Scotch Guard

[Dotty Sea]

OK yell at me if I should have just searched under this topic - our BRAND NEW (in July) 185 sport used to have FABULOUS water repellant on the covers - rain just rolled right off (except for the really heavey storms and then it pooled but we could wipe it off mostly) - now it doesn't bead up at ALL - just gets soaking wet and starts to drip into the boat. We are days away from winterizing so this isn't really an issue right now but I'm bummed.
Only thing we can think of (other than it just doesn't last too long) is we had a ton of flys sitting on the covers (the boat is kept in our driveway) the last warm weekend and we sprayed some OFF over the boat to shoo them away - ??? - seems like a reach but just wondering. What do we do now-?

 

[fwebster]

Sea Ray tops are made of Sunbrella fabric which is manufactured by Glen Raven Mills. They use a process in finishing the fabric that gives it water repellancy. It usually takes 2-3 years before a properly installed top loses its repellancy. Even then, if the top is tight, it will still shed water, but if it is loose it will collect water and leak in the saggy spots and in large flat areas. There is a product for replenishing the water repellancy that is generally available at marine stores called 303 Fabric Protectant. It is the only thing Glen Raven recommends for retreatment.

You said your boat is new (I did not see a year model in the post), if it is a new boat and not just new to you, you should contact your dealer and discuss the leaking canvas with their service manager. Sunbrella has an excellent warranty (5 years) and you may be able to get the top replaced or at the worst talk them into retreating it for you........303 is expensive.

 

[Alex D]

COuldn't agree more with FW ... 303 is the only recommended repellant for Sunbrella. Some sunbrella actually has a rubber undercoating and will never leak, no matter if there is repellant on the fabric or not. My entire canvas has this coating.

My Four Winns only had Sunbrella fabric and we re-coated it once every two years. I also wash and re-coat the cabin liners once a year.

 

[First Born]

Thoght this may help, also I would take Franks advise and talk to your dealer if I remember correctly you have a 2006.

www.303products.com

http://www.303products.com/powerboatlowres.pdf

Warrenty from Sunbrella.com:

Warranty
This limited warranty is valid only if a copy of the invoice for the item purchased is submitted showing date of original purchase.

What Is Covered?
This limited warranty covers the fabric becoming unserviceable because of loss of color or strength from normal usage and exposure conditions, including sunlight, mildew and atmospheric chemicals. Consumer is responsible for normal care and cleaning of the fabric. This warranty covers fabric only. Glen Raven's liability is expressly limited to this warranty.

How Long Is The Coverage Period?
For Sunbrella®, Sunbrella Plus® and Sunbrella Supreme® fabrics this limited warranty coverage runs for five years from the date of original installation.

For the Sunbrella® Shade fabric this limited warranty coverage runs for three years from the date of original installation.

For the Sunbrella® marine interior fabrics this limited warranty coverage runs for three years from the date of original installation.

What Will Glen Raven Do?
Glen Raven will supply new fabric free to replace the fabric that becomes unserviceable.

How Can You Get Service?
Call the dealer or retailer from whom you purchased the product, to inspect the claim. They, in turn, will contact the manufacturer of the item purchased. The manufacturer will then contact Glen Raven and secure replacement fabric for you.


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Cleaning the fabric from sumbrella.com

Care and Cleaning
Marine Tops/Covers
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and 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.

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.

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 (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:

Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach.
Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
One gallon of water.
Clean with soft bristle brush.
Allow mixture to soak into the fabric for up to 20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
Repeat if necessary.
Retreatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.

If a boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:

Use mild soap and/or detergent.
For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
Wash and rinse in cold water.
Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
Retreatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
Retreating the Fabric
As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guardâ„¢ as the preferred retreatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. For more information on retreatment products, please visit www.303products.com.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency.

Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.
Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)
For more information please see www.303products.com.

Professional Cleaners
You may have access to professional cleaning firms. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about a firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.

Helpful Hints
Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the recommended 100°F temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Sunbrella components.
* Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not exceed 150°F.

Marine Interiors
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella brand fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes imbedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.

For Removable Cushion Covers and Slipcovers:
Hand Washing
Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Air dry.
Machine Washing
Machine was in cold water with mild laundry soap.
Allow Sunbrella to air dry, or tumble dry on "no heat" setting.
Spot Cleaning Upholstered Pieces
Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.
Remove stain with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Air dry, blot, or wet-vacuum excess water.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.
For Stubborn Stains and/or Mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.

Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.*
Soak affected area in solution for 20 minutes.
Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
*If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. See our stain chart for removal of specific stains.

Re-treating the fabric - for ease of cleaning: Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. The finish is designed to last for several years of normal use, but may be refreshed with 303 High Tech Fabric Guardâ„¢, the preferred retreatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
Clean Sunbrella, allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow to dry.
Repeat step 2.
Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.
Professional Cleaners
In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements. Do NOT dry clean Sunbrella.

Helpful Hints
Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach and soap.

Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.

Do not use a steamer or an iron with steam setting. If wrinkles are a concern, use an iron set to "synthetic fabric" heat.

Marine Tops/Covers
Care and Cleaning (Video)

Marine Tops/Covers
Care and Cleaning (PDF)

Marine Interiors
Care and Cleaning (PDF)

Stain Chart (PDF)

 

[Dotty Sea]

you know you guys are the best - with the Captain too busy to deal and me not knowing much this place is a life saver (well, SRO was and NOW this place is)
It's a 2006 (sorry I thought I posted that) and it's VERY tight and water does run off due to the way the covers sit on the boat but it used to BEAD up and it just doesn't anymore - we don't have LOTS of water coming thru but some moisture - more than we've had before.
It's going in this weekend to be left with the dealer for winterizing so I will have the Captain talk to them - they've been great so far.

I miss the boat already but the last time we went out it was WAY cold even all bundled up - thought my eyes would freeze up as we came back across from Shelter Island and I was at the wheel.

 

[sbw1]

Dotty Sea, You should goggle "cleaning sunbrella." There is an entire web page that addresses your question. Using a cup of bleach is a bit of overkill which can rot the stitching in your cover. 1/2 a cup is the preferred amount in a gallon of water unless your material is really dirty. I keep the instructions on the boat so I don't have to remember them. SBW

 

[First Born]

Dotty Sea, You should goggle "cleaning sunbrella." There is an entire web page that addresses your question. Using a cup of bleach is a bit of overkill which can rot the stitching in your cover. 1/2 a cup is the preferred amount in a gallon of water unless your material is really dirty. I keep the instructions on the boat so I don't have to remember them. SBW

SBW - the directions listed above came off of Sunbrella's website.

Wesley

 

[midway]

I will add that you need to find a place that has no air movement to apply the 303, if there is a slight breeze outside then the 303 will float off in the air and not settle on the canvas, not thinking I tried to do mine out side it did not take but a couple of minutes to figure out that I had to get out of the air movement.

 

[sbw1]

Dotty Sea, You should goggle "cleaning sunbrella." There is an entire web page that addresses your question. Using a cup of bleach is a bit of overkill which can rot the stitching in your cover. 1/2 a cup is the preferred amount in a gallon of water unless your material is really dirty. I keep the instructions on the boat so I don't have to remember them. SBW

SBW - the directions listed above came off of Sunbrella's website.

Wesley

Yes. I see that. The site recommends 1/2 cup of bleach for regular cleaning and a full cup for heavey cleaning. It's best to use as little beach as possible.

 

[sbw1]

If 303 is expensive, try some generics. I've never used 303 but have found that a product called "Camp Dri" works very well. I bought it at a Meijers Thrifty Acres store which is sort of like a Walmart. Agree with the advice about doing it inside. I laid the canvas down on the basement floor. The treatment lasted a good three years.

 

[fwebster]

303 High Tech Fabric Guard is the only water proofing recommended by Sunbrella. If your remaining canvas warranty is important to you, you should verify the use of a generic waterproofing agent with Glen Raven Mills before treating your top.

 

[Dotty Sea]

I haven't checked into the warranty info but David did speak to the meachanics at our dealer when he brought the boat in and the guy basically blew it off - said there is no garuntee how long the scotch guard on our covers will last. He told him we'd have to take care of it our selves. Not happy with that answer he persisted by taking it up with our salesman who said he'd look into it and it wasn't "acceptable". Now I'll go thru the papers and see about what kind of coverage there is.

 

[First Born]

More than likely all you need to do is retreat with 303 but if that does not work you may want to look to see if you see Greatlakeboattops any where on it. That is probably where it came from. You may want to contact them as well if the 303 does not bring it back.

Great Lakes Boat Top at 423-884-6761 or info@GreatLakesBoatTop.com.

www.greatlakesboattop.com

Good luck with it.

Wesley

 

[Dotty Sea]

Yes, it is from Greatlakesboatcompany. I checked that a while back. I think the salesman is going to look into something for us - we'll see when we go to pick it up next week.

 

[First Born]

Good luck with it. :thumbsup:

Wesley