Boats are a luxury and as expensive as they get they still need protection from excess moisture. Every boat owner should have a special dehumidifier for their floating home. These special dehumidifiers are small and fit on almost any type of boat you own.
The one we liked best was Eva-dry E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier. To find out why all you have to do is continue reading our review.
The Best Boat Dehumidifiers According to Our Research
What is a Boat Dehumidifier and Why Should We Use One?
A boat dehumidifier may not be a typical dehumidifying unit you see in your local appliance stores. Some of these are not really dehumidifiers but heaters. What they do is help keep your boat from being ruined from the inside out by excess moisture and humidity.
You use one to keep the interior of your boat nice and dry as well as in top sailing or ocean condition. It is not just the wood on the boat you have to be concerned about but the possibility of mold and mildew also.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Dehumidifier for Boat
Reviews of the Best Dehumidifier for Boats in 2024
Rank | Product | Power | Size | Editor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Rechargeable electric | Mini | ||
#2 | Electric | Small | ||
#3 | None | 2 sizes | ||
#4 | Electric | Mini | ||
#5 | Electric | Mini |
When you want to concentrate on sailing or motoring over those brilliant blue waters, you do not need to worry about the dehumidifier. This rechargeable model can be placed anywhere in your boat’s interior and be secure all the time. Even when the seas get rough.
The only time it needs electricity is when it needs to be recharged so you have lots of flexibility in where to locate it. The other good aspects about this boat dehumidifier is that it does not need to have a water tank emptied, it is environmentally safe and does not make messes.
Plus, you won’t hear it make a sound at night when you are trying to get a good night’s rest. It is a silent operating device that makes sure you are comfortable all night long. When it runs out of power just plug it in and wait. The unit will be ready in no time.
What We Liked
- Its rechargeable
- The device is quiet
- Does not make a mess
What We Didn't Like
- Bead sizes are too large
- Faulty construction
There is no law saying you can’t use a home dehumidifier on your boat. If your boat is large enough this may be the best unit to use over the others on this list. While it is rated for only 269 square feet you still get a lot of coverage when your boat’s interior rooms match that size.
With no compressor to bother you the motor runs quiet as it removes 750 ml of moisture every day. Then when the water bucket gets full it will shut off on its own. The 9 by 6 by 15 inch size approx., should allow you to place this dehumidifier in the right location that is convenient for you.
This simple plug and play model does not have all the bells and whistles of its larger counterparts but it still keeps your small rooms dry and comfortable when it is turned on. It may take a while to warm up and get started.
What We Liked
- Its small size
- Its ease of operation
- Very portable
- Auto shut off
What We Didn't Like
- Not for larger boats
- A little top heavy and unstable
When your boat does not have electrical power for appliances, etc., this little dehumidifier comes to the rescue. It is made in 2 sizes, 12 ounce and 36 ounce, so you can give your boat complete coverage.
Also, there is no motor to worry about breaking, no electrical wires to short out and absolutely no noise. Your sleep and other activities will not be ruined by this device. In addition to that, it helps keep musty odors away so your boat smells fresh and clean
That is not all. This dehumidifying unit works even when you put your boat in storage. There is no mess, no fuss and when it is filled with excess moisture the crystals can be thrown away.
All you do is to operate this dehumidifying unit is open the lid pour some crystals in a bowl and leave the bowl in an out-of-the-way unseen spot. That is it. And there are no water tanks to fiddle with either.
What We Liked
- Ease of use
- Has replacement crystals when bucket is empty
- Needs no electric or other power
What We Didn't Like
- Works too slowly
- Can spill crystals if not careful
- Strainer holes may be too large
While an actual made for a boat dehumidifier, this device does not act like a regular dehumidifier. Instead, it combats mold and mildew by keeping your boat cabin heated and circulating that warm air.
All it needs to do that is to be plugged into a standard 110 or 120 electrical outlet and it will work. The operation is easy as there are no buttons to push, no humidity levels to set and so on. There are also no filters to remove and clean.
Then it will keep a 1000 cubic feet nice and dry so you do not have to worry about wood rot, mold or mildew ruining your boat’s interior furniture or woodwork. This is another plug and play unit that makes no mess and can be located out of the way of your daily boat activities.
On top of all that, this device is made from aluminum so it resists corrosion, rust and other harmful elements. It is also very lightweight and easy to move.
What We Liked
- Compact size
- Very portable
- Easy to use
- Plug and play
- No water tank to mess with
What We Didn't Like
- Does not work with boats with no power
- Only for smaller boats
- Can break down on you
- May be noisy
This is another boat dehumidifier that uses warm air to protect your boat’s interior. It too is a plug and play model needing a standard 110 or 120 electrical outlet to work. The convection design circulates the air for you so your cabins stay nice and warm and dry.
There are no fans to disturb your sleep and this unit is designed to work 24 hours a day. Its slim and mini design means that you can slip it into tiny corners or other out-of-the-way spots and let it do its work.
Made from polycarbonate so it should resist rust, corrosion and other harmful elements that come from living on the sea. With no noise and ease of use, you may even forget that it is on your boat and working.
Plus, the unit should not overheat and it is safe to touch as it works.
What We Liked
- Easy to use
- No noise
- Safe to touch
What We Didn't Like
- Faulty wiring may cause it to overheat
- Need multiple units when walls get in the way
How to Use a Dehumidifier for Boats
The majority of these devices are simply plug and play. There are no controls to fiddle with unless you use a regular dehumidifier on your boat. To use one, you simply remove the lid and place it in an out-of-the-way spot and forget about it till it is time to replace it.
They are all very simple to operate and only the normal dehumidifying unit needs any controls to push. But that only takes a fingertip and you are done in less than a minute. Take the time to protect your boat so you can enjoy it for many years.
Boat Dehumidifier FAQ
Are these boat dehumidifiers expensive?
How many of these boat dehumidifiers do I need?
Do all of these dehumidifiers run on electricity to work?
What We Found
The interesting thing about this topic is that our research shows you do not need a typical or normal dehumidifying unit to control moisture on your boat. You can use little heaters as well.
The good thing about those dehumidifying options is that the majority of these devices are tiny and can fit into most boats with ease. You can easily find an out-of-the-way spot to place them to make sure your boat’s interior does not have a problem with high humidity levels.
Then they are as easy as or easier to use than a regular dehumidifier. Anyone can operate these devices even a young lad learning how to sail the seven seas.
And the winner is...
We picked the Eva-dry E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier for several reasons. One it is the best dehumidifier for boat and it is compact like the rest of the competitors. Plus, it can work anywhere you want it to work.
The only time it needs an electrical outlet is when it needs to be recharged. Other than that this is a handy device that makes sure your boat’s interior stays nice and dry as well as healthy.
Final Verdict
Humidity doesn’t stop when you get out on a boat. In fact, it may get a little worse. That is why you should consider one of the best boat dehumidifiers in this round-up. They work hard to keep your boat’s interior in top shape and provide you with a comfortable area to sleep in.
When you want to keep mold and mildew away, these units are the ones to pick. They have the power and ability to get the job done right.
