Washing a boat cover? am i crazy...

[scoke]

Well my new to me 2002 196 had a boat cover come with it.

I am still doing detailing and minor maintanance on the boat before the ski season starts. This weekend i'll be cleaning the carpet etc.

As of now, the boat cover smells kinda like (can i say that here?). It is a breathable, cotton/nylon cover which has some wear. I keep the boat in a covered carport with a dehumidifier thing under it, covered as well.

Any ideas on cleaning this cover?

is it possible to get it dry if i can clean it? it just seems like it needs a cleaning and i don't want to just dump a gallon of febreeze on it.

[chris196]

RE: Washing a boat cover? am i crazy...

I need to wash my cover also, so I'm interested in this.

But, I have a question for you. What do you use for a dehumidifier?
My boat is in a marina, so when I leave it it's usually wet and covered.
I considered just using a cheap 12v fan plugged into a jump pack and just leave it on. It'll just run till the jump pack dies, then recharge. I have 2 so I could rotate them every time.
I'm a little concerned that if there was some problem with the fan, it could burn up.

[scoke]

RE: Washing a boat cover? am i crazy...

What do you use for a dehumidifier?

We have used one of these in a boat for two years and it works great. The boat will usually be pulled from the lake and covered with the model 1000 left for two days running in it. I bought the 500 model which works well but why not have something bigger and better.



http://www2.shopping.com/xFS?KW=HAPP...-DRYER&CLT=SCH

[bkhallpass]

RE: Washing a boat cover? am i crazy...

I have cleaned covers before in the large wash machines at the laundromat. I spead the cover out ot air dry. Depending up the cover, you may lose the water repellant, and may need to reapply. BKH

[LT206]

I have the Happy's Air Dryer scoke mentions, and I've washed my cover at the laundromat like bkhallpass mentions - I did have to reapply 303 fabric protectant. I just put the cover back on the boat to air dry - it doen't take long in the sun especially after the spin cycle.

They are both great solutions.

[TRBenj]

I've washed my cover at the laundromat like bkhallpass mentions - I did have to reapply 303 fabric protectant. I just put the cover back on the boat to air dry - it doen't take long in the sun especially after the spin cycle.

Thats a good plan. I would also suggest using 303 Fabric Cleaner in the washing machine, especially if the cover is Sunbrella. Definitely recoat with Fabric Protectant after its dry.

[east tx skier]

I did the washing machine method as well. Taking it to the car wash and hitting it with the wand works as well. 303 Fabric Guard (green label) afterwards.

[jdkenyon]

I took my cover and spread it out in the driveway and hosed it of. Then I took a hand broom dipped in a bucket of soapy water and hand scrubbed everything. I draped the cover over 3 ladders in the sun when I was done and it was dry about an hour later. It came out pretty nice.

[ffmedic74]

It is perfectly fine to wash a boat cover. Take it to the laundromat. Make sure you put a chain knot in the loose tie downs etc. Use shout or something similar in the driveway if you have stains etc. Wash it with normal detergent, and do a double rinse. Afterwards, put in on on a clean line or garage floor with a fan. Finish up with 303 fabric spray.