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!!

quote:

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.

http://www.starbrite.com/item/waterproofing-with-ptef

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.

quote:

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.

Get a new cover. They don't last forever.

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.

Jimmy may not know much about airplanes or hurricanes but when it comes to boats I thinks he’s very knowledgeable. I’d go with his recommendation.

Amazon has everything, I'm good to go, thank you for the plastic protector idea, boats are enough work!

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.

You bought a boat and you're not showing us pictures? You need to go stand in the corner and look ashamed.

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.

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.

Water skiing on Lake Chautauqua in the near future?

I could feel the sucking sensation in my wallet ,all the way out here in Illinois

Absolutely Mike! Will try to find a way to post pics down the road, I have yet to figure out that mysterious process.

Mark,
I can walk you through the process over the phone if you want.

quote:

Originally posted by wreckdiver:
Absolutely Mike! Will try to find a way to post pics down the road, I have yet to figure out that mysterious process.

ah yes, a boat

most people aren't actually aware of this but 'boat' isn't really a word

its an acronym that stands for Break Out Another Thousand



congrats on the acquisition - I'm sure you're going to have a blast with it

Yes, boats are a lot of work. Good for Jimmy and me.
and I agree, the Starbrite has a very strong smell for a while.

Got the plastic and cover back on, kinda a pain cutting the plastic for all the snaps. Off to get a roller and pan.

I used a pump sprayer. But you can kiss it good by after using it for this.