Listees, I'd like to take this opportunity to summarize the responses I got to my question about combating mildew. The response was great. I received about twenty responses in all. It all seems to come down to keeping a dry, well ventilated boat. My boat is currently neither. I have a wet bilge and will probably always. It's because of the way the cockpit pan was installed and bedded when the boat was built. I won't go into detail, but a small amount of rainwater leaks into the bilge via the cockpit lazzarette. It comes in behind some panels that are not removable. To properly repair it would require some parts of the cockpit to be destroyed. I've improved the situation with some strategically applied RTV and I've decided to live with the rest. The shape of the bilge makes it impossible to pump all of the water anyway. At least this way my pump is always wet and I don't have to worry about it being air-bound in an emergency. Also, the boat is not well ventilated when not in use in order to keep rainwater out and for security reasons. I do keep one port open in the head and, interestingly, that's where I have the least amount of mildew. Don't misunderstand, the boat is not crawling with mildew each week. But we have had to wipe down the surfaces twice this season. OK, getting back to the responses... About half of those responding use or have used dehumidifiers like I was thinking about. They reported very good success with them. Several responses stressed getting the bilge dry and keeping it that way. I'm sure this would go a long way to solving my problem, but... see above. Several also stressed the importance of ventilation and I think I will look into one of those Nicro solar/nicad vents installed in one of the Lexan hatches. I've seen them installed that way on other boats but I don't know how the holes were successfully cut in the Lexan. If anyone has done this, please share the details with me. A few responders also suggested using the air conditioning when unattended. Using the newer, electronic controls allow programming the system to cycle periodically (and turn on the water circulating pump on demand) in a "moisture control" mode. I have two Cruisaire systems that work great but have the old controls. I may look into upgrading the controls. Finally, a number of responders mentioned the use of ozone generators. They are tempting, but I think I will avoid them for potential health reasons. Interestingly, I provided the List with a URL to an EPA web page which had a discussion of ozone and ozone generators. I thought some would read it and additional discussion would ensue. But I heard nothing more. Thanks again for all of your responses. I've promised my Mate that I would fix the problem and, for me, that may mean getting a dehumidifier. Mel Knott Sandpiper West Indian 36 Annapolis, MD

I used a Dremel tool with the "spiral cutter" attachment with good success. The spiral cutter attachment has a router-like base so that you can just about do it by hand (I did). The plastic (lexan) melted just a bit as the tool went through, but it was easy, then, to break it away or use a knife on it. Ray Henry --boatless. ----- Original Message ----- From: Annieseztoo <Annieseztoo@email.msn.com> To: trawler world list post <trawler-world-list@samurai.com>; Melvin Knott <mknott@bcpl.net> Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2000 8:39 AM Subject: TWL: Re: Mildew summary > Mel, > I've had success using a regular hole saw in a drill. Now a 6 inch hole > saw ain't cheap - especially for one hole. I was able to borrow one from a > contractor friend. > > Walt Konieczko > Annie Sez Too 34 Marine Trader > Lanoka Harbor, NJ > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Melvin Knott" <mknott@bcpl.net> > To: "Trawler World List" <trawler-world-list@samurai.com> > Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2000 5:46 PM > Subject: TWL: Mildew summary > > I've seen them installed that way on other boats but I > > don't know how the holes were successfully cut in the Lexan. If anyone > > has done this, please share the details with me. > > > >

Mel, I've had success using a regular hole saw in a drill. Now a 6 inch hole saw ain't cheap - especially for one hole. I was able to borrow one from a contractor friend. Walt Konieczko Annie Sez Too 34 Marine Trader Lanoka Harbor, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Melvin Knott" <mknott@bcpl.net> To: "Trawler World List" <trawler-world-list@samurai.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2000 5:46 PM Subject: TWL: Mildew summary I've seen them installed that way on other boats but I > don't know how the holes were successfully cut in the Lexan. If anyone > has done this, please share the details with me.

rlchenry@mindspring.com writes: > The plastic (lexan) melted just a bit as the >tool went through, A way to avoid this melting cut is to have the Admiral or whoever follow your cutting with a barely turned on garden hose. This will keep Lexan and cutting tool cool and you'll have a clean cut.