Vinyl Experts-why does vinyl seem to get hard at the areas the seat cushions touch?

[SilentSeven]

So I've noticed this over time on my last couple boats - the seat vinyl seems to start to get hard(er) where the seat cushions adjoin...not as quickly on the tops where one might expect from sun et all.

Any idea why this happens? How can one slow this?

[Nautiquehunter]

Old age or using the wrong cleaner. What cleaner and protectant are you using now?

[SilentSeven]

Yes, it does seem to be age related and it's possible cleaning procedures could effect this.

I've seen this phenomena now on multiple used boats I've purchased. It's almost like the vinyl needs to breath to age well. So for example on my 2004 year 206 - all my topside OE vinyl is in great shape. The PO did a good job (it seems) to keeping the boat covered, etc. What I am noticing is that were the cushions touch - example - where the rear seat bottom meets the seat back - the vinyl is starting to harden in these locations.

I saw this same issue on my 1997 Ski...but the upholstery on that boat wasn't in as good of shape as the upholstery in my 206.

Personally, I'm quite careful on vinyl cleaning and maintenance being sure to only use curated vinyl cleaning products and protectants like 303.