How Do You Preserve the Chairs on Your Boat
The chairs on your boat are much more resilient than the furniture in your living room. Boat captain chairs are built with sturdy materials, and specifically designed to resist water damage. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune! As a dedicated sailor eager to protect their marine’s upholstery from the sun’s heat, wind, and salt, you must go the extra mile to save yourself from hefty repair costs.
Top Five Ways To Protect the Chairs on Your Boat
1. Water-resistant covers area are a no go
While waterproof covers do a great job at keeping outdoor chairs safe from the rain, they aren’t of much use to boat owners. Why? Because water is an indefinite part of the equation when you’re treading the sea. No matter how sturdy a water-resistant cover may be, turbulence, cracks, and holes guarantee that your chair will come into contact with moisture at some point. With breathable fabric, moisture is allowed to evaporate slowly, reducing the chances of mold buildup.
2. Don’t use harsh cleaners
One of the worst mistakes you can make is to scrub boat chairs with harsh cleaners. Remember, getting rid of bacteria is important but when the detergent you use wipes away your upholstery’s protective coating, that’s where the trouble begins. Instead, stick to wet wipes. And no matter what, do not use bleach. After every clean, spray your chair’s metal parts with a quality vinyl protectant. The latter helps retain UV (ultraviolet) rays and kill dirt that might exaggerate cracks and peels.
3. Use dark boat covers
Protecting boat chairs has a lot more to do with science than one would think. All you must understand is that moisture buildup wreaks havoc and anything that counters it is your best friend. Similarly, dark boat covers support fast heat absorption and moisture evaporation. The last thing you want is prolonged condensation to claim your upholstery.
4. Dry your boat religiously
When left unbridled, mold and mildew will slowly but gradually deteriorate the structural integrity of your boat furniture. Naturally, water is the biggest culprit. A poorly dried boat doesn’t stand a chance, no matter how well it has been cleaned. When it comes to long-term storage (periods where your boat stays off the water) dry religiously. This means wiping every nook and cranny, seam and gap. Even if it takes a hair dryer to evaporate the moisture out of any covers or chair fabrics, don’t hesitate. A little grunt work goes a long way!
5. Avoid extended sun exposure
The sun’s heat helps dry water and moisture but that doesn’t mean you let your boat bask in unlimited vitamin D. Protecting upholstery isn’t just about keeping it clean. Faded dyes will plunge the glory of marine furniture, turn clients away and add to your repair costs. Rest assured, too much exposure to UV rays will degrade the dye faster than anything else. So, the best way to preserve aesthetic elements is by following the manufacturer’s care instructions.
6. Invest in a cordless vacuum
Those merciless winds carry dust and debris. While you can easily wipe the metal parts of your chairs with water and cloth, fabric and foam need extra suction. Remember, dusty furniture is no good! So, buy a reliable vacuum and use it every few days to prevent dirt buildup.