple of weeks and that took care of it.

It won't hurt typical boat carpet as it's made of polypropylene instead of Nylon. Just don't saturate it. Just a spray or two will do it.

[topwaterrob]

I keep a fan circulating 24/7 with rod lockers open.... It seems to keep my stuff dry...

[HookSetDon]

If you go to your local home depot they should have a product containing concrobium, works great at killing mold and it doesnt have as potent as a smell as bleach. I would do a small test area before you go to town on it though.

[Fishing Rhino]

You do not have to feel wetness/dampness for mold to grow. In fact, mold will not form when excessive moisture is present. Mold is a fungus, which can only form within certain moisture and temperature ranges.

Do you keep your boat drained of water in the bilge? It doesn't take much water to "humidify" any closed compartments sufficiently to allow mold to form.

Be sure to drain the boat after every use. Elevate the bow of the boat to ensure that any water in the hull flows to the stern, and out the drain.

[noway]

Acquire a quality vented canvas cover.

[Glenn]

Use BTS (Bow To Stern) protectant on your carpet and lids. It contains anti-mold agents that prevent the growth of mold.

[Traveler2586]

You do not have to feel wetness/dampness for mold to grow. In fact, mold will not form when excessive moisture is present. Mold is a fungus, which can only form within certain moisture and temperature ranges.

Do you keep your boat drained of water in the bilge? It doesn't take much water to "humidify" any closed compartments sufficiently to allow mold to form.

Be sure to drain the boat after every use. Elevate the bow of the boat to ensure that any water in the hull flows to the stern, and out the drain.

X2, I get my boats bow as high as I can with the tong jack and then stabilize the trailer with using a automotive jack stand; then I pull the drain plug.

If the boat is wet, or the weather is damp, I run a small fan under the boat cover to circulate the air; I also prop all locker lids open with blocks of 2X4.

So far, using this protocol, I have not had any further problems with mold.

I believe I will try the concrobium as suggested above, the BTS isn't available in my area.

From http://www.concrobium.com/all-about-mold/

Typically mold needs three conditions to grow:

• Moisture from humidity, leaks or flooding
  
• Nutrients: organic materials that can act as a food source
  
• Optimal temperature, generally between 64-82 degrees.
  

[basshunter81]

Thanks for all of the info

[J Francho]

Use BTS (Bow To Stern) protectant on your carpet and lids. It contains anti-mold agents that prevent the growth of mold.

This!