sail boat cover
TYPES AND CARE FOR SAIL BOAT COVERS
Sail boats covers a wide array of boats. The Catalina, Hunter, Oday, Laser, MacGregor, Pearson, Morgan, Bristol, Ericson, Vanguard, Tartan, Beneteau, Irwin, Cape Dory and Escape are some of the most sought-after brands. The price could range anywhere from three thousand five hundred dollars for a simple jet boat to as much as over a million dollars for a luxurious yacht. Sail boats can be a simple that can seat one to two people but it can also be as big as a ship.
Sail boats are generally made of sturdy materials that can withstand rather rough currents and waves that can reach from two feet and up. It is made for sea voyage. Although sail boats can stand long hours and even days at sea, it is still important to take proper care of boats. Regular maintenance such as annual docking and cleaning is a must. But regular maintenance such as using sail boat covers will also help prolong a boat’s life.
Sail boat covers can be bought off-the-rack if the sail boat it is to be used for follows a standard size. However, for custom built boats, one can also opt to purchase a custom made boat cover. The manufacturers will have to be provided with the exact measurements and dimensions. Sometimes the specifications are provided in a brochure but in case this isn’t, specially for second-hand boats, one must take the measurements.
Sail boat covers are generally low maintenance. With the proper care, one can extend the life of sail boat covers to as much as twenty-five years. Sail boat covers are sold in varied colors such as navy blue, red, olivegreen, white, violet, yellow, orange, etc. However, it is advisable to get the ones in darker hues as these colors tend to last longer than the paler ones. The following are care tips for sail boat covers.
1. To delay the need for thorough or vigorous scrubbing is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help avoid the dirt from becoming deeply ingrained in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.
2. When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, sail boat covers can be cleaned while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine or dockside.
3. When cleaning sail boat covers, it is important to observe the following:
· Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
· Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than one hunded degrees fahrenheit.
· Air dry. Never apply heat to sail boat covers.
General or Light Cleaning
To clean sail boat covers while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:
· Brush off loose dirt.
· Hose down the cloth.
· Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. Avoid detergents.
· Use a soft bristle brush to clean so as not to destroy the fabric.
· Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
· Rinse thoroughly.
· Air dry only. Do not spin dry.
· May not require retreatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach or soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains
Source: http://www.bloggedadvice.com