Cockpit Cover waterproofing?

[xlr8by]

Guys,
I want to scotchgard my cockpit cover on my 38TG. The cover is original to the boat 2003 and still looks good, it just doesn't appear to be shedding water like it used to. I am not sure what product to use, or what exactly the cover is made out of. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks

[rschap1]

If it more of a woven fabric and less like smooth shiney vinyl, it is probably SunBrella. They have a few recommended treatments, but the same stuff is available as Coleman Camp Dry in sporting good depts everywhere. (And its cheaper when labeled as such) Comes in aerosole cans and works well if applied each year. Some co-workers with cruisers have used Thompson's water seal, like for your deck in a pump up sprayer for their giant camper tops. Keeps them happy and dry,

[xlr8by]

If it more of a woven fabric and less like smooth shiney vinyl, it is probably SunBrella. They have a few recommended treatments, but the same stuff is available as Coleman Camp Dry in sporting good depts everywhere. (And its cheaper when labeled as such) Comes in aerosole cans and works well if applied each year. Some co-workers with cruisers have used Thompson's water seal, like for your deck in a pump up sprayer for their giant camper tops. Keeps them happy and dry,

That's exactly how it feels like a woven fabric. Do you think I will be fine than with a scotchgard product that works on fabric and shouldn't be used on vinyl?

[ROGUE]

Aqua-Tite. about $50 a gallon but worth it. Use a small pumpup sprayer and lay the cover out and spray it. Then put back on the boat.

[BGIII]

http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm/category/66/303-high-tech-fabric-guard.cfm

Here is another option - actually recommended by Sunbrella if you look at the bottom of the page.

[VetteLT193]

I hear good things about this DSC 19 stuff. http://www.dcs19.com/ When I do mine I'll use this stuff... my 2nd choice is the 303 protectant because Sunbrella suggests it.

[GregP]

I used 303 last time but I think the Starbrite I used previously worked better.

-Greg

[scarabman]

DO NOT use 303 if the cover comes in contact with Silver or Carbon Fiber look vinyls. It cuases those colors to fade to a peach like color. Dont ask me how I know:(:cuss:

[xlr8by]

thanks for all the help guys. I'll keep everyone posted on what product I decide to go with, and how it turns out.

[GregP]

To keep your cover from staining/wearing on the upholstery try lining the inside of it with the material from a hihg-end car cover (I think it is called Noah fabric). Mine were made that way and it works great at protecting the white upholstery.

-Greg

[Trim'd Up]

I have always just used "Camp Dry" too. It is cheap and works. I only have to use it every other year, but my boat is only outside for weekends at the lake.

[rschap1]

I use 303 stuff for sun/UV protection, but was not aware of its waterproofing abilities. I apply it to stuff more like one would use AmorAll. I coat the sidewalls of my tires with it a couple times annually. I do know that sunbrella recommended it, but I thought more fo rthe uV again...

[old377guy]

If it more of a woven fabric and less like smooth shiney vinyl, it is probably SunBrella. They have a few recommended treatments, but the same stuff is available as Coleman Camp Dry in sporting good depts everywhere. (And its cheaper when labeled as such) Comes in aerosole cans and works well if applied each year. Some co-workers with cruisers have used Thompson's water seal, like for your deck in a pump up sprayer for their giant camper tops. Keeps them happy and dry,

you beat me to it on the Camp Dry.

[SteveDavid]

I use 303 stuff for sun/UV protection, but was not aware of its waterproofing abilities. I apply it to stuff more like one would use AmorAll. I coat the sidewalls of my tires with it a couple times annually. I do know that sunbrella recommended it, but I thought more fo rthe uV again...

the 303 of which they are speaking is not the stuff you use on your vinyl, tires etc. The sealer is a 303 brand product, just specifically for sealing canvas and is recommended by Sunbrella.

[bajabob 718]

http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm/category/66/303-high-tech-fabric-guard.cfm

Here is another option - actually recommended by Sunbrella if you look at the bottom of the page.i just did my formula . it works great