Top 5 Boat Dehumidifiers to Keep the Perfect Level of Humidity in Your Cabin

By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: August 24, 2023
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Are you tired of your boat cabin fogging up? Are you wondering if there is a permanent solution for your problem? If your answer is yes to both the above questions, then we are happy to say that you have come to the right place.

We went on a quest to find the best boat dehumidifier on the market so that you do not have to put much effort into when researching for your purpose. As a result, we found 5 excellent options with the Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier as our Editor’s Choice. In order to evaluate and rank them, we took certain features into consideration that will affect your overall experience. These include the water tank capacity, draining options, available controls and coverage among other. There is a buying guide at the end to help you out further!

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier
    "An easy-to-use portable unit that offers multiple settings to adjust the dehumidifier to your personal requirements. 2-gallon tank capacity. Effortless humidity control. Full tank alert and auto shut-off."
  • Best Dehumidifier for Boat Cabin: Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
    "An extremely portable dehumidifier weighing around 2 pounds, great for spaces up to 150 square feet. 18-ounce water tank capacity. Thermo Electric Cooling Technology. Energy efficient operation."
  • Most Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier: TOSOT 20 Pint Dehumidifier
    "This dehumidifier has a capacity of up to 30 DOE pints per day and has proved to be energy-efficient. 1-gallon tank. Energy Star rated. Washable air filter."
  • "A powerful yet quiet dehumidifier that is able to remove up to 50 pints of water from the air per day. 2-pint reservoir capacity. Multiple modes and humidity selection. Washable filter."
  • "A quiet dehumidifier runs at around 39 dB and is capable of removing up to 17 pints of water per day. 34-pint water tank. Sterilizing ionizer. Daily Run Timer."

Top 5 Boat Dehumidifiers Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3309 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
1
Features
  • Coverage area: 1,500 sq. ft
  • Capacity: 22.6 pints/day
  • Wattage: 380W
  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.8 x 20.5 in
  • Weight: 34 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year

More features: 2 gal. tank capacity; auto shut-off; full tank alert; washable filter; Effortless Humidity Control; up to 49 dB

The Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier is the perfect portable unit for damp rooms. It has been designed to remove up to 22 pints of water daily, which means that your cabin will soon become dry and comfortable. It comes with rolling casters and integrated side handles so that you can set it up within minutes without any difficulty.

This model offers custom humidity control so that you are always in charge of the atmosphere. There are three different fan speeds available so you can adjust the settings depending on the condition of your room. This dehumidifier has an automatic shut-off feature which makes it safe to use. You will also appreciate the Full Tank Alert that will inform you when you have to empty the tank. If you do not want the hassle of emptying, then you can just use the Continuous Drain Mode. This means that you will have to attach a garden hose to the machine and let the machine work on it. Your cabin air quality will improve miraculously.

    Why are we impressed?
  • We love this dehumidifier because it is easy to use and offers multiple adjustment settings. At the end of the day, you are the one who controls how your room will feel and that is ideal. The washable filter also collects dirt from the air. It is the best dehumidifier for boat cabin.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • There are some construction issues with this dehumidifier that we think could be resolved with better quality control.
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4236 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
2
Best Dehumidifier for Boat Cabin

Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

Features
  • Coverage area: 150 sq. ft
  • Capacity: 9 oz./day
  • Wattage: 23W
  • Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 11 in
  • Weight: 2.4 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year

More features: 18 oz. water tank capacity; built-in Thermo Electric Cooling Technology; auto shut-off; energy efficient

Portable dehumidifiers are an absolute necessity if you own a boat. It is always handy to carry one whenever you are out in the water. The Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier is lightweight and compact, and will fit comfortably in your boat without any extra effort. With this dehumidifier, you can expect the removal of up to nine ounces of water every single day. The 16-ounce tank capacity is usually more than enough. This humidifier works its magic when the temperature is above 15° Celsius.

Once the dehumidifier tank is full, it will automatically alert you so that you need to empty it up. You will notice the LED light switch on which is the indication that the water tank will have to be drained.

What makes this dehumidifier special is that it comes with built-in Thermo Electric Cooling Technology that can function without a compressor; this means that the dehumidifier can run for extended periods of time without making any sound. If you are looking for a dehumidifier that is energy-efficient, then this might be the one for you. The unit is very effective even in highly humid areas.

    What do we love it for?
  • Emptying the water tank is very easy, and you will not have to put a lot of effort in to get the job done. The auto shut-off feature will keep you from worrying. This is an energy-efficient dehumidifier that creates little to no noise. Therefore, it is one of the best dehumidifiers for boat stored in water.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • This dehumidifier might not last a long time unless you take very good care for it. You might also encounter functional issues sometimes.
Also Product Ranking:
See more...
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3083 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.2
3
Most Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

TOSOT 20 Pint Dehumidifier

Features
  • Coverage area: 1,500 sq. ft
  • Capacity: 20 pints/day (30 pints/day DOE)
  • Wattage: 295W
  • Dimensions: 15 x 11.7 x 20.7 in
  • Weight: 33.9 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year

More features: 1-gal. tank; humidity level display; 48 dB; Energy Star rated; washable air filter

The TOSOT dehumidifier will be excellent for your boat if energy efficiency is your first priority. It is also rather quiet, which is great because nobody wants to heat the constant sound of a machine when they are boating on tranquil waters. Capable of removing up to 20 pints of moisture from the air, this dehumidifier is relatively easy to set up. This Energy-Star machine will utilize less electricity while being very effective at making the air around you crisp and dry.

The machine comes with a 1-gallon bucket that is spill-proof. You will automatically get a beeping reminder to empty the bucket once the tank is full. If you do not want to empty it manually every single time, you can simply connect a garden hose to the machine so that the water is redirected to a floor drain.

This dehumidifier is capable of monitoring the air in real time. Once you choose the perfect humidity level that you want to reach, the control panel will show the current humidity level and then track it until the goal is reached. Once it detects the ideal amount of humidity in the air, the unit will shut down automatically. There is a nonstop mode available if you want the machine to keep running regardless.

    Why is it special?
  • We appreciate the real-time monitoring feature because it allows you to be free of worry and have the perfect amount of humidity in the air at the same time. It also operates very silently.
    What are the flaws?
  • The drain plug could be designed better. Customers have also faced some issues with the overall durability of the product.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2957 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
Features
  • Coverage area: 1,000 sq. ft
  • Capacity: 50 pints/day
  • Wattage: 300W
  • Dimensions: 20.7 x 12.1 x 8.85 in
  • Weight: 26.4 lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years

More features: multiple modes and humidity selection; washable filter; two-way timing; 45 dB; 4.2-pint reservoir capacity

The Airplus 50 pints dehumidifier offers superior performance and gives you value for money. It can remove up to 50 pints of water from the air every day, which leads to efficient dehumidification. The continuous drainage setting means that you will not have to fuss with the machine once you have set it up. You will save a lot of time and effort if you connect a garden hose to the dehumidifier. And if you use it without a hose, the auto-shutoff feature kicks in if the water tank becomes full.

This dehumidifier also allows you to adjust the airflow to increase your comfort. Adjustable settings help you reach the desired humidity in the air. You can also change up the wind speed depending on your requirements. You will find that the drying mode is particularly effective when it comes to drying clothes while the air supply mode is great if you only want the fan to run.

This dehumidifier is exceptionally easy to use so don’t worry even if you haven’t operated one before. You can make all the settings changes with the help of just five buttons.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We love this dehumidifier because it is convenient to set up and has a bunch of different adjustment settings so that you can attain the perfect humidity. You can use the Continuous Drain Mode to operate the machine without having to do anything yourself.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The durability of this product could be better. According to some users, they had to replace it soon after rough usage.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9995 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.1
Features
  • Coverage area: 200 sq. ft
  • Capacity: 17 pints/day
  • Wattage: 650W
  • Dimensions: 36 x 20 x 55 in
  • Weight: 17.2 lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years

More features: Daily Run Timer; energy-efficient; sterilizing ionizer; 39dB; 6.34-pint water tank

The Meaco Zambezi is the perfect option for your boat. This desiccant dehumidifier is capable of removing up to 17 pints of moisture every single day. The air in your boat cabin will have the perfect humidity so that you remain comfortable. With more than twenty adjustment settings, this dehumidifier will let you control exactly how you want the air around you to be.

This is a lightweight machine that makes very little noise so that you remain undisturbed. Zambezi takes advantage of the Sterilizing Ionizer + technology which means that it also kills the germs around the machine effectively. This dehumidifier is designed to monitor and control the amount of moisture continuously. The on and off timer will let you decide how long you want the machine to run beforehand so that you do not have to worry about it later on.

The Zambezi dehumidifier has a motorized rotating air deflector that can direct the dry air exactly where you need it. The machine stops automatically when the water tank is full. There are a range of safety features in this dehumidifier to offer you protection while you are out on the waters.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We love how innovative this dehumidifier is, making it an excellent addition to your boat. Light and quiet, the machine will operate smoothly and clean the air around you effectively. You can easily set the timer to switch the machine on and off when necessary. This is one of the best dehumidifiers for boat storage.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The air has a tendency of becoming heated up because of the dehumidifier.

Things to Consider

Having a boat feels great whether you want to use it on your vacation or as a transportation medium. Once you get your hands on a boat, however, you have to take its maintenance very seriously. Most boats are prone to the growth of mold and mildew because of the surrounding water. Accumulating moisture over extended periods of time causes damage to the boat materials. If you want the air in your boat to remain crisp and dry, you need to get your hands on an effective boat dehumidifier. With this buying guide, we hope you will have no problem making the best purchase.

Features to consider before getting a dehumidifier for a boat

Getting just any dehumidifier from the market will not do the trick because each boat has its own requirements based on the area where you live and how it is stored. You need to take quite a few factors into consideration before you narrow down which machine you want.

A boat dehumidifier has certain essential features that you need to evaluate in order to understand whether it will suit your purposes. Setting your expectations from a boat dehumidifier will save you from confusion later when you view the models. Keep the following features in mind.

Top 5 Boat Dehumidifiers to Keep the Perfect Level of Humidity in Your CabinCoverage and dehumidification performance

The coverage of the machine is an important factor to consider depending on the size of your boat. You must ensure that the dehumidifier you purchase capable of dehumidifiers the entire area of the cabin or the whole boat. The Frigidaire dehumidifier can cover up to 1,500 square feet without any trouble, while the Meaco Zambezi dehumidifier can only cover 200 square feet. You have to make a choice based on the boat size.

Furthermore, you have to choose the best dehumidification capacity based on your surrounding environment. Different humidifiers can remove different amounts of moisture from the air daily. The Airplus dehumidifier can remove up to 50 pints of moisture from the air every day, which proves to be a huge advantage if you live in a hot and humid area. Smaller, portable dehumidifiers like the Pro Breeze model can remove only 9 ounces of water from the air each day.

Water tank capacity

The water tank is where the dehumidifier stored all the moisture after taking it in from the air. The capacity of the water tank is a big factor to consider if you plan to empty it manually. The bigger the capacity the less frequently you have to empty it. The Frigidaire dehumidifier, for example, has a 2-gallon water tank.

Draining options

There are different ways to drain the water tank. Most dehumidifiers will shut off and alert you when the tank is full so you can empty it manually. However, you can also use the Continuous drain feature to attach a hose and let the water out automatically. Most modern dehumidifiers, like the Airplus dehumidifier, have this feature.

Controls

Take a look at the controls offered by a dehumidifier when you are trying to decide if it is for you. If you are someone who likes to have complete control over air in your boat, then you should opt for a machine with advanced controls that you can adjust depending on the requirements of the day.

Fan controls and control panels should be easily accessible.

Safety features

You must look out for your safety when it comes to boat dehumidifiers. Remember it is an electric machine that is operating on the waters. Make sure that there is adequate protection against any possible electrocution. The machine should have a robust construction and be coated properly.

Energy efficiency

If energy-efficiency is a concern for you, then you should choose a boat humidifier that comes with a timer and switches off as soon as the target humidity is reached. The Meaco Zambezi and the TOSOT dehumidifiers are two of the most energy-efficient models on the market currently to keep your utility bills on the lower side.

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions and weight of a boat dehumidifier determine its portability. Ideally a boat dehumidifier should be lightweight and compact so it does not affect the balance of the boat. If you want a compact dehumidifier that weighs less than 3 pounds, then the Pro Breeze Electrically-heated Dehumidifier is your best bet. If you have a bigger boat, you can go for dehumidifiers weighing above 25 pounds like the Airplus dehumidifier.

Noise level

Nobody likes to hear the sound of a grinding machine. It can be very disturbing and it destroys the peace and serenity. The Meaco Zambezi and the Pro Breeze dehumidifiers make little to no noise.

Warranty

The warranty is definitely something you should consider when it comes to a boat dehumidifier because it has to function in all kinds of weather. Most companies offer good warranty deals that cover replacement of parts or the entire unit.

Other ways to dehumidify your boat

Top 5 Boat Dehumidifiers to Keep the Perfect Level of Humidity in Your CabinIf you do not want to invest in a boat dehumidifier immediately, then you can use marine absorbers or odor eliminators to understand the benefits of dehumidification. You will find effective boat humidifier buckets on the market that can eliminate moisture from the air with minimal effort on your part. For example, this 2-Pack Boat Dehumidifier Moisture Absorber is designed with natural activated charcoal and moisture absorbing pellets that absorb musty odors in your boat. It is a great moisture control solution from closed spaces such as boat cabins. You will find boat humidifier buckets for a relatively cheaper price, but remember that you will have to replace them more often.

FAQ

How often should a water tank be emptied?

There are no hard and fast rules about how often you need to empty the water tank of your dehumidifier. It will depend on the humidity level that the machine is having to counter. You can monitor the water levels in the container to know when to empty it. However, most modern dehumidifiers come with alert systems to inform you when the bucket is full so you can empty it. Some dehumidifiers also have the continuous drainage options which means that you can simply attach a garden hose to the machine and let the water drain out continuously.

Can dehumidifiers work on a boat in winter?

Yes, many dehumidifiers will actually work over winter but you have to be a little more cautious when choosing the model. Usually,desiccant dehumidifiers work well in cold conditions.

You should use a dehumidifier in winter because the dampness and excess moisture can cause damage to the boat. In case your boat is stored near a power supply, it is essential that you have a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels down and prevent mishaps.

Our verdict

All the dehumidifiers we’ve included have their own perks and advantages; you are bound to enjoy what they offer. However, we do have our favorites and we would like to mention them.

The Frigidaire Dehumidifier can cover up to 1,500 square feet and is capable of removing 22.6 pints of moisture from the air every day. The tank capacity is two gallons and the auto shut-off feature will go off once it is full.

The Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier is the best portable unit you can find. It can cover just 150 square feet, but it makes up for that by being convenient to use.

The Airplus Dehumidifier can remove up to 50 pints of moisture from the air and is hence an excellent choice if your boat cabin is more humid than usual. There are multiple modes and settings to choose from.

Which one do you think is the best boat dehumidifier among these five? Let us know!

9,9
Total Score
Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier - Editor’s Choice
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