New vinyl

[tonyjh63]

My boat, 1999 Bryant 182 Limited, is getting reupholstered at the moment. Could y'all tell me the best way to protect the new vinyl? I've already got some Marine 31, and will use that according to instructions, but what I want to know about is the cover. Can I safely assume that a generic boat cover will suffice to keep mold/mildew away? And how exactly does a boat cover prevent mold/mildew? Seems to me the cover would keep it moist inside, and would promote, rather than prevent, this mold/mildew?
My plan is to get a generic cover (properly sized, of course), to prevent mold/mildew, and then cover the whole thing with a giant tarp to protect the gelcoat (as of now, my gelcoat is gonna have to be buffed/waxed - it's got some light oxidation). Or, could/should I forgo the tight boat cover, and just use the giant tarp?
Any suggestions/hints are very much appreciated, as once I get my boat in good shape, I'd very much like to keep it that way. Thanks!

 

[ahicks]

NEVER EVER cover a cover with another cover. Moisture buildup between them and mold/mildew is nearly a guaranteed

 

[cptbill]

Cover works but air flow is important. I've found big tarps don't really do much except leave scratches when they come lose in the wind

 

[tonyjh63]

Ok, no doubling up on the covers. Any recommendations on covers? Aren't there some "ratcheting" ones that tighten up pretty good? And how to protect the gelcoat from sun damage all year? Garage is not an option...

 

[AZQCBoater]

How about covers that cover boats from top to the bottom or close to it. Are these available

 

[JimS123]

In the olden days, people that cared about their boats exclusively used canvas covers. Ever hear of cotton twill? In modern times, stuff like Sunbrella are state-of-the-art, but more expensive. You need a fabric that breathes. Using a Harbor Freight tarp is the worst thing you can do. Shrink wrap is second worst, though many don't admit to it. A little mildew and rotten stringers are not really an issue, since the boat will be sold in a few years anyway.

If you follow people that own classic boats, their covers don't just cover the top, but go all the way to the chines. Additionally, the good covers have vents as well.

It all depends how well you want to maintain the boat, how long you expect to keep it, and how much money you want to spend.

My old boat is 67 years old this year and it's as good as new.

 

[tonyjh63]

JimS123 - that's what I want to do - is take care of both my new vinyl AND my gelcoat. Are there boat covers that come down further, to protect the gelcoat, and will keep my interior mold-free? Thanks!

 

[JimS123]

JimS123 - that's what I want to do - is take care of both my new vinyl AND my gelcoat. Are there boat covers that come down further, to protect the gelcoat, and will keep my interior mold-free? Thanks!

Yes, but you have to be willing to pay for it. It will have to be custom made. Also, they are only suitable for trailer boats and would not work as an in-water mooring cover.

 

[Scott Danforth]

put the boat in the garage

 

[mike_i]

My 15 year old custom made Sunbrella cover looks almost like it did when new. It allows for airflow to prevent mold/mildew and protects my boat from the UV rays. My upholster guy told me to use wd40 to clean and protect my upholster.