Wooden boats are admired for their elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. However, they come with a hidden enemy—bilge water.
As wooden boat expert Jim Morris explains, persistent moisture is one of the greatest threats to these classic vessels. The warm waters in coastal environments accelerate rot, mold, and decay, jeopardizing both the structural integrity and the overall experience of owning a wooden boat.
A Firsthand Testimonial from Jim Moores
Jim Moores, the founder of Moores Marine in Beaufort, North Carolina, is a revered figure in the world of classic wooden yacht restoration. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Jim dedicated his life to preserving maritime history, restoring over 100 antique and classic yachts—including a third of the remaining Trumpy yachts and even the presidential yacht Honey Fitz, which served five U.S. presidents.
Jim’s passion for wooden boats began when he was a young boy, growing into a lifelong commitment to restoring and maintaining some of the most iconic vessels in American history. His expertise made him the go-to authority in the field, widely respected across the marine industry.
One of Jim’s personal experiences underscored just how critical maintaining a dry bilge is for wooden boats. He owned a 1947 Trumpy wooden yacht “Aurora II” that had been moored for years in the warm waters of Florida. Over time, trapped moisture caused massive mildew buildup, leading to major damage: Jim had to throw away all the mattresses, spend thousands of dollars on professional cleaning, and repaint the entire interior to restore the boat’s condition.
Jim Moores Video Testimonial – Arid Bilge System on a 1947 Trumpy
Hi, I’m Jim Moores from Moores Marine. Three years ago, I purchased a 1947 Trumpy. The boat had been living in Florida—the waters are warm here—and the interior down below was full of mildew. What I ended up doing was throwing all the mattresses away and spending about $1,000 cleaning the whole inside of the boat with bleach and other products to get all the mildew out.
The next thing I did was install an Arid Bilge System on my boat. It was one of the best decisions I made. That little bit of water that keeps coming in—combined with air conditioning condensation—is very bad for a wooden boat. It instantly starts to grow mildew, mold, and so on. By eliminating that moisture, the boat actually dried out inside and has a pleasant scent. People have even told me that my boat doesn’t have that classic “wooden boat smell,” and I’m really happy I put the system in.
The Arid Bilge System eliminates that lingering bit of water, stops mildew, and keeps the boat healthier—and so am I. A few weeks ago, my system went down due to some electrical problems. When I came down onto the boat, I immediately noticed the smell that was beginning to return. The first thing I did was check my Arid Bilge System. I’m really glad to have it back up and running.
This is my boat—the Aurora II—and I’ll show you what I mean. This right here is the first stage of mildew. See the white stuff growing on there? That happened in just three or four weeks because the bilge was completely closed up. It became like a terrarium. You can see this is a new piece of wood, but the older wood will start to deteriorate quickly.
Three years ago, we had major problems with mildew. We had silk curtains that were completely ruined. The ceilings throughout the interior of the boat were all mildewed. After installing the Arid Bilge System and repainting the ceiling three years ago, we killed the mildew, got the system in place, and haven’t had a problem since.
I’ve recommended it to many of my clients—even to my competition—and we’re seeing more and more wooden boats outfitted with Arid Bilge Systems. Every person I’ve been involved with who has installed the system has thanked me for recommending it.
Why Moisture is a Wooden Boat’s Worst Enemy
Water is relentless. It exists as a liquid, gas, and solid, meaning it will always find a way into places you don’t want. For wooden boats, constant exposure to water accelerates rot and structural degradation. Over time, moisture seeps into the wooden framework, weakening the backbone of the vessel.
Key Problems Caused by Bilge Water in Wooden Boats:
- Rotting Structural Components – Moisture breaks down the wooden ribs and hull planks, causing warping and weakening.
- Mold and Mildew Growth – Spores infiltrate the cabin, leading to poor air quality and that notorious “wooden boat smell.”
- Increased Maintenance and Costs – Frequent repairs, repainting, and refinishing are needed to fight moisture damage.
- Toxic Health Risks – Mold and mildew contribute to allergies, respiratory issues, and an unhealthy onboard environment.
How the Arid Bilge System Stops Wooden Boat Decay
Unlike traditional bilge pumps that only activate when large amounts of water accumulate, the Arid Bilge System works continuously to remove even the smallest traces of moisture. This prevents standing water from evaporating into the wood and eliminates the breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
Key Benefits of an Arid Bilge System for Wooden Boats:
- Prevents Structural Rot – Keeps wooden components strong and in shape.
- Eliminates Mold and Odors – Removes musty, unhealthy air inside the cabin.
- Reduces Maintenance Costs – Extends material lifespan and minimizes repairs.
- Enhances Onboard Comfort – Creates a fresher, cleaner living environment.
A Game-Changer for Wooden Boat Owners
For those who cherish their wooden boats, an Arid Bilge System is more than an upgrade—it’s a necessity. Instead of constantly battling rot, mildew, and odors, boat owners can enjoy their vessels the way they were meant to be—strong, elegant, and fresh.
Whether you own a classic wooden yacht or a newly built wooden boat, the Arid Bilge System protects your investment. Older boats are saved from decay, while new ones stay pristine. This system ensures your vessel remains dry, structurally sound, and odor-free for years to come.
“Every person I’ve recommended an Arid Bilge System to has thanked me for it. Once you experience the difference of a dry bilge, you’ll never go back.”
— Jim Morris
Arid Bilge Systems – Dry. Fresh. Protected.
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