Re: Moisture in the cockpit

[David & Carolyn]

Tom:

Because you're a "regular" on the coupe list, I'm sure you
recognize that the biggest potential problem with visible moisture inside
is corrosion damage, rather than the nuisance of moisture on the
windshield.

I used to be in the marine electronics business where it is commonplace
for docked boats to run electric lights in the cabin at all times. 
The idea is that the temperature of the air is raised just a few degrees,
raising it above the dew point and preventing condensation; the air will
still be plenty humid, but it just won't condense out on the
surfaces.  

If I recall correctly, the "Goldenrod" is only a heater, not a
miracle cure.  Because it runs on 120 volts it is unsuitable for use
with a solar panel.  While it would be possible to hook up a small
12 volt bulb to a suitable solar panel and make some heat, the size panel
you can fit in a 'coupe would put out a few tens of watts at the
most.  Calcium Chloride is safe, but you are probably going to have
to "bake it out" weekly where you like.  In my opinion, a
cover is a good investment as it will prevent rain leaking in; of course
with a cover, you won't be able to use the solar panel.


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David Smoler   |    __    |
              
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Alon A-2      |   \____/  
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s/n A35      ()    
()     ()   based at RHV
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At 09:47 PM 11/5/98 -0800, Tom Laird-McConnell wrote:
>Unfortunately, I have to have my ercoupe tied down outside until I
can find
>a hangar.  Now that the rainy season has started, I have started
to notice
>some condensation on the inside of the windows, although I don't
notice any
>moisture on the carpet or seats.
>
>What I have done for now is to put a canister of DryX which is
calcium
>cholride and is supposed to absorb excess moisture. (they pitch it
as
>something to put in your boat, RV etc.) Is this a bad idea?
>
>I am planning on getting a cover, but I would guess that condensation
could
>still occur just from the high moisture content of the Pacific
NW.
>
>* Has anyone used a "Goldenrod" which is a metal rod which
is supposed to be
>plugged into an electric source and which causes exess moisture to be
sucked
>up.
>
>* Has anyone ever tried to hook one of those up to a solar power
source?
>
>I look forward to your collective wisdom.
>
>-Tom