Top Tips for Extending the Life of Your Boat Seats
If you want your boat seats to stand the test of time, proper maintenance is key. Boat seat materials take a beating from the marine environment — sun, salt, moisture and everyday wear can cause them to wear out prematurely. Caring for your boat’s interior upholstery will keep it looking great season after season while saving yourself the cost of replacing worn-out cushions and fabrics. This article outlines some of the best ways to clean, condition and protect your boat seats to get the most life out of them.
Choose the Right Boat Seat Materials from the Start
When replacing your boat’s seats, be strategic with the type of marine-grade vinyl and foam you select. Quality boat seat manufacturers utilize specialized materials designed to resist mould, mildew, fading and tearing in harsh marine environments. Carefully examine samples — thicker marine vinyls, like those over 30 ounces, tend to be more durable. And closed-cell foam is less absorbent than open-cell. Investing more here can save you from having to reupholster too soon.
Boat seats and boat interior upholstery made of the appropriate marine-grade materials give you a head start on extending seat life. However ongoing maintenance is still required to keep things in shipshape.
Keep Boat Upholstery Clean
One of the best things you can do for your boat’s interior is keep it clean. Quick cleanup of spills and removing dirt before it’s ground in will minimize abrasion and wear. Be diligent about vacuuming and wiping down seats with a soft brush and gentle, boat-safe cleanser. Wash removable cushions periodically with mild soap and water and allow to air dry before replacing.
An occasional deep cleaning is also useful for sanitizing and brightening upholstery. Every few months, clean the entire interior by lightly scrubbing surfaces with water and dish detergent or a boat-specific vinyl cleaner. Use a toothbrush for tight crevices. Follow with a vinyl conditioner to restore shine and suppleness. Taking the time for a periodic thorough cleaning keeps upholstery looking fresher and longer.
Use Protectants to Shield from the Elements
Shielding the vinyl and stitching from the drying effects of sun and salt spray is imperative. Applying vinyl protectants creates an invisible barrier against UV ray damage and prevents brittleness and cracking to keep your upholstery supple and vibrant. There are spray-on or wipe-on vinyl conditioners made specifically for marine use. Use them regularly to renew UV protection. Some can also repel moisture to prevent mould and mildew.
Another easy protective step is to slather stitching and zippers with UV protectant wax to reduce corrosion and deterioration. Keep the wax away from large vinyl areas so it doesn’t discolour the fabric. Taking a little time after each outing to apply protectants keeps boat seats resilient through countless hours on the water.
Conclusion
The marine environment can be harsh on boat interior upholstery. A small investment of time in caring for and maintaining your boat’s interior will reward you with seating that withstands heavy usage for extended periods — saving you from costly replacement too soon. Implement some of these handy boat seat care tips and keep your boat’s interior looking shipshape for seasons of sailing ahead.
