Mooring Cover Sealant

[Krob1114]

Our mooring cover has been through 5 full seasons. The last couple of years there have been spots on the vinyl when we opened the boat at the beginning of the season. I'm guessing the mooring cover needs to be sprayed by some form of sealant. Probably need to do the Bimini top too.

What product have you used successfully?

[milkerson10]

you can either use Starbrite waterproofing or 303 fabric guard. Both of them are good products. I do feel that 303 fabric guard is probably a little bit better and longer lasting. It is a little bit more expensive. Just depends on if you’re wanting to save some money or not.

[milkerson10]

I usually reapply this stuff about every 2 to 3 years or whenever I noticed there is no more water beading

[Kate]

". . . spots on the vinyl . . ."

If that is what I think it is, then it's not the cover, per se. They're caused by the cover touching the vinyl, and interacting with chemicals in the vinyl. Keep the cover off the upholstery by propping it up and allowing air to flow and light to shine.

Can you tell if the spots are mold or mildew, or look like defects in the vinyl?

[Krob1114]

". . . spots on the vinyl . . ."

If that is what I think it is, then it's not the cover, per se. They're caused by the cover touching the vinyl, and interacting with chemicals in the vinyl. Keep the cover off the upholstery by propping it up and allowing air to flow and light to shine.

Can you tell if the spots are mold or mildew, or look like defects in the vinyl?

It's a mooring cover put on for the winter. The first several years, we'd take the cover off and really wouldn't have to clean the upholstery. I can't tell whether the spots are mold or mildew, but definitely not defects. Thanks.

[jhnmdahl]

If you go with the 303 Fabric Guard, might as well get some of the 303 Mold and Mildew cleaner too. It works fairly well on vinyl spots, although nothing seems to clean everything.

[NautiWeasel]

I'll second, or third on the 303. I just did my covers over the past month. All I can say is get more than you think you'll need. I used a whole bottle just for the bow cover. Another 2 bottles for the rear cover that covers the cockpit and rear lounge seat. I need to order more for the bimini top still.

[Norris_Boating]

After you clean the mold/mildew off the vinyl, use a vinyl protection next year to help keep it coming back. Unfortunately the odd R series was VERY susceptible to mold/mildew growth.

[Krob1114]

I'll second, or third on the 303. I just did my covers over the past month. All I can say is get more than you think you'll need. I used a whole bottle just for the bow cover. Another 2 bottles for the rear cover that covers the cockpit and rear lounge seat. I need to order more for the bimini top still.

Just order the 32 oz bottle for the Bimini. I'll probably get the full gallon when doing the mooring cover.
Thanks for all the input.