Canvas and Upholstery
Second to the prolusion systems, canvas and upholstery can be one of the more expensive things on your boat.
The real key to canvas longevity is like all things in life, maintenance!
Keep your canvas clean of dust, dirt and environmental residue(bird droppings, and why do the gulls like to roost above my boat?) on a regular basis.
Topside fabrics should be cleaned of any dirt buildup at regular intervals. Use a lukewarm solution of a gentle soap such as Woolite or Dawn with a soft brush or sponge to gently agitate the dirt loose. DO NOT allow the soap to dry. The fabric must then be carefully rinsed with clear water in order to remove any remaining soap residue.
The use of abrasive detergents and/or substrates containing solvents or gasoline will damage the fabric. Using harsh chemicals could void the fabric warranty on your top if not recommended by the manufacturer. DO NOT PUT MARINE CANVAS IN WASHING MACHINE OR DRYER.
If using high-pressure or steam-cleaning devices, use caution as improper use could damage the vinyl coating and/or fabric.
DRY THE CANVAS THROUGHLY.
If your boat top is acrylic it will be necessary to retreat your top for water repellency. Sunbrella recommends using 303 Fabric Guard for their products.
Isinglass/Eisenglass/Strataglass
WOW was all I could say when I got the quote to replace twenty year old Strataglass. I'm fairly certain it trades for the price of gold. However the return on the investment was worth the price. We are very careful with the Strataglass and follow the cleaning and treating recommendations from the manufacture,
For cleaning and maintaining your Strataglass use Strataglass Protective Cleaner and Strataglass Protective Polish by IMAR.
NEVER USE WINDEX OR SIMMILAR ON STRATAGLASS
Boat upholstery takes a beating. We cover our boat during the winter creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew. We slather ourselves in sunscreen and tanning lotion and lay on the aft pad. We expose it to full sun on the hottest days when the UV radiation is at it peak and expect it to last.
Again, the only way its going to last is with maintenance.
Cleaning with warm water and a touch of Dawn regularly will get the sweat, oils, lotions and dirt off the vinyl. DONT SKIP ON CLEANING. After washing, use clear water to rinse everything and let it dry completely.
Do NOT Clean Marine Vinyl With Any Of The Following
MAGIC ERASER - Removes dirt, scuff marks and most anything that will be on your material including the protective outer coating. Some people will say this the best product to use, but be careful, as it will remove more than you think.
Degreasers - This product will make your seats look very clean, but it will also wipe away layers of the protective coating weakening the material over time. Please note: degreasers might be necessary to clean up after extreme mold build up.
Bleach - Bleach may appear to clean well for a time, but they clean by removing layers of finish along with the stained material on top of the finish. Vinyl is a porous material, similar to leather. The pores must be able to breathe, so be careful not to clog your vinyl's pores with suntan lotions, oils, etc.
Goo B Gone - This product is great at removing sap, bird poop and other hard to remove messes, but this product will also remove the protective coating
409 - Many People feel 409 and other cleaners are safe, but they really do more damage.
Gasoline - Many people will use gas as a cleaner as it will clean almost anything. This product is always available, but it's flammable stinks and is also to harsh for Marine Vinyl fabric.
Household Cleaners – Most household cleaners are too strong and will hurt your marine vinyl. Only use cleaners that are made for marine vinyl.
Many marine vinyl manufactures recommend using 303 Aerospace Protectant to extend the life of their product.
BTW, If you get a mark from an ink pen on your seat, sun screen can usually get it off. I'm still not sure how my 4 year old found a pen on the boat.
