Cleaning a mooring cover

[Tim Wagner]

I have an Attwood cover for my 17 footer.
The cover itself isnt very waterproof and doesnt vent moisture out.
(maybe I have it on upside down?)
Since it doesnt vent moisture out, the underside is all black and funky(id say its mildew)
Anyone have an idea on actually cleaning one, then having it waterproofed and installing a vent unit in it??
This cover is only about 3 or 4 years old. Its in perfect shape except for a few bird droppings.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

You could take it to your local wash biz and clean it in their biggest washing machine. Then after cleaning run it again but add a fabric waterproofing product to the machine.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

The cover itself isnt very waterproof and doesnt vent, the underside is all black and funky(id say its mildew) Its in perfect shape except for a few bird droppings.

Sounds like it's shot and your time has to be more valuable than the cost to replace it. If not, drape it (inside out) over your car and blast it at DIY car wash. Just don't take the Bentley.

 

[hostage]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

I just went through this. I have a mooring cover made out of Sunbrella. I read on their website and used a recommended detergent I think we used wool-light. We then brought it to a laundry mat and used their larger washing machine. The g/f wasn't to thrilled about my idea about using ours. On Sunbrella, the mold grows on dirt and other particles on the cover, not onto the cover it self. After that you have to reapply a water protector such as 303.

For more info here:

http://www.sunbrella.com/na/cc_marine_tops_covers.php

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

Warm soap and water. lay it out in the driveway and clean it with a brush/handle or straw broom. If you put it in a commercial washer, a lot of it won't get clean because it's all bunched up. After it's dry, re-coat it with 303 protectant.

It's not very waterproof anymore because the factory applied repellant has worn off with rain & sun. It should be recoated at least once every season.

 

[Tim Wagner]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

Its only a couple seasons old. Its not rotted or tearing or anything like that so Im pretty confident that is not shot.
Now, yes. My time is valuable but on the other had its free too so I want to explore options.
I have flipped it over in the yard and made a solution of the stuff I use to wash the cars with. Then went to town with an old broom but it didnt touch that blackish stuff.
Im real anal about stuff drying and airing stuff out so this is why this bugs me.

I like the Idea of taking it to a laundromat and stuffing it in one of the biggest machines.
I do believe the thought of it all not getting clean from being all bunched up but i think a second round through would help, if not take care of that.

Woolite?? What kind of job did that do?
Whats 303??
Im naive sometimes. i just though the covers would be waterproof forever. I didnt know you had to retreat them yearly. You lean something everyday.
Makes sense.
Im selling this boat in the spring and its now in my garage. I didnt use it for about 3 months since buying my new one.
It took over a week for everything to dry out. It had all my windows all fogged up and condensated.
I need to start taking pictures for my restoration thread but its still in the "gutting process"
Thanks for the ideas folks!!

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/303-030616/410016/Waterproofing+Products/303+Aerospace+Fabric+Guard+Water+Repellant.html


I'm not recommending this particular vendor one way or the other; it's just the first place I saw when I googled 303.

 

[nlain]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

Right here on iboats.

http://www.iboats.com/303-Fabric-Tr...9260074--**********.547338406--view_id.692621

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

Sorry. I just assumed (blah, blah, blah) that you knew. 3M makes a waterproofing prioduct called 303 protectant. It can be applied to rigid (solid) materials or to flexible items as well. However, it's roughly $45 per half gallon. Not that you'll use that much, but it's not cheap.

If you plan on selling the boat with the cover, go to the big stores (Wal-Mart. Home Depot, Lowes, etc) and either get scotchguard or Camp dry. Either one will work for a season. Follow the directions and get away with spending roughly $15.00.

 

[mike343]

Re: Cleaning a mooring cover

Whatever you do, the best thing to do is put the cover out in the sun. But there isn't much sun in Pitt these days. Wrap it in a waterproof cover and work on it in May.