Boats kept in Fort Lauderdale marinas face constant humidity from the tropical monsoon climate. Grease from cooking collects inside galley hoods and exhaust ducts, then mixes with salt air and condensation during the wet summers. This film traps moisture against metal and fiberglass surfaces, creating ideal conditions for mold colonies that spread into adjacent cabinetry and bilge areas. Technicians remove the buildup with marine-safe degreasers and inspect every seam where ducts meet the hull or overhead.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas Isles slips often hold older vessels whose exhaust runs were routed through tight spaces without easy access panels. These routes collect standing water after rain events and must be fully disassembled for proper drying. In Rio Vista and Coral Ridge, newer yachts use composite ducting that can trap spores behind seams if not cleaned to the fan motor housing. Skipping the motor and impeller leaves hidden mold that reactivates the next time the boat is used.
After mechanical cleaning, technicians apply a non-toxic antimicrobial treatment rated for enclosed marine spaces. Exhaust fans are balanced and tested for proper airflow to prevent future condensation. Work is scheduled around the dry winter months when relative humidity drops, allowing surfaces to stay dry long enough for the treatment to cure fully before the next wet season arrives.
Technician insight
In Fort Lauderdale the thing that catches most people out with Galley Hood & Exhaust System Cleaning is the salt-air film that forms inside ducts after every rain. Once that film mixes with cooking grease it holds moisture through the entire wet season and mold starts behind the seams before owners notice any odor.
Las Olas Isles 48-foot motor yacht
Owner noticed musty smell after summer rains. Inspection found grease and standing water in the exhaust run behind the galley. Ducts were disassembled, degreased, dried, and treated; airflow was restored and the odor did not return.
Galley Hood & Exhaust System Cleaning Services We Offer
✓Galley Hood Degreasing
Removes thick cooking grease layers from hood interiors and baffles so moisture cannot cling and feed mold on Fort Lauderdale yachts.
✓Exhaust Duct Inspection
Checks every accessible section of ductwork for standing water, loose seams, and hidden spore growth common in Broward County boat storage.
✓Fan Motor and Impeller Cleaning
Cleans and dries the motor housing and blades where salt and grease combine, restoring airflow that prevents condensation inside the galley.
✓Duct Antimicrobial Treatment
Applies marine-safe treatment to all cleaned surfaces after drying to inhibit mold regrowth during humid summer months.
✓Post-Cleaning Airflow Testing
Measures exhaust velocity before and after service to confirm the system moves moist air out of the boat rather than recirculating it.
Galley Hood & Exhaust System Cleaning Cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 40-foot yacht galley | $350–$650 | Single hood plus short duct run; price rises with multiple decks or restricted access |
| 60-foot+ vessel with long runs | $750–$1,400 | Extended ductwork and multiple fan units typical on larger yachts in Las Olas Isles |
| Add-on: Motor and impeller service | $150–$300 | Required when grease has reached the fan blades |
Ranges are typical for Fort Lauderdale, FL and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
On-Site Assessment
Technician boards the vessel in the listed Fort Lauderdale marina and photographs every accessible hood and duct section while noting access limitations.
- 2
Disassembly and Degreasing
Removable panels and baffles are taken down, then soaked and scrubbed with marine degreaser until no visible film remains.
- 3
Drying and Treatment
Surfaces are dried with dehumidified air, inspected again, then coated with antimicrobial solution and allowed to cure.
- 4
Reassembly and Testing
All components are reinstalled, fan operation is verified, and airflow is measured to confirm the system functions correctly.
Pricing
Pricing varies by vessel size, duct length, and access difficulty common in Broward County slips.