Your best friend for comfort on board, the thermo-hygrometer

Comfort Meters: see moisture before you smell it. On board, humidity constantly changes due to seawater vapor, rain, cooking, showering, and condensation against a cold bulkhead. A comfort meter combines a thermometer and a hygrometer with a clear comfort zone indicator, allowing you to see at a glance if the indoor climate is still right.

The numbers that matter. Pleasant and healthy is roughly between 40 and 60 percent relative humidity. Below 40, the air becomes dry, causing a ticklish cough and static electricity. Above 60, the problems begin: condensation on cold surfaces, clammy cushions, and with prolonged exceeding, mold in cupboards, behind paneling, and in mattresses. That 60% limit is the number to remember.

Why a boat is extra vulnerable. The hull is cold, the space is small, and cooking and showering are done in the same space where you sleep. One person alone releases almost half a liter of moisture into the air at night. Without ventilation, this quickly accumulates, and it's not visible until it's too late; you usually only discover mold behind paneling when you smell it.

What to do with it. If you see the value creeping above 60, you ventilate: open hatches, keep ventilation grilles clear, or use a dehumidifier if the boat is moored for a long time. Winter storage is when this yields the most, as the boat is indoors then, and moisture can seize its opportunity.

We carry comfort meters in brass, chromed brass, and stainless steel, classic round with a porthole design or more modern in shape. If you're looking for a separate thermometer or hygrometer for a specific measurement, we have those too.

It works just as well at home. In an old house by the coast, a cellar, or a north-facing bedroom, the same limits apply.

Also check out weather stations if you want air pressure included, or barometers to track weather changes.

Colour
Ambience on board? Shop the latest lanterns and lamps at Studio Maritime
Shop now
Colour
Colour
Colour
Colour
Colour

More maritime splendor? Right this way!

Frequently asked questions

A comfort meter combines a thermometer and hygrometer in one device. This makes the instrument suitable for accurately monitoring both temperature and humidity, ideal for on board and at home to prevent moisture damage and maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

A hygrometer measures the relative humidity of the ambient air, such as that in a room or in a boat cabin. This is the humidity of the atmospheric air at that specific location. The measured values can differ significantly from the humidity of the outdoor air. Unlike barometric pressure, which remains the same both indoors and outdoors, indoor relative humidity can vary considerably depending on the conditions. A good humidity level is between 50% and 60%.

A thermo-hygrometer can be purchased separately or as one combined instrument. It measures temperature and humidity individually and provides precise readings. You can determine for yourself whether the combination of temperature and humidity is comfortable.

A comfort meter measures the same data but combines it to provide a direct visual indication of the comfort level. You can read this in the comfort zone on the instrument, where you can see, for example, if it's too dry, too humid, too warm, or just comfortable. Comfort meters are user-friendly and provide immediate insight, while thermo-hygrometers focus on providing separate measurement data.

At Studio Maritime, you can buy both separate instruments and combined comfort meters. In doubt? Ask us for advice.

Both instruments are useful: a thermometer monitors the temperature, while a hygrometer helps to monitor the humidity. For limited space, a comfort meter (a combination of a thermometer and hygrometer) is a practical solution.

Our thermometers are not only durable, but also made to perform under maritime conditions. Hang them inside your home or cabin for optimal operation – this way you measure the indoor temperature, which is important for the preservation of equipment, interior, and the well-being of the crew.

Most thermometers in our nautical range work with a bimetal mechanism, where metals expand or contract with temperature changes, allowing them to accurately measure the temperature. And because they are of high quality, they are not only functional, but also a stylish accent for your home, camper, or holiday home.

A hygrometer measures humidity, which is essential for preventing moisture problems, for instance on a boat where cushions and electronics are susceptible to mold and corrosion. In the home, a
hygrometer also helps keep humidity under control for a healthier
climate.

To ensure accurate measurements, it is important to recalibrate the hygrometer regularly, especially if the instrument has been exposed to very dry air for an extended period. We recommend performing this adjustment every 3 to 4 months. This will keep the hygrometer reliable and precise in displaying the relative humidity.

A hygrometer is easy to calibrate by wrapping the
instrument in a plastic bag with a damp sponge for half an hour. Immediately after removing the instrument from the bag, it should read approximately 98%. Immediately dry the casing with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Humidity refers to the percentage of water vapor present in the air at a given moment. A healthy (relative) humidity is between 40% and 60%, meaning that the air consists of 40% to 60% water vapor. The ideal humidity level on a boat and in a house is around 50%.

On a boat, the ideal humidity level is also around 50%, but it can vary depending on the conditions. Due to the constant presence of water and fluctuating weather conditions, humidity on board can change rapidly. It is important to find a balance between 40% and 60% to maintain both comfort and a healthy indoor climate, and to prevent problems such as mold or condensation.