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z22owner
09-01-2003, 09:27 PM
Does anyone store their boats outdoors with only a sunbrella type cover? Is their a trick to keeping it water proof? I have never treated my cover, however I keep it clean.

Any help would be great.

z22owner

MOP
09-01-2003, 10:18 PM
Scotch Guard spray water repellant works well, you should vent the cover so the boat does not get damped put from no air.

Cuda
09-02-2003, 07:27 AM
The guy who makes my covers said they will lose most of it's water shedding properties in 5 to 6 years. He uses another type of material for completly waterproof covers, I think it's called "sharkskin" or something like that. He does NOT recommend using it for boats with more plush intereriors, it doesn't "breathe" and seat will mildew. I have it on my fishboat, but not on my Formula.

Scott, the 303 deal sounds good, but you must get a lot better price on it than I do. I pay around $12 for 16 oz, and I guarantee it would take a gallon to do the cover on my Formula. That 303 is some great stuff!

http://www.donzi.net/photos/jgriffcover2.jpg

Cuda
09-02-2003, 07:34 AM
Here is the cockpit cover I had made last week. I needed it because we ran in a poker run, and I needed a way to cover it in the water. In the second pic, you can see my fishboat on the left with the sharkskin cover.

http://www.donzi.net/photos/jgriffcover3.jpg
http://www.donzi.net/photos/jgriffcover4.jpg

MOP
09-02-2003, 07:48 AM
Scot the Scotch Guard spray is made by 3M, it must be about the same as 303 but lasts at least the season on bimini tops and can be sprayed from the bottom side with the top up. It is widely used up here, not sure it may be more expensive but the ease of use is worth it, you can do a large MY top in about 20-30 minutes. It can be spayed on either side just soaks in and leaves absolutely no visible residue.

BillG
09-02-2003, 08:02 AM
The 303 has no silicone in it and it works great on vinyl and on the fiberglas hulls. I don't think there is anything better. It does not attract dust when you use it on the vinyl seats either.
Just my thoughts
Bill G

Cuda
09-02-2003, 03:39 PM
Sounds good Scott, I'm a big believer in the oz of prevention v pound of cure! :)

Tidbart
09-02-2003, 04:40 PM
The easiest way to maintain the Sunbrella is to keep it clean. If a Sunbrella cover is allowed to accumulate dirt, the dirt will fill the pores and wick water right through it. Use a mild soap in a barrel or tub.

My tonneau is 8 years old. I wash it occassionally and it still has its original properties.

Granted any material will lose it properties after many years of use and then the 303 repellent will help get it back. But until that time comes keep it clean!

Here is the full story on cleaning the material.
Hope this helps.

Bob :D

http://www.sunbrella.com/usa/bottomframe/questions/careandcleaning.shtml

Dr. Dan
09-02-2003, 05:04 PM
:D Scott ...Put me down for a gallon, I will pick it up in Sota if it is no problem....

Thanks In Advance :cool:

Cuda
09-02-2003, 06:09 PM
I'm in for a gallon too Scott, thanks.

catch 22
09-02-2003, 07:52 PM
Dr. Dan:
:D Scott ...Put me down for a gallon, I will pick it up in Sota if it is no problem....

Thanks In Advance :cool: Do you have anything for NEW Gaffrig gauges. Got caught in a HELL OF A RAIN STORM Saturday. My volt & water temp gauges got a s##t load of water in them. Off to Gaffrig they go. cya. frown

MOP
09-02-2003, 09:00 PM
MP that is a great price on that stuff, I tried to do a very un scientific comparison today I am pretty sure its the same stuff just more expensive. Thanks for the enlightenment. Will :p