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The look and style of your boat counts! When renters are looking for the ideal boat for their upcoming boat rental, they tend to place great importance on the exterior appearance – especially at first glance, since they are expecting to create unforgettable memories during their trip. As the leader in indoor and outdoor textiles, our partner Sunbrella® is dedicated to protecting boats, from the interior saloon to the foredeck. By enhancing the exterior fabrics, they make the rented boat/your boat as much of a pleasure to look at as it is to embark with/manoeuvre. With summer underway, we are offering you advice on boat maintenance, especially the care of exterior fabrics. Bimini, cushion, bench: find out how to ensure their optimal longevity!
The importance of good maintenance
When you own a sailboat or a catamaran, maintaining your boat is a priority. You probably receive many praises on your boat’s appearance by the Click&Boat community or maybe your close family and friends. But after chartering your boat numerous times and having to deal with unpredictable weather, you start to notice that your boat is subject to wear and tear. To keep it looking good for you and your renters, Sunbrella® with its more than 50 years of experience working with boating professionals, guarantees durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing textiles to protect and enhance your boat.
One of the best ways to care for Sunbrella® fabrics is to clean the textiles regularly. Don’t wait until the fabrics are moldy before cleaning them, instead choose to clean them regularly (about every month) with water and a small brush.
This removes superficial stains before they are fully absorbed into the fabric and difficult to remove! To avoid mildew, pay attention to moisture, heat, spores, and elements such as smoke. At the helm as well as for maintenance, you are the captain!
Key tips for cleaning the fabrics of your boat
If you regularly clean the fabric and other outdoor textiles, your boat will be sure to shine in the harbor. Admit it, the admiring glances of passers-by are always appreciated, and so is a 5-star comment from a Click&Boat renter, won over by the appearance and technical capabilities of your boat.
To take good care of your boat’s fabric, take a brush and … brush! Then spray with water, rub with a little soap, let it react, and finish by rinsing with fresh water. Let it dry in the open air and that’s it! If mold has already set in, add a little bleach to the water-soap mixture and repeat the same process. Don’t forget to re-waterproof the Sunbrella® fabric to keep it in perfect condition and extend its life.
5 tips from Sunbrella® to prevent mold and mildew on the boat’s exterior textiles
- Protection maintenance once a month
- Wait until the bimini (or other protection) is completely dry before folding it up
- Avoid cooking near outdoor textiles to prevent smoke from attacking the fabric
- Air the bimini regularly
- Iron to remove wrinkles (caution, steam is not allowed)
For more advice on boat maintenance or to plan a refit of your boat for future rentals, you can locate a Sunbrella Marine Partner craftsman near you, by clicking here.
Sunbrella wishes you a great summer!
