Boat upholstery suffers more wear due to exposure to elements. Proper storage, keeping it dry, and regular cleaning can extend its life. Different materials require different cleaning methods, with fabric being the most difficult to care for. Vinyl is the easiest, while leather needs a neutral soap and a UV protectant conditioner.
The upholstery of the boat suffers more wear than that of a car or house. This is because the boat is exposed to the elements, to include direct sunlight and water, and is usually stored outside on the water. Caring for your boat upholstery means cleaning it regularly and keeping it protected.
Proper storage of your boat is key to protecting the upholstery. If a boat sits out in the sun all day, cloth upholstery can discolor while leather and vinyl upholstery can dry out and crack. Boat upholstery care involves storing your boat in a garage or under a carport. If you must store your boat on water or in a driveway, cover the upholstery with a plastic drop cloth and cover the upholstered end of the boat with a fitted cover. During the fall and winter months, if you don’t plan to take your boat out, consider placing it in a storage facility.
When you take your boat out on the water, try to keep the upholstery as dry as possible. While it’s inevitable that you’ll get your upholstery wet from time to time, you don’t want it to soak into the foam. When the foam gets wet, the upholstery begins to rot. Wet people should sit on towels to avoid saturating upholstery, and spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Regularly cleaning your boat upholstery will extend its life by several years. Boat upholstery comes in cloth, vinyl, and leather. The type of material you have determines how it should be cleaned.
Fabric boat upholstery is the most difficult to care for. It absorbs water like a sponge, which will quickly penetrate the foam. Applying a fabric protector will extend the life of the upholstery, as water and other spilled liquids will pool and roll off. Clean upholstery with a standard fabric cleaner every two weeks, depending on usage. After cleaning, spray the upholstery with a UV protectant to prevent sun damage.
Vinyl boat upholstery is one of the easiest types to care for. Spills wipe up immediately, preventing stains from developing. When cleaning this type of upholstery, use a vinyl-specific cleaner to prevent the material from drying out. Spray upholstery and wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Spray vinyl with a special protective vinyl finish to prevent sun damage.
Very few boats have leather upholstery, as it is easily damaged by the sun. To prevent excessive drying, leather upholstery should be cleaned with a neutral soap or one that has a pH balance of seven. Spray the leather with the cleaner and wipe it clean with a dry cloth. Apply a leather conditioner that contains a UV protectant at least once a week, to keep it soft and supple. Avoid keeping leather upholstery in direct sunlight for longer than necessary.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
