Maintaining a comfortable environment on a narrowboat, particularly during the warm summer months, requires a well-thought-out ventilation system. On our 58-foot narrowboat, we’re designing an innovative bilge ventilation system that not only keeps the bilge dry and free of moisture but also helps cool the interior by circulating air through strategically placed ducts and mini fans. Additionally, our kitchen and bathroom extraction systems will ensure that air quality is maintained, even in the most humid or odorous conditions.
Bilge Ventilation: Keeping the Boat Dry and Cool
The bilge is the lowest part of the boat where water and condensation can accumulate, making proper ventilation essential to prevent moisture build-up, mould, and unpleasant odours. Our approach to bilge ventilation goes a step further by integrating it into the boat’s overall cooling strategy.
Mini Fans and Ducts: By installing a series of mini fans along ducts that run through the bilge. These fans are powered by the boat’s 12V electrical system and are strategically placed to circulate air throughout the bilge. By moving air through this area, we prevent the build-up of stagnant air and moisture, keeping the bilge dry and reducing the risk of mould and mildew.
Cool Air Circulation: During the summer months, the mini fans not only ventilate the bilge but also draw cooler air from below the waterline into the interior of the boat. This innovative system will help lower the cabin temperature naturally, reducing the reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems. The cooler air from the bilge will be ducted into living areas, providing a refreshing breeze that enhances comfort on hot days.
Temperature and Moisture Control: To maximise efficiency, the bilge ventilation system will be equipped with a IOT Sensor controls that activates the fans when interior Temperature and Moisture rise above a certain threshold. This will ensures that the system operates only when necessary, conserving energy while maintaining a comfortable environment.
Kitchen and Bathroom Extraction: Maintaining Air Quality
In addition to the bilge ventilation, our narrowboat will be equipped with dedicated extraction systems in the kitchen and bathroom to manage humidity, odours, and steam, ensuring that the air inside the boat remains fresh and pleasant.
Kitchen Extraction: The kitchen extraction system is designed to remove cooking fumes, smoke, and steam directly from the cooking area. This system includes a powerful yet quiet extractor fan installed by the induction hob, venting air outside the boat through a duct. The fan is connected to the electrical system and can be operated independently, allowing for precise control during cooking.
Bathroom Extraction: In the bathroom, an extraction fan will be installed to manage humidity and odours. This fan is particularly important given the bathroom’s role as a wet room, where moisture levels can quickly rise. The fan efficiently vents humid air outside, preventing condensation and maintaining a dry, comfortable space. Like the kitchen system, the bathroom fan is also powered by the electrical system and is activated by a switch next to the light controls.
Automatic Humidity Sensors: To further enhance convenience, both the kitchen and bathroom extraction fans will be equipped with humidity sensors. These sensors automatically activate the fans when moisture levels exceed a certain threshold, ensuring that the boat’s interior remains dry and free of excess humidity without requiring constant manual adjustment.
Conclusion
Our narrowboat's ventilation system is a carefully designed network that ensures both comfort and air quality throughout the year. By integrating bilge ventilation with cool air circulation and employing effective extraction systems in the kitchen and bathroom, we've created an environment that remains fresh, dry, and comfortable, even in the heat of summer. This system not only improves the living conditions on board but also protects the boat from the damaging effects of moisture and humidity, ensuring a longer lifespan for the vessel and a more enjoyable experience for all aboard.