As the temperatures climb higher, boat lovers everywhere will be returning to the water every chance they get. Taking your boat out after a long, cold winter can be extremely refreshing, especially if you have been kept off of the water by the weather. While you’re gearing up for your joyride, remember to pay attention to your upholstery. Summer weather is beautiful, but it can also lead to worn down seats if you don’t properly care for your boat.
(Top) Mildewed seats. (Bottom) Seats looking like new after the Fibrenew touch.
The first thing you should do upon exposing your boat to the summer elements is to find out exactly what type of material the seats on your boat are made of. Many seats are made with a combination of vinyl and leather, so make sure you know which category your boat falls under.
Choosing a good leather cleanser is the next preventative measure to take. We recommend using water based cleanser, which has fewer chemicals and is better for long-term use. Wiping down your seats regularly with a good cleanser is an excellent way to prevent major wear and tear as well as keep your leather looking clean and new.
Making sure to cover all upholstery on your boat is another great way to keep it from sun damage. Being openly exposed to the sun all the time will wear on the material and cause serious fading, so make sure to invest in a good cover if you store your boat in an outdoor area. Sun damage can cause cracking and fading, so protection is vitally important to keep the material in good shape. Covering up your upholstery will also help protect from dirt, which can stain, and dampness, which can cause mildew. Be sure to dry out the boat before covering it up. Trapped moisture can cause rotting and mildew of the boat’s interior.
Taking these precautionary measure will help keep your boat in fantastic shape. Prepare to relax and enjoy those long summer rides on the water!
Sunscreen and other oils are one of the main reasons boat seats start looking old. If you want to make your seats last and look new for longer, you need to clean them often. This video explains why.
Vinyl is an incredibly durable material, and it holds up well to water exposure. Because of its durability, the vast majority of cushioned boat seats are made of vinyl. While vinyl is designed to hold up well to wear and tear, it does have its limits. Time itself can take a major toll on vinyl if you don’t care for it properly. It is important to clean your vinyl well on a regular basis, not just with water, but with a vinyl cleaner.
Keep your boat seats squeaky clean!
What to use
Cleaner: All marine stores sell commercially made vinyl cleaners. We recommend using one of them on your vinyl seats. Many people attempt to use other household cleaners they think will save them a little cash, but, cleaners designed specifically for vinyl are better for your seats. For example, many people try using bleach, but it is too harsh for vinyl and will cause it to break down over time, becoming more easily damaged by every day wear and tear. With bleach, you also run the risk of bleaching any fabrics nearby or carpeting on your boat.
Water: Use clean, fresh water to clean your seats. Distilled water is best because it lacks impurities that will stick around on your seats after you finish cleaning. If distilled water is not available, be sure to at least use tap water over lake, river or salt water. The dirt and minerals found in bodies of water will, like the small particles of dirt on your seats before you clean them, wear down your seats like fine sandpaper. While it might get any visible dirt off your seats, it will damage them in the long run.
How to clean marine vinyl seats
You should always read the directions on your vinyl cleaner, but, generally speaking, the steps to clean vinyl seats are as follows:
1. Use clean water on a damp rag to wipe any visible dirt or mess off your vinyl seats.
2. Put a little vinyl cleaner on a clean, damp cotton rag.
3. Gently wipe all vinyl surfaces in your boat. Be sure to cover all areas, especially those that are used regularly and wipe away any excess cleaner.
How often to clean your vinyl seats
It is a good idea to wipe down your vinyl seats between uses. It doesn’t take long at all and will help them last longer. Also, be sure to address any spills or messes immediately, as vinyl does stain. Take particular notice of tree sap and mildew:
Remove tree sap immediately. Sap from overhanging trees can sink into your seats, even through tiny holes in boat covers. The heat from the sun can melt the sap into the vinyl. So, when taking your boat out, check for sap spills and wipe them up quickly with a citrus-based cleaner. If you need something stronger, try methyl hydrate, and always be sure to test all products in an inconspicuous place before using in an eye-catching place.
If you have mildew, don’t just let it sit on your seats. Before long, it will start to smell bad and will break down your vinyl seats. To get rid of mildew, use a mold killer and cleaner – you can buy them at any gardening store.
If you have had particularly good luck with a vinyl cleaner or have any good tips, share them with other readers in the comments!
My customers are confused about different types of leather – either because they aren’t sure what they should look for when it comes time to buy new furniture, or because they have a problem (like a scratch or stain) that needs to be fixed. This quick guide should help you understand the big picture. If you have other questions, leave them in the comments below!
1. Fully-Finished Leather:
Fully-finished leather, seen frequently in furniture brands like Lazy Boy, Palliser, Natuzzi and Elite as well as in automotive interiors, has a durable surface finish that resists scratches and staining. Fully-finished leathers make up approximately 85% of leather used for furniture and 99% of leather used in the automotive industry today.
Mildew is one of the most common problems with vinyl boat seats. It often grows on seats when boats are covered because it thrives in warm, dark, damp places. Mildew ends up smelling and looking bad, and it can eventually break down the vinyl your seats are made of. It’s best to take measures to prevent it whenever possible and clean it up quickly once you realize it’s become a problem.
Avoid mildew on your boat seats
After an outing, try to let your boat dry out before you cover it. It is a good idea to let it sit with the storage compartments open to dry well before covering for extended periods of time.
When you do cover it, be sure to stick in a moisture absorbing, mildew prevention substance. You can buy buckets of commercially produced mildew prevention solution or you can try one of many popular household products. A tin or two of charcoal bricks (not match light!) works very well.
If mold is allowed to grow it will also penetrate the vinyl and over time it will not be able to be removed, the only thing left to do is to re-dye or replace.
Get mildew off your boat seats
You should use a mold and mildew killer and cleaner to stop mildew in its tracks and prevent it from continuing to grow. You can buy these at any gardening store and most marine suppliers.
Post any additional questions in the comments, and we’d be happy to answer them for you!
Tree sap is one of the most common causes of damage to vinyl boat seats. It can get on vinyl seats while the boat is uncovered or if a small portion of the cover comes loose, exposing the vinyl.
The real problem with tree sap is that it melts easily into the seats in the sun or hot weather, making it next to impossible to clean off. It is best to take preventative measures to keep tree sap off your boat whenever possible and to clean it off quickly if it does become a problem.
Keep tree sap off your boat seats
Keep your boat covered when not in use. It is also a good idea to do a thorough check of your boat when you pull it out of winterization. Tree sap has a sneaky way of getting in through even the tiniest of holes in your boat cover. Also, if you leave your boat uncovered for a while to dry out after use before covering to prevent mildew, do a quick inspection before you put the cover on.
How to get tree sap off your boat seats
It is best to use a citrus-based cleaner without bleach to clean tree sap off your vinyl seats. If that isn’t working, and you need something stronger, try using methyl hydrate.
Note: Always be sure to test all products in an inconspicuous place on your vinyl seats before using them in an eye-catching place.
Post any additional questions in the comments, and we’d be happy to answer them for you!
