Winterization Tip - Charcoal

(bob_l) · (bob_l) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 10-27-2006, 11:23 AM

Just saw this "tip" in an email sent out by Monterey Boats:

"An unopened bag of regular Charcoal briquettes placed in your engine compartment is an inexpensive way to absorb odors and moisture throughout the winter. This also works well in the cabin, just be sure to place the unopened bag of charcoal on top of a plastic garbage bag to prevent ink transfer stains!"

(migs)

I heard the same thing, but I heard it was a Bucket of coals - therefore opened. Can anyone confirm the opened or unopened part?

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 10-27-2006, 11:38 AM

I've heard open, I think they say unopened for any possible liability issues. I read on here as well as in a Boat US magazine about possible fire hazzards doing this, but from what I remember it was more urban legend than anything.

(sangeria) · (sangeria) **Join Date: Dec 2003** 10-27-2006, 12:11 PM

Just don't use the match light stuff!!! :-)

(cool232) · (cool232) **Join Date: Jan 2006** 10-27-2006, 1:09 PM

buy the cheap stuff without the fluid in it and place it in an aluminum pie pan. We used to use it when we put our show cars away for the winter. or go to wall mart and get damp-rid for less than 3 bucks and it works fantastic.

(greatdane) · (greatdane) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 10-27-2006, 2:16 PM

Good idea. My boat will get a bucket of coal for xmas!

bigrich 10-27-2006, 2:38 PM

Then next summer just pull them out when your camping and start cooking the dogs.

(wakescene) · (wakescene) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 10-28-2006, 9:38 PM

unscented kitty litter in a plastic bucket will do the same thing...as will baking soda and moth balls!

...but moth balls do leave a lite scent.

(dfwharvey) · (dfwharvey) **Join Date: Mar 2006** 10-30-2006, 8:55 AM

http://www.damprid.dsiwebbuilder.com/index.asp?cat=56350

If you don't want your boat to be at risk try Damp Rid. It does the same thing.

(bigshow) · (bigshow) **Join Date: Feb 2005** 10-30-2006, 9:10 AM

I used moth balls last year. I put a couple of hanger types in the boats, lasted more than six months, and the moth ball smell went away in about one hour. Moth balls will keep critters and bugs out shouldn't do much more.

Some kind of dry absorb seem like it would be best. If you can keep it dry it won't get funky. I just don't know how long a big bucket of the stuff would be effective.