sunbrella boat cover
ADVANTAGES OF A SUNBRELLA BOAT COVER
The environmental element can be extremely harmful to boats. As boats do not come in cheap and are considered as investments, a boat cover is considered a necessity as this will effectively stand as a boat’s first line of defense. The harmful UV rays coupled with salt water and wind can speed up a boat’s depreciation. It will take its toll on paint and the varnish contributing much to cracking and peeling, loss of color and elasticity. More than greatly depreciating the boat, the same UV rays can also cause skin cancer. It is for this reason that a boat cover is extremely important.
Boat covers serve as protection whether in storing the boat to prevent dust and scratches or as a shade when it is put out to sea. Many American manufacturers prefer Sunbrella boat covers that is made of acrylic fiber and manufactured by Glen Raven Mills over all the other brands as this proves to be made of sturdier materials. Also it does not fade as fast as all the others. Generally, dark colors last longer than the pale ones. So in choosing a boat cover, it would be best to opt for the darker hues such as navy blue or olive green.
Another advantage of sunbrella boat covers is that it is woven therefore making the fabric breathable. It allows for moisture and heat to pass through unlike boat covers that are made of vinyl, which tends to trap it. When moisture is trapped, the tendency is to attract mildews. Because sunbrella boat covers are woven, it generally lasts longer as mildew weakens the fabric greatly.
Sunbrella boat covers are available in many styles. These are called the sunbrella plus, sunbrella supreme and the sunbrella shade. Sunbrella Plus provides ultimate water resistance by utilizing a durable polyurethane undercoating. Sunbrella Shade is an open weave fabric that provide both privacy and protection while being fade resistant, stain resistant and durabte. The unique open weave of the fabric helps reduce the temperature of enclosures and blocks up to eighty-four percent of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunbrella Supreme on the other hand, is waterproof with the aesthetics of an interior fabric. It has an exterior marine fabric with both an acrylic face and an acrylic flocking on the reverse side therefore making it water proof.
With proper care, sunbrella boat covers can last up to twenty years. The following are suggested care instructions from Sunbrella:
1. To delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded 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, Sunbrella fabrics 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 Sunbrella fabrics, 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 100°F.
· Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
General or Light Cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:
· Brush off loose dirt.
· Hose down.
· Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).
· Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
· Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
· Rinse thoroughly.
· Air dry.
· May not require retreatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains
Source: http://www.bloggedadvice.com