Burnt Smell in the Sauna on a Yacht

A burnt smell in the sauna should never be ignored, especially on yachts, where the marine environment, vibrations, and long periods of inactivity can promote malfunctions. Causes may range from simple overheating of stones or heating elements to more serious issues such as electrical faults or heater failures.

 

1. Burnt or Improperly Placed Sauna Stones

The most frequent cause of a burnt smell in the sauna is related to the stones. On yachts, vibrations and boat movement can crack stones or create dust, while stones that are too small or improperly placed can obstruct airflow. This prevents proper heat circulation and causes heating elements to overheat, potentially damaging nearby wood.

Action:

  • Turn off the sauna
  • Remove all stones
  • Discard any broken stones
  • Restack the stones, always leaving channels open for internal ventilation

 

2. Overheated or Burnt Heating Elements

Another frequent cause of burnt smell in the sauna is the heating elements. When an element is defective or partially burnt, it can emit a strong metallic odor and compromise proper cabin heating.

How to proceed:

  • With the sauna off, remove the stones
  • Turn the sauna on and check if all elements glow red
  • If any element does not heat → burnt element must be replaced

 

3. Incorrectly Positioned Temperature Sensor

A temperature sensor placed incorrectly can also cause a burnt smell. If the sensor is too close to the heater or too high, it does not correctly measure the actual cabin temperature, causing the heater to stay on longer than necessary and creating overheating. The solution is to position the sensor about 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) above the floor, on the wall opposite the heater, so it accurately measures heat without being affected by direct airflow or cooler zones.

 

4. Oxidized or Faulty Sensor

Sensor oxidation is a common issue on boats. Salt and marine humidity can damage the sensitive tip, terminals, and contacts, compromising accurate temperature readings. When the sensor malfunctions, the heater may stay on continuously, causing a burnt smell, excessive heat in the cabin, and abnormal display readings. In these cases, check the contacts, clean them with anti-oxidation spray, and replace the sensor if the problem persists.

 

5. Insufficient Internal Ventilation

A sauna cabin that does not receive sufficient air exchange tends to overheat quickly. Heat stagnates, wooden slats may darken, and the heater risks overheating. It is therefore essential to ensure that intake and outlet vents are free of obstructions and fully open, providing constant and uniform airflow within the cabin.

 

6. Oxidized or Loose Electrical Contacts

On yachts, oxidation and loose electrical contacts are quite common, typically resulting in:

  • Heating terminals
  • Burning plastic smell
  • Insulation beginning to melt

It is essential to immediately contact a qualified marine electrician to clean, tighten, or replace affected components.

 

7. Internal Dust or Debris in the Heater

When sauna stones are not replaced regularly, dust and debris accumulate on the heating elements, causing a burnt smell and localized overheating. On yachts, it is recommended to replace the stones at least every 6 months to maintain proper heater function and prevent these issues.

 

8. When to Turn Off the Sauna Immediately

It is crucial to stop using the sauna immediately and NOT restart it if:

  • There is a smell of burnt plastic
  • There is a smell of overheating electrical cables
  • Smoke is visible, even lightly
  • The sauna reaches abnormal temperatures
  • The heater remains continuously on

In all these cases, it is essential to contact a qualified technician for a thorough inspection.

 

Contact Centro Italia Yachting for Technical Support and Spare Parts

For any overheating, burnt smell, or sauna malfunction onboard, the Centro Italia Yachting team is at your service. You can contact directly via the toll-free number 800 931 931 from Italy or +39 327 612 0605 from abroad.

Requests can also be submitted via the Contact page of the website: you will receive qualified technical support and, if necessary, original spare parts to ensure proper operation of your yacht sauna.