Vinyl is a durable, water-resistant material that is widely used to make boat seats. However, it can be damaged when exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time, just like most synthetic materials. Years of exposure slowly deteriorate the vinyl boat seats, causing them to fade, dry out, and in extreme cases, break. It doesn’t happen overnight. You should consider preserving your vinyl boat seats from the impacts of sun, weather, and time in the same way that you would apply sunscreen to protect your skin. To avoid the need for vinyl seat repair in the future and to keep your boat’s vinyl upholstery looking like new, we’ll show you some of the finest ways to protect it.
- Cover them Up:
When not in use, keep your boat seats covered. The danger of damage increases with the amount of time they spend in the sun. The chairs must be reupholstered or replaced because the sun will gradually cook them until they fade and crack. Your seats will remain safe and sound when not in use if you cover them to provide a barrier of defense against the sun’s destructive rays. You might be able to use a mooring cover or even throw some covers over the seats if you don’t have access to a garage or shed to keep your boat. The majority of boating supply businesses sell seat covers for between $40 and $50.
- Eliminate Mildew and Mold:
Water poses the biggest threat to the upholstery on your yacht. Unclean and improperly dried boats are susceptible to the growth of unsightly mold and mildew. The convenience and security of your ship are compromised by these intruders. To keep your boat free of spores, incorporate these devices into your maintenance schedule: Before long-term storage, properly dry the upholstery on your yacht. To remove any remaining moisture from the area around zippers, gaps, and seams, use an extra absorbent cloth. If you anticipate dry weather, leave your boat exposed to the sun for a few days so that the sun can help it dry. Dry your boat seats after each usage then cover your boat to help prevent mold and mildew growth during the boating season. Choosing a permeable fabric for your boat cover is important, but even the smallest amount of water drained away aids in the battle against mold and mildew.
- Use vinyl protector:
Applying a vinyl protectant is arguably the most crucial step in preventing sun damage to vinyl boat seats. There are numerous items available that are made especially for cleaning and preserving vinyl yacht upholstery. These treatments operate by coating the seats with a wax-like film that protects them from UV damage while also conditioning them. Spraying a light mist of vinyl protectant over the seats and then gently rubbing it in with a fresh washcloth or paper towel is how you apply it. Apply the vinyl protectant slowly and completely, covering the entire surface area of your chairs. The majority of brands advise giving the protectant 30 minutes to settle inside the pores of the vinyl after application.
- Cleaning:
Sun damage can be prevented by routinely cleaning your vinyl boat seats. Having said that, you should stay away from bleach and other household cleansers with a general chemical base because items like this could result in severe harm. Without endangering your chairs, a wash water and light dish soap solution should be sufficient. If you do decide to use a chemical-based cleaner, be careful to read the cleaner’s ingredients list and confirm that they won’t eventually damage the vinyl.
How to Protect Your Boat’s finish from Sun Rays?
Want to know how boat owners shield the exterior of their vessels from the sun? That’s right, boat wax. Boat wax aids in maintaining the external surface or Gelcoat. Additionally, it gives your vessel a brand-new sheen. Look for the kind of wax that will provide the protection and glossy finish you want for your boat, and then use it as required. Cleaning your boat after an adventure is simple if it has a great, even finish. To get rid of any filth and debris that might have adhered during your excursion, use a premium PVA cloth like The Absorber®. The Absorber® dries interior and outdoor surfaces twice as carefully in a quarter of the time.
How to Repair a Boat that Has Been Sun Damaged?
We occasionally get too busy to maintain our boat’s gel coat. I can see why given all the additional maintenance a boat need. Or perhaps you were able to get a yacht for a bargain because of the sun damage it had. Don’t worry if you belong to either of these groups; there is a solution to make your hull shine once more. You must thoroughly clean your boat before beginning the repair process, just as I mentioned above when applying wax. You must polish your boat once it has been thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Either use a polishing machine, which will finish the job in half the time, or polish by hand using a dry rag. You must use extreme caution when using polishing equipment. Two distinct machines exist, one of which is more potent than the other. Larger, quicker circular polishers with variable speeds can accomplish a lot more in a short period of time, but if you don’t know how to use one, you risk removing the gel coat entirely and leaving the boat bare. The other device is a polisher with random orbits.
For those who are new to utilizing polishing equipment, this one is perfect. Although it takes longer than the latter, it is simpler to operate. Either option will be quicker and more effective than hand polishing. Your hull’s color will be restored, the chalky feeling will be eliminated, and it will become smooth after polishing. You’ll need wax to give your boat a great shine after polishing. Once the polish and wax are applied, your boat should look good.