That heavy, damp smell that greets you when you open the cabin door after a season… From the Mediterranean to the North Sea, most boat owners know this moment well. The sea offers unmatched freedom, but it also brings a constant moisture burden with it.
Dampness in the cabin, the smell of mold in upholstery and lockers, a deck you can't use in the evening chill… Comfort on a boat isn't just about temperature — it's also about how you deal with moisture. Sunlike Tec answers these two needs with two separate series.
Why Is Moisture So Stubborn on a Boat?
A boat's hull is surrounded by water, and the outer surfaces are often colder than the interior. When the moist air inside comes into contact with these cold surfaces, it condenses. Droplets accumulate on windows, on the ceiling, and inside lockers.
Over time, this moisture seeps into fabrics and wood. Mold smell often originates from here. A system that only heats the air may fail to get to the root of the problem, because it doesn't sufficiently heat the cold surfaces.
The SL Series in the Cabin: A Sun That Heats from Within
The Sunlike Tec SL Series operates using far-infrared radiation. It directly heats not the air, but the walls, ceiling, furnishings, and you in the cabin. Moisture has a harder time condensing on warmed surfaces. This helps prevent condensation and the formation of moisture and mold.
Space is precious in cabins. The SL Series is only 25 mm thick and can be mounted flush against a wall or ceiling. It doesn't dry the air or stir up dust; it operates silently and odorlessly.
| Model | Power | Heating area* | Dimensions (mm) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL 160 | 160 W | 3 m² | 595×295×25 | 1.5 kg |
| SL 450 | 450 W | 8 m² | 595×595×25 | 2.6 kg |
*Heating area depends on insulation, usage pattern, and building structure.
The SL 160 stands out for small cabins, while the SL 450 is preferred for saloons and larger cabins. Because it is electric and flameless, it consumes no oxygen and produces no combustion byproducts. In an enclosed cabin, this is an important safety advantage.
Don't forget the manual's rules: the SL Series is an indoor product. Do not cover the front surface of the panel; do not mount it at points where it could fall into water, such as a sink or shower.
The OYKİ Series on Deck: Outdoor Enjoyment in Sheltered Areas
Sitting on deck in the evening chill is one of the finest moments spent aboard a boat. For these moments, we recommend the Sunlike Tec OYKİ Series.
The OYKİ Series has an IP65 protection rating; it is protected against dust and water jets. The anodized aluminum radiant plate directs heat not into the air but directly onto people and surfaces. The ceramic-coated, stainless-steel-sheathed "Aero-Tech" element has a service life of 50,000 hours.
We need to be honest here: as stated in the catalog, the OYKİ is not suitable for use in windy conditions. For this reason, it should be used in sheltered, semi-enclosed deck areas under an awning, bimini, or hardtop. It is not the right choice for an open bow exposed to wind.
A Quick Selection Guide for Your Boat
The right series is determined by whether the area is enclosed or semi-open. A simple roadmap looks like this:
- Small cabins and berths: the SL 160 — its slim, lightweight build suits tight spaces.
- Saloons and larger cabins: the SL 450 — provides balanced heat in a bigger living area.
- Covered, semi-enclosed deck or cockpit: the OYKİ Series — provided it is sheltered from wind.
- Open areas exposed to wind: not recommended for heating.
Model and quantity vary according to the boat's dimensions and layout. For this reason, we carry out a separate assessment for each boat.
Things to Watch for During Winter Layup and Electrical Compatibility
A boat stays closed for a long period during winter layup. This is the time when moisture accumulates most comfortably. Cabin panels can be planned so that the interior is drier and more comfortable when you return to the boat.
Every boat's electrical system is different. The OYKİ Series is designed for 220–240 V; before installation, we recommend confirming the suitability of your boat's electrical system with our experts. It is recommended that the electrical connection be made by a licensed electrician. The SL Series carries UKCA (United Kingdom) and CE (European Economic Area) conformity markings; these are not marine certifications. Both series require no maintenance and come with a 3-year warranty and a 30-year service life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get rid of the mold smell in my boat's cabin?
Mold smell in a boat's cabin mostly comes from moisture that accumulates on cold surfaces. Because the Sunlike Tec SL Series directly heats cabin surfaces, it helps prevent condensation, moisture, and mold formation. Regular ventilation is also important.
Q: Which infrared panel is suitable for a yacht cabin?
For small cabins and berths, the Sunlike Tec SL 160 (160 W, 3 m²) stands out; for saloons and larger cabins, the SL 450 (450 W, 8 m²). Heating-area values depend on insulation, usage pattern, and structure. Model and quantity are determined according to the boat's dimensions.
Q: Can the OYKİ heater be used on an open deck?
The Sunlike Tec OYKİ Series is IP65 protected, but as stated in the catalog, it is not suitable for use in windy conditions. For this reason, it should only be used in sheltered, semi-enclosed deck areas under an awning, bimini, or hardtop. It is not recommended for open areas exposed to wind.
Q: Is an infrared heater safe in a boat cabin?
The Sunlike Tec SL Series is electric and flameless; it consumes no oxygen and produces no combustion byproducts (CO/CO2). It has a bimetallic temperature switch and an IP54 protection rating. The panel's front surface must not be covered, and the panel must not be mounted at points where it could fall into water, such as a sink or shower.
Q: Are Sunlike Tec heaters compatible with my boat's electrical system?
Boat electrical systems vary from boat to boat and from country to country. The Sunlike Tec OYKİ Series is designed for 220–240 V. We recommend confirming the suitability of both series for your boat with our experts before installation.
Q: Do Sunlike Tec heaters have marine certification?
The Sunlike Tec SL Series carries UKCA (United Kingdom) and CE (European Economic Area) conformity markings; these markings are not a marine certification. Please consult our experts regarding compliance with the regulations of your boat's flag state or country of location.
Q: What are the maintenance, warranty, and service life of boat heaters?
The Sunlike Tec SL and OYKİ series require no maintenance; they come with a 3-year warranty and a 30-year service life. The "Aero-Tech" heating element in the OYKİ Series has a service life of 50,000 hours.
A Heating Plan Custom-Made for Your Boat
Let's determine the right model and placement for your cabin and deck together. For discovery and needs analysis, visit sunliketec.com, write to info@sunliketec.com, or reach us at +90 850 304 94 34.
Sources
- Sunlike Tec Product Catalog (2026)
- Sunlike Tec Usage and Installation Guide