Three Tips To Keep Your Boat Seats Well Maintained
Your boat's seats can be easy to overlook when it comes to maintenance. However, the seats will suffer extensive wear due to the exposure to water and sunlight. This wear will be substantially worse for boats that will be near saltwater as salt crystals can form on the fibers, which can degrade them.
Cover The Seats When Storing The Boat
During the times of the year when you will not be using the boat, it will be wise to take the time to place covers over the seats. These covers will protect the fiber in the seats from wear as they will block moisture and sunlight. Prior to placing the covers in place, you should thoroughly clean the seats. This may seem unnecessary, but it will neutralize any algae, mold or bacteria that may be growing deep in the upholstery. When choosing seat covers, make sure that you choose some that fit as securely as possible over the seats. A tight fight will help to limit dust and dirt from gathering on the seats, which can cause discoloration and other problems after several months of storage.
Use Vinyl Seat Cleaner
When you are choosing a cleaning product for the seats, you should only use those that are suitable for use on vinyl. Some individuals may make the mistake of using household cleaning solutions for this task, but they can contain bleach or ammonia. These substances can severely degrade the vinyl fibers over a period of prolonged use. Fortunately, you will be able to purchase these cleaning solutions from most boat supply stores. When cleaning the seats, make sure to thoroughly rinse them after using these cleaning solutions from the seats to avoid a film developing on them.
Repair Tears and Splits As Soon As Possible
Vinyl is a highly durable material, but it is probable that your seats will eventually develop some minor tears. When these tears form, it is imperative for you to repair them as soon as possible. They will allow substantial amounts of moisture into the interior of the seat, and they can also allow dirt and other materials that may foster the growth of molds. To help ensure that you are able to conveniently repair these damages, you should keep a repair kit on your boat. By taking a few moments to quickly stitch these tears closed, you will be able to prevent these minor damages from causing serious issues for your boat or pontoon seats.