As shown in this photo, Hypervent is a flexible structure layer that can be cut to shape and laid flat under cushions or mattresses inside the boat. The white core is composed of a pattern of thick nylon coils that resist compression, bonded to a thin waterproof polymer fabric. The open spaces in the coiled structure allow air to circulate within the 3/4-inch layer.
Circulating air brings warmth into an area where typically the bottom supporting boat structure is cool due to the boat's hull in water that is usually cooler than the air. When warm, moist ambient air comes in contact with the cooler fiberglass or wood surface beneath a cushion or mattress, condensation forms - and if the cushion or mattress presses directly on that surface, the condensation has little chance to evaporate. That's when mold and odors begin.
Hypervent helps prevent this problem in two ways:
- It allows warmer air to circulate below the cushion or mattress, preventing the cooling that starts the condensation process.
- When condensation does occur, or other moisture seeps into the area, the circulating air promotes evaporation and drying before mold gets a toehold.
Continue to the next page for installing Hypervent and an evaluation of how well it works on my sailboat.
