Yacht Sauna Not Heating

Before investigating a possible fault, it is important to determine whether the sauna has ever worked correctly or has always struggled to heat. On yachts, saunas may be built with lightweight structures or undersized heaters, making it impossible to reach the desired temperature. In such cases, this is not a malfunction but a design characteristic.

If the sauna previously reached the set temperature reliably and now does not, a targeted troubleshooting process is required, considering yacht-specific factors such as ventilation, heater element condition, sensor functionality, wiring, and marine humidity.

 

Sauna Types and Reference Temperatures

Different types of saunas vary by heating method and humidity level in the cabin. Knowing these characteristics is important for setting the correct temperature and maintaining comfort and safety. Common yacht saunas include:

  • Finnish Sauna: 95-98 °C (203-208 °F) - Humidity < 20%
  • Wood-Burning Sauna: 95-98 °C (203-208 °F) - Humidity < 20%
  • Infrared Sauna: 50-60 °C (122-140 °F) - Humidity < 20%
  • Sauna / Bio Sauna: 50-60 °C (122-140 °F) - Humidity 50%
  • Hay Sauna: 45-55 °C (113-131 °F) - Humidity 50-70%
  • Combined Sauna

This last type offers both modes; in Finnish mode it reaches 95-98 °C (203-208 °F) with low humidity, while in infrared mode it maintains 50-60 °C (122-140 °F).

 

What to Check if the Sauna Does Not Reach Temperature

Before taking action, determine whether the issue is caused by the heating elements or the sauna structure itself. Key checks include:

  1. With the sauna off, carefully remove all stones from the heater.
  2. Turn on the sauna and verify that all heating elements glow red.
  3. If one or more elements do not heat → they are burnt and need replacement.
  4. If all elements function correctly but the sauna still does not reach temperature → the problem is almost always due to:
    • An undersized heater
    • A lightweight structure or insufficient insulation

 

Professional Assistance from Centro Italia Yachting

If you experience difficulty troubleshooting or need spare parts for your onboard sauna, Centro Italia Yachting provides professional support for saunas installed on yachts and vessels. The team is ready to provide rapid technical support and certified spare parts to ensure your sauna always functions safely and efficiently.

  • From Italy: 800 931 931
  • From abroad: +39 327 612 0605