Originally posted by wreckdiver: New boat, with a old canvas cover that leaks. We are going to have to moor it as our Lakehouse is mainly VRBO rented, so no use of the boatlift.
Looking for recommendations for something to waterproof the cover since it is obvious that water is getting through it.
Haven't owned a boat for 20 years so I hope products have improved. Thanks all that have input!!
I'm in the Marine Industry and manage and maintain yachts/boats. Starbrite waterproofing agent. Mix it well by shaking it, use a 3/8" synthetic roller on an extendable pole......put one light coat on so that the cover is all wet......let it dry completely, then do another coat.......I buy it by the gallon, put it in a cheap plastic roller pan. It'll take about a gallon for a 20' boat cover.
What Jimmy said. Only thing I did different is; I covered the boat with cheap(thin) plastic drop cloths. I applied the Starbrite with a pump sprayer, which was worthless afterwords.
Originally posted by BOATTRASH1: What Jimmy said. Only thing I did different is; I covered the boat with cheap(thin) plastic drop cloths. I applied the Starbrite with a pump sprayer, which was worthless afterwords.
Yes, if the canvas is really in poor shape, in may wick through in places and while it can be cleaned up extra labor. So yes, a cheap plastic tarp underneath from LOWES might be a good idea.
Cover is old but in really great shape, so I would rather waterproof it than replace. I can't believe how well taken care of this boat is. 1990 Baja Sport 210 and this is the only issue I have with it.
Thanks Jimmy!! Now on to find the stuff.
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"Once abolish the God, and the Government becomes the God." --- G.K. Chesterton
Posts: 3856 | Location: WNY | Registered: April 11, 2009
It's not uncommon for boat covers to need to be restitched periodically. You may want to carefully check the stitching and get it redone if necessary before waterproofing the canvas.
Posts: 589 | Location: NC | Registered: March 05, 2011
303 from Amazon in the 3/4 gallon jug. It’s really expensive everywhere else. It smells better than Starbrite. Starbrite seemed more oily to me. Both will work though.
I spray it on with a Solo small pump sprayer on the driveway not the boat.
Posts: 17944 | Location: SE Michigan | Registered: February 10, 2007
Is it canvas or an acrylic fabric? Canvas shouldn’t be treated like the acrylics. Acrylics have to be treated every year or two to maintain the water resistance. Canvas needs to be able to absorb water to be effective. The natural fibers swell with the moisture and seals itself.
I use 303 on my sunbrella covers. Another cheap alternative(if you have vents) is to mix a tube of silicone caulk with mineral spirits and apply it to the cover. Makes it very water proof, but it won’t breath at all.
