Cover Care?

dburne

dburne

New Member
Jun 8, 2012
590
Nashville TN
Boat Info
2013 Sea Ray 190 Sport
Engines
4.3 MPI Mercruiser Alpha One
Hey gang,

So my new 190 Sport came with a really nice full cover for it. It is so much better, than the generic store bought cover I had for my old 1990 boat I used to have.

I have to store my boat outdoors, and this cover does a really good job of keeping the boat dry. But it is always outside. I store it behind my garage, and there is a tree line a few feet behind it. Now I had the tree limbs that would have been above it trimmed back prior to bringing the boat home, so at least there are not limbs hanging over above the boat. I would also note, this area behind my garage does not get very much direct sunlight. Can't even hardly get any grass to grow back there because of that, which is why I put down a cross tie frame and filled the section with pea gravel.

Is there anything special I can do, to help keep this great cover in good shape and looking good? I have had the boat here since mid Feb, and so far the cover still looks very good. But I am sure over time, that may not always be the case.

I know it is best for me to wash it with I guess mild soap and water, while it is on the boat with a long handle brush?
Is there anything else I should be doing for it, any products I can put on it to help protect it?

Thanks for any tips, I sure don't want this nice cover to degrade anytime soon - undoubtedly I am sure they are quite pricey.
 
Assuming it is Sunbrella fabric, treat it once a year with 303 protectant (fabric version). Use 303 for vinyl on your seats every few weeks or so.

303 has UV inhibitors (your biggest enemy) and also restores water repellence.
 
Quint4 said:
Assuming it is Sunbrella fabric, treat it once a year with 303 protectant (fabric version). Use 303 for vinyl on your seats every few weeks or so.

303 has UV inhibitors (your biggest enemy) and also restores water repellence.
Click to expand...

Yes pretty sure it is, thanks for the tip, I will pick up some of that protectant!
 
This cover is not Sunbrella. Although I think this material needs less care than Sunbrella, 303 is great stuff and very well may be fine for this cover. But, I would verify before using it (and you don't need to do anything this year). There might be some information on this cover in your owners manual (maybe a separate, thin manual if not in the big one) or you can try calling Great Lakes, who I believe is the manufacturer (check the tag).
 
Thanks Dennis.......I just caught that when he said "new", he meant "new" ! ....... 2013
 
Yes it is Great Lakes, I know some of those folks from the industry, I will give them a call as well - thanks.
 
Quint4 said:
Thanks Dennis.......I just caught that when he said "new", he meant "new" ! ....... 2013
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The bow and cockpit covers are still made from Sunbrella, Dave. This one is sort of a "Sharkskin" type weight.
 
I can tell you what NOT to do with it..... don't put it in the washing machine on cold and dry it in the dryer on low heat. Don't ask how I know, but it will shrink just enough that it will be very difficult to get it back on. If you are dumb enough to try washing it in your home washer and dryer you can re-wash it in cold and put it on the boat while it's wet....this will give enough elasticity to stretch back into shape. Treat with 303 or Scotchguard after it dries to make it repellent again. I'm not saying that I tried this on a cover that sat outside too long and got stained and lost it's water repellency :)
 
When you apply the 303, is it on the boat? Any concern about overspray on the fiberglass? My covers are sunbrella and need cleaning and recoating this year.

Thanks.
 
Tall Turtle said:
When you apply the 303, is it on the boat? Any concern about overspray on the fiberglass? My covers are sunbrella and need cleaning and recoating this year.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yes, I apply it when the cover is on the boat.....much easier for me because it's stretched out. There's no concern with it getting on the gelcoat...
 
The instructions specifically say "not for use on fiberglass". Will it actually harm it or stain it? I don't know - I've never tried. I always take them off and lay them on the driveway (get a cheap, plastic drop cloth from Home Depot for about $4). It's pretty easy to spray it that way.

As far as washing them goes, and similar to what Tonka said above, I take mine to an industrial size washer (tumbler). I usually bite the bullet and use 303's cleaner. But if you use some mild soap, you should be fine. Just make sure you get every little bit of the soap out or the protectant won't adhere properly to the fibers. Then I take the cover and put it back on the boat to dry. Then back off again to spray it.
 
Last edited:
Dennis,

Is that stuff sprayed on to saturation and how long does it take to dry well enough to use? Thnx.
 
I wouldn't be concerned about fiberglass damage, but 303 Fabric Guard is BRUTAL to eisin & Strataglass. Not that I know, but if you're dumb enough to allow ANY overspray to hit a vinyl window, it will create orange-peel damage that will never come out. Don't ask me how I know.
 
Tall Turtle said:
When you apply the 303, is it on the boat? Any concern about overspray on the fiberglass? My covers are sunbrella and need cleaning and recoating this year.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

If you spray it whilst on the boat be CAREFUL not to get any overspray on areas where you will walk, as it will be slippery as ice.
 
Hmm, got the below from the product description on Amazon for 303 Protectant...

<<<303 Aerospace Protectant was originally engineered for aerospace and aviation applications, it’s a premium surface treatment that instantly beautifies and provides superior protection against harmful UV rays. Great for use on colored gel-coat fiberglass, inflatable boats, vinyl, clear vinyl (isinglass) windows, rubber plastics and leather. Easy to use, spray-on and wipe dry. Treated surfaces repel dirt, soiling, staining, water spots, salt water and mildew. >>>

Is this the same or is there a specific formula for using on the cover?

EDIT: Never mind, I see now it is 303 Fabric Guard that is recommended for the covers - duh, sorry long day!
 
Chris Nowell said:
Dennis,

Is that stuff sprayed on to saturation and how long does it take to dry well enough to use? Thnx.
Click to expand...

A little bit more than damp, but not soaking wet. In the sun, it'll be dry within an hour or two.
 
Brought home the 04 Searay on Tuesday, never saw the big full boat cover until I picked up the boat. It's been out long enough to mildew mold, stain. Any hope of being able to wash it somehow and get it pretty much back to "new"?

Alan
 
arw01 said:
Brought home the 04 Searay on Tuesday, never saw the big full boat cover until I picked up the boat. It's been out long enough to mildew mold, stain. Any hope of being able to wash it somehow and get it pretty much back to "new"?

Alan
Click to expand...

Maybe not "new", but see above for some ideas. Is it cotton? Keep in mind the type of material you have for cleaning/care. Google will help, too (along with numerous threads in this site).
 
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