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Boat Cover Care and Maintenance
All owners take great pride in their boats. In order to keep them well protected a suitable cover is a vital investment, but it doesn't end there. Even the cover needs care and maintenance in order to remain effective.
The most important thing to do is get into the habit of regularly searching for rips, tears and signs of decay. Even the most minor damage can quickly grow in your absence, resulting in an unpleasant surprise when you return.
If you find a problem, don't ignore it! Replacing the cover will cost you much less than repairing a damaged boat.
It's difficult to give specific care advice as there are many different fabrics used, and they may have been treated in a variety of different ways. The following are some generally accepted guidelines, but always read and follow any instruction leaflets that came with your particular product.
All boat covers should be cleaned regularly, but never machine washed and avoid the use of detergents. Instead, use plenty of water and a soft bristled brush. Then leave them to dry naturally in a well ventilated environment before folding away. Any trapped water could lead to the growth of mold or mildew, which could eventually spread to your boat.
If your cover has a waterproof coating, then this may need to be renewed every year or two. There are many waterproofing products on the market, but not all of them are suitable. Where possible, take advice from the manufacturer or dealer that supplied the item in the first place.
Knowing that you have taken all the necessary precautions helps to give you peace of mind. You no longer need to worry when leaving your boat unattended for extended periods of time.
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