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- deteriorating boat vinyl after 3 years?
Boating/deteriorating boat vinyl after 3 years?
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Question
We bought our boat new 3 years ago. After about 1 1/2 yrs, we noticed some orange/red spots developing on some of the white cushions. They began to spread and become sticky to the touch. There doesn't appear to be anything consistent with sun exposure. We clean them with boat soap, REMOVE and store them for the winter months (in dry storage at home). They deteriorated so much, we had to have the cooler cushion redone last year (manufacturer reimbursed cost) and two more seat cushions done this spring (manufacturer refused to pay for these). It's unsightly and frustrating because we keep a ship-shape boat. The rest of the cushions are now showing similar blotches and becoming sticky. Can you help us?
Dear Elizabeth,
Sounds like mold. You can spray the cushions with a sanitizer to help hold it back. If you can store in a dry place or find a way to dry them after use, it should help not mold or place so they air out and stay dry. Check closed areas on the boat interior that may be black etc. from mold then just spray with 1/2 cup bleach to gallon of water to kill it and keep it from spreading. It may be that the fabric is prone to mold. There may be a spray that will retard mold but I don't know a name.
Good Luck
Harvey Chichester
Coast Guard Auxiliary
www.boat-bottom-paint.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Harvey, Thank you very much for your response. Yes, we think it is mold of some kind and we think it is because the vinyl was of a sub-par grade; perhaps with mold spores embedded in the material which propagate over time when exposed to moisture -- NOT a good thing to use on a boat! We'll see what a bleach solution may achieve. Thanks again, Elizabeth | ||
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Harvey Chichester
Expertise
I can not answer questions on motors, or mechanical problems. I have expertise in marine paints and coatings including Antifouling, non-stick, Teflon, epoxy, urethane, high build skid resistant finishes and primers.
Experience
A well published principal of Durall Marine Products, a company with more than 40 years experience in developing special flow-coatings for industrial and consumers. Products developed are for Sailboats, Power Boats, and Ships. See http://www.boat-bottom-paint.com for online information about Durall and its products. Family history includes Sir Francis Chichester single handing around the globe. Admiral Edward Chichester, Superintendent of the British Navy. Rosalie Amelia Chichester, a female yachtsmen flourishing in the Victorian Age. John Chichester, made a fortune in the privateer business and captured a ship with 1200 lb. of gold off the coast of Ghana. Admiral John Chichester helped to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588 aboard the HMS Larkey.
Organizations
St. Croix Sailing Club.
Publications
Sindicated in most on line Article source sites.
Education/Credentials
MBA, BSB, BA University of Minnesota
Awards and Honors
Sailing trophys for Ranger 23 Tall Rig.
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