Interior odors - and a possible "cure"

[DCatSea]

Like many older boats, Mazboot has a definite odor to her (like me, I suppose), so one of this year's layup tasks is too "solve the funk".

This will involve giving everything a darn good cleaning, with Pinesol or similar, and hanging the attached Zeolite bags (see pic) in the for'd and aft cabins. I may put a dedicated one in the head. There's plenty of through-flow air when running, but I may put in a solar extractor.

These things worked very well on odors, mold and mildew, and chemical fumes. They are also rechargeable (leave 'em in the sun for few hours) and last for ever.

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I'm also going to take out and get rid of the ages-old Lexan that doesn't seem to do much other than take up space in the head and ER. and funk up the engine room (really not nice when we've been running in the heat). This will open up space for an additional 1 or 2 house batteries. The Chesapeake is well-found with pump outs, so I'm not expecting any contamination "issues".


Any other suggestions for de-funking an older vessel will be gracefully received.

Thanks AOGers

[Tree]

Doug. I found with my 28 the biggest cause of odour is the heads and bilge. Keep the bilge dry and flush the head at the end of the day with fresh water and all is good.

I also have a couple of odour eating air fresheners in the cabin that help. Oh and I have a small dehumidifier running all year which I think makes a difference.

[DCatSea]

I thought about a dehumidifier, and now that you mention it I think I must do a bit of research and see what's out there for year round use.
I have used the Zeolite bags before, and found them efficacious.

Doug

[Nancy]

Whatever you do, don't use Pinesol. It's gross and will will never leave a fresh scent or - my preference - no scent. I've found that most nastiness is in the bilge - either stinky oily stuff or old sanitation hoses and maybe a permeated holding tank. I would start in the bilge with degreaser (Purple Power or similar) and a scrub brush. Rinse well. Follow with dishwashing detergent. Hit it with an Oxyclean solution after that if it still smells.

[DCatSea]

Excellent advice Nancy - thanks. I must admit that Pinesol is pretty gross stuff, but a lot better than that old UK standby, Jeyes Fluid, which is used to defunk stables and kennels (with hounds).

Doug

[Nancy]

Excellent advice Nancy - thanks. I must admit that Pinesol is pretty gross stuff, but a lot better than that old UK standby, Jeyes Fluid, which is used to defunk stables and kennels (with hounds).

Which just goes to show that the Motherland does not have the answer to everything. I'd steer clear of anything whose name includes the words "Outdoor Cleaner". lol!

[WillieC]

Stable cleaner?! I'm voting for the purple stuff.

[Panhdjoe]

When i replaced my 30 year old Cruiseair air conditioner, much of my "old boat" smell went away.

[Sisu22]

Seconded on the degreaser in the bilge. That is the worst smell causer. Trouble is keeping them all dry - and I have lots of leftover oil from the PO(s).

[kerrye]

This stuff did a very good job of cleaning my bilge. Fill the bilge with water, add some of this stuff, let it sit for a while and then let it drain out. Surprised me.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-40897-Arma ... ge+cleaner

[jetter]

I have had success with a Tide Pod. Dropped under shower sump, add water, take a short ride on a rough water day, pump dry. Bilge smells like laundry room at home!

[TorreyWP]

I've had really good luck with Kanberra products.

http://www.kanberragel.com

There are a few different versions of the product. I have used the gel and spray. It is really good at absorbing the smells left over after a deep clean but won't necessarily mask odors. It has a neutral non invasive smell.

Other than that, focus on absorbent materials in your cabin(s). Renting a carpet cleaning machine with the hand attachment is a great way to get a deep clean on cushions etc.

[DCatSea]

A carpet cleaner - great tip. I'll be doing that in the spring. Cushions are up in the attic now, so I can do it at home.
I'm also going to do a thorough bilge clean, followed by an all over pressure wash. wish I could get some "Teepol"

[Mainer]

I found most odors (other than toilet plumbing) arose from humidity. I've used Davis Air Dryer 1000's in my boats for several years and found them to be very effective, not only in keeping mildew and mold at bay, but reducing/eliminating odors.

I store my 27 Sport in my driveway, so have shore power available. I leave 3 units, one in the forward cabin, one in the pilot house engine room and one under the cockpit deck with bilge covers off throughout shrink wrapped winter storage.

In season, I leave one in the pilot house while the boat is in the slip with shore power.

I also have a dripless shaft seal and sop up the rudder shaft seal drippings daily, so the only water in my bilge is fresh or rain water, which may help.

I'm pleased to say the boat has virtually no bad odors or mildew/mold issues with this arrangement.

[DesertAlbin736]

I found most odors (other than toilet plumbing) arose from humidity. I've used Davis Air Dryer 1000's in my boats for several years and found them to be very effective, not only in keeping mildew and mold at bay, but reducing/eliminating odors.

I've found "Sonoran Desert 120" to also be very effective.

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