Waterproofing Boat Cover???

[james 14]

I want to find something to spray on my boat cover to make it more water resistant. I have some experience with a spray I found in the camping section at Walmart but after replacing the rusted hooks on several crankbaits and washing mold out of my fishing gloves I want to make sure I get something that will work.

[Wayne P.]

The best stuff I have used is a spray called Campdry.

[slonezp]

What ever you end up using, make sure the cover is clean. Waterproofing spray is not cheap and if the cover isn't clean, it's money wasted.

[89trackerpro17]

303 high tech fabric guard.

[Fishes in trees]

Be careful with that waterproofing stuff.  Your boat cover ought to breathe.  If you totally waterproof it you are keeping alot of water out but you are also keeping some water inside the cover.  That is where your mold and mildew comes from, being covered for a long time with a little bit of water trapped inside.

 

To avoid mold & mildew, there isn't any substitute for airing it out with all the hatches open.  Choose a warm breezy day for best results.

[Traveler2586]

Be careful with that waterproofing stuff.  Your boat cover ought to breathe.  If you totally waterproof it you are keeping alot of water out but you are also keeping some water inside the cover.  That is where your mold and mildew comes from, being covered for a long time with a little bit of water trapped inside.

 

To avoid mold & mildew, there isn't any substitute for airing it out with all the hatches open.  Choose a warm breezy day for best results.

 

X2 to all of the above.

 

When we're having a wet period I'll run a small fan on the LOW setting with a light timer that is programed to run on an hour, off an hour.

I'll also take some 2X4 blocks to prop all lockers open.

 

I did use a spray that worked very well and let the cover breath; it called 303 Aerospace Protectant from 303 Products, Inc. P.O. Box 966, Palo Cedro, CA 96073; www.303products.com.  32oz spray bottle cost me $24.99 + tax   But it worked.

[mcipinkie]

Everything said is correct, or not, depending on what material your cover is made from. Aurora recommends 303 for my old cover. I use it. Your cover may be different. Check with your maker. If you have an inexpensive cover, may have to replace.

[james 14]

My cover is an original Pro Craft cover that came with the boat in 2000.

 

I had also thought about the fan idea because I HAVE to do something to prevent the water from getting in even if that means completely sealing it off. My floor in the cockpit is soaked after any good rain with the cover on.

[OneShotOneKill]

X2 to all of the above.

 

When we're having a wet period I'll run a small fan on the LOW setting with a light timer that is programed to run on an hour, off an hour.

I'll also take some 2X4 blocks to prop all lockers open.

 

I did use a spray that worked very well and let the cover breath; it called 303 Aerospace Protectant from 303 Products, Inc. P.O. Box 966, Palo Cedro, CA 96073; www.303products.com.  32oz spray bottle cost me $24.99 + tax   But it worked.

 

x3 on 303, I use it on everything i want to protect from sun damage and it can help restore the appearance of faded plastic.  It especially works good on the plastic parts of your vehicles interior like dashboard etc.  However.. It is not water resistant.

 

If you want something with similar properties that will also not wash of in the rain i Suggest trying Adam's super VRT.

 

Here is a link to 303 at a much better price than $25 for one bottle.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/303-Products_c_146.html

 

And here is Adam's Super VRT.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Adams-Super-VRT_p_222.html

 

Again these are technically "Dressings" to protect Vinyl, Rubber, Tires, Plastic from fading caused by UV rays.

 

If you want something to do that and repel water go with Adam's

If you simply want something to make interior pieces that don't get wet look brand new again get 303....or just get a gallon of VRT and bathe in it