Which boat dehumidifier?
Desiccant dehumidifier technology
Most dehumidifiers don't work effectively below about 15°C, but desiccant technology is different... Here's why...
We say...
We don't think the PBO test was completely fair. They tested the products indoors. If they had tested at real winter temperatureson a boat, the desiccant technology wold have been even more impressive!
Practical Boat Owner Magazine tested several dehumidifiers for use in boats and published the results in the December 09 issue. The DD122 with its desiccant technology was the clear winner, but this has now been replaced by the DD8L model.
A cheap domestic dehumidifier will struggle to keep your boat dry and free from mildew during winter storage, but we think these new generation desiccant adsorption dehumidifiers are pretty well perfect - but now there are two to chose from!
Now reduced in price!
DD8L Dehumidifier - 
High performance desiccant dehumidifier.
Motor Boat Monthly Magazine November 2011 said "....a perfect on board dehumidifier."
Extraction rate up to 8 litres per day. Recommended for use inboats, garages, workshops and homes up to 5 bedrooms. With anti-bacterial silver nano filter and an ioniser to help keep the air clean, especially important for anyone who suffers from allergies.
Dehumidifier DD8L £179.99
DD8L Junior Dehumidifier - 
Compact desiccant dehumidifier.
Exactly the same specification as the DD8L, but without the silver nano filter and ioniser.
Extraction rate up to 8 litres per day. Ideal for all boats up to 50 ft., caravans, motorhomes,garages workshops and homes up to 5 bedrooms.
Dehumidifier DD8L Junior £159.99
Price reduced. Now only £135.00
Here are some of our favourite features for both models:
- Desiccant adsorption technology - works at low temperatures
- Fully automatic humidistat control for economy
- Tank or continuous drainage - hose is supplied
- Auto restart after power interruption means you can set it on a timer and leave it unattended
- Lightweight and compact - no castors so it doens't roll around!
- Maintenance free
All of these features make them brilliant dehumidifiers for boat, caravan, garage or any unheated area.
| Dehumidifier DD122 | Dehumidifier DD8L | |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction rate | Up to 8 Litres per day |
Up to 8 litres per day |
| Temperature operating range | 1 - 40°C | 1 - 40°C |
| Power consumption | 30/330/650W depending on running mode * See note below | 30/330/650W depending on running mode |
| Tank capacity | 2 litre with auto-cut-off when full. Water level indicator | 2 litre with auto-cut-off when full. Water level indicator |
Continuous drain option |
Yes. 1 metre x 12mm hose included |
Yes. 1 metre x 12mm hose included |
Dimensions w x d x h |
35 x 180 x 50cm |
35 x 180 x 50cm |
| Weight | 6.4Kg | 6.4Kg |
| Humidistat settings | Auto 55 to 60%RH High 45 to 50%RH |
Auto 55 to 60%RH High 45 to 50%RH |
| Fan settings | Low or high | Low or high |
Laundry drying modes |
Saving and turbo settings with powered louvre |
Saving and turbo settings with powered louvre |
Auto restart after a power interruption |
Yes – can be used with external time switch |
Yes – can be used with external time switch |
Timer – to switch off after specified duration (e.g.for laundry drying) |
Yes. Up to 8 hours |
Yes. Up to 8 hours |
| Filters | Washable main filter |
Washable main filter Internal anti-bacterial filter with nano sover coating |
| Electrical supply | 230V 50Hz | 230V 50Hz |
| Price | Dehumidifier DD122 £159.99 |
Dehumidifier DD8L £179.99 |
Desiccant dehumidifiers have a higher power rating than compressor dehumidifiers, but when used in the UK for keeping a boat dry in winter, they use less power. This is because they extract water much faster than compressor types when the ambient temperature is below 15C.
These particular models have further enegy saving features: they turn off when the required humidity is reached, but then operate the fan to sample the air for five minutes each hour. If the humidity has risen, they start dehumidifying, but if it is OK, they go back to sleep until the next sample.
The energy consumed by the dehumidifier is returned to the boat as heat, so they also have a very slight warming effect.