Pilot House v-bunk storage....musty smell

[TimC2520]

For those familiar, the port side is 100% tight.
Starboard side has a passageway for the forward bilge hose and wiring.
As a result, there is always a musty odor in that storage compartment due
to the dampness in the forward bilge. I've stuffed a rag in the opening in years past
which has helped some, but not a cure all. Anyone else notice this?

 

[Megabyte]

I keep a small piece of wood under that hatch to prop it up so it can stay ventilated.
I also pop open the deck hatch right over the forward bilge pump for the same reason while the boat is in her slip.

Cleaned out that under deck space with bleach and Pine Sol to kill the mildew and so long as I keep her ventilated... no more mildew or odors!

 

[TimC2520]

I keep a small piece of wood under that hatch to prop it up so it can stay ventilated.
I also pop open the deck hatch right over the forward bilge pump for the same reason while the boat is in her slip.

Cleaned out that under deck space with bleach and Pine Sol to kill the mildew and so long as I keep her ventilated... no more mildew or odors!

Once I'm done washing down, I always sponge dry the forward bilge, might try spraying some mildew stuff down there to see if that helps.

 

[Brent]

Sounds like the foam is holding moisture and odors

 

[THEGAME]

brent
you just answered my own problem cause last year my live well house broke and fill the whole hull up wi water so now it smells and leans to starborad anyone have any idears to fix this

 

[Brent]

I suspect the foam but dont know. I bet you dollars to donuts the foam is full of mold and only removal will resolve it but as Megabyte stated a good cleaning solution and some bleach will work wonders and may need to be repeated. Cleaning solution and bleach should soak a good 10 min or longer

In your boat,
I expect foam or a compartment between stringers is trapping water and cant properly drain. It might be as simple as clean and bleach and place on trailer and elevate it as high as possible. Is your limber drain under the cockpit clear and not blocked? Pour some bleach inside the cabin floor drain and see if it drains to the bile. When you open the deck hatches over the gas tank and other deck hatches, can you see water?
I would contact Eric at Parker and see the layout under the cockpit or maybe another CP member knows.
Sorry I dont know all of the Parker models well enough

best

 

[grouperjim]

don't think my response will help Tim, but FWIW as far the foam around the gas tank, my 2004 Parker 23CC (according to Eric/engineer at Parker) had closed cell foam which was supposed to not absorb water. when i bought that boat new a livewell hose clamp was loose and allowed saltwater to trickle onto the foam around the tank. most of the water simply ran over the foam and tank and back to the bilge.

Eric advised me to give it a good flush with FW, and then open the bilge hatch and gas tank inspection openings and blow warm dry air through the area over the gas tank. i ran the air through the area for 3 days. it seemed to work as everything felt bone dry and never any hint of mold or mildew.

 

[TimC2520]

I doubt I have a foam problem.
The starboard compartment in the v-bunk has direct access to the bilge.
The hole is probably 3 inches wide. With a tiny bit of water in the bilge, which is where any sits (forward), and the door to that compartment closed, it must get very humid in there. It's the only area of the boat that has a musty smell. Along with sponge drying the bilge, I'll try leaving the door to to storage box open. Right above that are the screens for the portholes which are always open, even when I'm not there. That may work.

 

[Bryan 2530]

Can you close up the hole with spray foam?

 

[TimC2520]

I thought I've read somewhere on here before that someone
did just that but I could not find it. The only problem that would present
is if I ever had to replace the wires or the bilge pump hose which run through
this opening. Then I'd have to cut some of the foam back out again.

 

[Brent]

Ok, thanks
You might still have a mold and/or mildew issue. Cleaning with hot soapy water with bleach will help and may need several applications or add it as a routine item. Adding a small fan will improve the ventilation