Caring for Boat Canvas

Caring for Boat Canvas Caring for Boat Canvas Boat canvas is, in most cases, subject to more severe punishment than practically any other type of canvas or fabric item. Although our canvas products are constructed to rigid specifications, they should not be unattended for long periods of time, especially during inclement weather. Water-pockets may form in the roof if the unit is not assembled and installed taut, further adding to the load on the frame supports and possibly causing a broken frame as well as roof leakage. Your canvas unit is water repellent. However, it is not waterproof. During rain some leakage may occur. Keep objects from touching the inside of the canvas unit. Such objects may cause leakage at the point of contact. If seam leakage occurs, it can be controlled by applying a seam sealer compound. WARNING: Your canvas unit has not been designed to be used while the engine is running and full canvas is installed. While under power, your canvas unit may collect hazardous fumes underneath it, causing injury. Sufficient or adequate ventilation is required to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning. In addition, operating your vessel at moderate to high speeds with the top erected may result in a dismounting of the framework, which may cause injury. Moisture, dirt, chemicals from industrial fallout (i.e., acid rain), heat, ultraviolet rays and salt water (in some cases) are all factors that accelerate the degradation of your boat top. These elements can do serious damage if left unchecked. Take a moment to review these elements one at a time and see what can be done to slow this degradation. Moisture Causes shrinkage and mildew if fabric is not properly treated. The best method of prevention is to allow all canvas items to dry thoroughly while installed on the boat. Shrinkage can occur any time an article is allowed to dry while loose. Most shrinkage will occur the first few months after initial installation. When canvas items are erected on the boat and properly adjusted, shrinkage can occur in areas of looseness. Stern curtains, cockpit covers or other similar items should be installed to allow for some degree of shrinkage. Mildew can be avoided by keeping your unit clean and well ventilated. Dirt Creates a starting point for mildew when moisture is present. Cleaning periodically with a mild detergent and water while unit is erected on the boat will extend the canvas life and provide a better appearance. Cleaning can be accomplished with a sponge or soft scrub brush. Canvas units should always be erected fully and adjusted to a tight, smooth appearance before washing. Allow canvas unit to air dry thoroughly before removing or loosening any canvas. Chemicals Can cause decay of vinyls and fabrics if allowed to accumulate for long periods of time. There are so many different types of chemicals involved it would not be practical to try to describe them here. Keeping your unit clean is the answer. Heat Under certain conditions can cause plasticizer migration. Any vinyl coated fabric when enclosed in a polyethylene container and subjected to sunlight is subjected to potential migration of the vinyl plasticizers. This will result in cracks appearing in the vinyl component and a stiffening effect on the fabric. Polyethylene bags or tubes are meant for protection only during shipping and handling. DO NOT USE THEM FOR STORAGE. Ultraviolet Degradation Most synthetic fabrics or fabricated parts today are U.V.R. treated to resist ultraviolet effects. The best protection, however, is to avoid long periods of storage in areas subjected to direct sunlight. Salt water Corrosive effects of salt water can damage brass, aluminum, or stainless fittings and fasteners. Your canvas has fittings and fasteners made of these materials. These can be protected by keeping them clean, occasionally lubricating them and waxing the chromed brass or stainless fittings and tubing periodically with an appropriate wax. In summary, the things you can do to protect your canvas items for extended years of enjoyment are: Keep it clean. DO NOT use harsh cleaners. Never use any form of bleach. Clear vinyl curtains and windows demand extra care to prevent scratching. Ideally, they should be washed with clear water, preferably hosed off, wiping it with your hand at the same time. Do not attempt to use a cloth or chamois skin. Any dirt or grit in the cloth may result in scratches. Clear water and using your (clean) hand is the safest way. When storing never fold these items; they should only be rolled to prevent any cracking. Under direct sunlight conditions do not allow the clear vinyl to come in contact with the framework. The framework gives off heat that will burn the clear vinyl. Be sure that the top is completely dry before storing. Keep unit well ventilated when stored. DO NOT STORE IN PLASTIC OR POLY BAGS. Keep fittings and fasteners clean and lubricated. Never trailer your boat with the canvas unit erected, or expose the unit to severe winds. The materials used to produce your boat top and curtains are the finest obtainable. Reasonable care will assure you of many years of service. WARNING: DO NOT TRAILER YOUR BOAT WITH ANY CANVAS PRODUCTS AFFIXED. DAMAGE WILL RESULT; ADEQUATE VENTILATION IS NOT POSSIBLE AND MILDEW GROWTH WILL BE ENHANCED. FOR STORAGE, TAYLOR MADE INDUSTRIES RECOMMENDS AN OPTIONAL MOORING COVER OR COCKPIT COVER MADE OF A FABRIC THAT DOES HAVE THE ABILITY TO BREATHE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, SEE YOUR TAYLOR MADE DEALER, OR CALL THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT TAYLOR MADE INDUSTRIES DIRECTLY: PH:0064-9-278-9816. All registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies.