Waterproofing Boat Covers

Big D · 04-08-2008, 11:44 AM

I Have a boat cover for a 21 foot boat manufactured by a company called Westland in AZ. It's a semi custom cover called Blue Sharksin and made of 100% polyester. The cover fits great but has lost a lot its waterproofing ability. Has anyone succesfully used a product that restores waterproofing? If so, what was it?

Big D

Sman · 04-08-2008, 12:14 PM

I have a canvas cover, original, 1980, that was sprayed with silicon each season by the previous owner, for a total of 23 seasons. Although I haven't sprayed it once in the last 4 years, his annual treatment seems to have helped as the boat is bone dry every time I uncover it. It was a 3M product. I don't know if it would do anything for polyester. I dont't think it damaged the interior, the upholstery is still orignal, no tears.

Nauset · 04-08-2008, 02:49 PM

There is a product called 303 High Tech Frabric Guard. It is sold at west marine. If you go to the Sunbrella website it is the only product they recommend. I'm planning to get some for my canvas soon.

jrc · 04-08-2008, 02:56 PM

I'm with Nauset, use the 303 fabric guard. I used it on my sunbrella mooring cover and it sealed it up nicely. Just like brand new.

Get the fabric guard not the normal 303 protectant. The fabric guard is clear and dries water proof, the other stuff is milky and works like Amor-all.

Be prepared, the stuff ain't cheap. Marina's around the the lake carry it, you might call/email Parafunalia.

Big D · 04-09-2008, 09:36 PM

Thanks for the replies, I'll check with West Marine on the 303 Fabric Guard. Is it a spray out of a can or can you buy it in liquid form and use a pressure sprayer?

Big D

Rinkerfam · 04-09-2008, 10:44 PM

Big D,

This product comes in liquid form and should be suitable for a pressure sprayer. I have used it myself and agree with previous posters that it works great. I would recommend cleaning the cover first using 303 cleaner and spot remover for carpet and upholstery. This product does a great job of lifting grease and bird droppings from canvas and is completely safe for any water safe fabric.

Big D · 04-12-2008, 08:19 AM

Thanks Rinker. Is it safe to apply while the cover is on the boat or do I have to worry about it seeping through or getting on the hull?

Wolfeboro_Baja · 04-16-2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big D

Thanks for the replies, I'll check with West Marine on the 303 Fabric Guard. Is it a spray out of a can or can you buy it in liquid form and use a pressure sprayer?

Big D

I haven't used this product yet but I did notice when I bought a Sunbrella cover from Westland that Sunbrella recommended it so I'll probably be buying some in the future.

You can also buy 303 High Tech Fabric Guard online at www.overtons.com; follow this link directly to the page for the 303 Fabric Guard. They sell it in 16 & 32 oz spray bottles and 1 gal. bottles.

04-08-2008, 11:44 AM	#1
Big D Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Waterproofing Boat Covers I Have a boat cover for a 21 foot boat manufactured by a company called Westland in AZ. It's a semi custom cover called Blue Sharksin and made of 100% polyester. The cover fits great but has lost a lot its waterproofing ability. Has anyone succesfully used a product that restores waterproofing? If so, what was it? Big D

04-08-2008, 12:14 PM	#2
Sman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 102 Thanks: 3 Thanked 27 Times in 8 Posts	Waterproofing Boat Covers I have a canvas cover, original, 1980, that was sprayed with silicon each season by the previous owner, for a total of 23 seasons. Although I haven't sprayed it once in the last 4 years, his annual treatment seems to have helped as the boat is bone dry every time I uncover it. It was a 3M product. I don't know if it would do anything for polyester. I dont't think it damaged the interior, the upholstery is still orignal, no tears.

04-08-2008, 02:49 PM	#3
Nauset Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 95 Thanks: 2 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	303 High Tech Frabric Guard There is a product called 303 High Tech Frabric Guard. It is sold at west marine. If you go to the Sunbrella website it is the only product they recommend. I'm planning to get some for my canvas soon.

04-09-2008, 10:44 PM	#6
Rinkerfam Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 268 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	Big D, This product comes in liquid form and should be suitable for a pressure sprayer. I have used it myself and agree with previous posters that it works great. I would recommend cleaning the cover first using 303 cleaner and spot remover for carpet and upholstery. This product does a great job of lifting grease and bird droppings from canvas and is completely safe for any water safe fabric. __________________ Education is hanging around 'til you've caught on - Frost

04-08-2008, 02:56 PM	#4
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I'm with Nauset, use the 303 fabric guard. I used it on my sunbrella mooring cover and it sealed it up nicely. Just like brand new. Get the fabric guard not the normal 303 protectant. The fabric guard is clear and dries water proof, the other stuff is milky and works like Amor-all. Be prepared, the stuff ain't cheap. Marina's around the the lake carry it, you might call/email Parafunalia.

04-09-2008, 09:36 PM	#5
Big D Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the replies, I'll check with West Marine on the 303 Fabric Guard. Is it a spray out of a can or can you buy it in liquid form and use a pressure sprayer? Big D

04-12-2008, 08:19 AM	#7
Big D Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks Rinker. Is it safe to apply while the cover is on the boat or do I have to worry about it seeping through or getting on the hull?