I have a noob question about boat maintenance. My seats are showing some mildew and age. What can I do to prolong their life? I suppose sheltering the boat would be the best thing for it, which I don't have much of a way other than on my porch (the wife is not happy with that idea, though I'm open to it).

 

Forgive the dirt... my boy slung a couple shovel fulls of dirt in the boat when playing. I have the boat off the ground about a foot while I tinker on it.

 

 

 

Patio furniture/marine vinyl cleaner with UV protection and Tarp cover. Use PVC plastic pipe for tenting the cover so it drains off water.

Tom

Thanks.

https://www.marinevinylfabric.com/blogs/marine-vinyl-blog/how-to-clean-marine-vinyl-fabric?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-ai0BhDPARIsAB6hmP4ATihtSEAuFTObR0PSZlFsDR0hZGhSeAcKko1BFyz1e-32wi4_3zoaAlWFEALw_wcB

I use Boat Bling Vinyl Sauce on my seats.  It's very easy to use.  Spray on, wipe off.  Removes water spots and minor stains.

 

My boat is stored in my garage though so they don't have the signs of exposure yours do.

54 minutes ago, GaryH said:

Ditto

 

Best protectant there is. 
Many owners of Concours level cars use it

Works great for tires, vinyl, leather, trim etc.

I’ve been using it on my ‘65 for years and the original interior and trunk mat along with plug wires, hoses and tires all look like new. 
It doesn’t attract dust and leaves a low satin finish. 
(Be careful when using any so called

“protectant” with silicone)

The best cleaner I’ve found is LA Awsome that can be found anywhere. 
It’s cheap and cleans with no residue. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

30 minutes ago, Mike L said:

Ditto

 

Best protectant there is. 
Many owners of Concours level cars use it

Works great for tires, vinyl, leather, trim etc.

I’ve been using it on my ‘65 for years and the original interior and trunk mat along with plug wires, hoses and tires all look like new. 
It doesn’t attract dust and leaves a low satin finish. 
(Be careful when using any so called

“protectant” with silicone)

The best cleaner I’ve found is LA Awsome that can be found anywhere. 
It’s cheap and cleans with no residue. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Aerospace 303 and LA awesome are bought in bulk here, fantastic products.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I don't know what the history of the boat is for sure, but I was told it was left out for the summer and garaged during winter.

That seat may be too far gone to salvage.  Once mold and mildew take hold, they're really hard to get rid of.  Especially if they're below the surface, which it looks like they are here.  I'm not saying you need to get rid of them right away, but rather, I'd save the money you were going to spend on maintaining them, and put it towards replacing them when the time comes.  Then maybe worry about spending money on maintenance on the new seats.  The seat you have there isn't particularly expensive. 

 

I'd also recommend covering them.  Get them out of the sun and rain. 

On 7/6/2024 at 2:44 PM, WRB said:

Patio furniture/marine vinyl cleaner with UV protection and Tarp cover. Use PVC plastic pipe for tenting the cover so it drains off water.

Tom

That's probably your best bet going forward with the new seats. 

I’m another 303 addict.  I buy it by the gallon.  I use it on all my vinyl, rubber and plastic and have for years.  These are 2005 seats that sit under a cover outside.  Proof is in the pudding.