Boat Cover Maintenance

Essential Boat Cover Maintenance

A well-maintained boat cover can last 10–15 years with regular care. Neglected, even the best marine canvas degrades in half that time. The maintenance requirements differ between PVC and acrylic canvas, and between covers used in fresh water, tidal rivers, and coastal moorings — but the principles are the same for all.

Cleaning Marine PVC Covers

PVC covers should be cleaned at least twice a year — in spring before the boating season and in autumn before laying up. Use warm water with a mild non-detergent soap (washing-up liquid is fine). A soft brush removes bird droppings, algae, and road film from trailering. Avoid solvents, petrol, or alcohol-based cleaners, which strip the UV coating from the PVC surface. Rinse thoroughly and dry the cover completely before storing it folded — wet PVC stored in a bag grows mould at the fold lines.

Cleaning Acrylic Canvas

Acrylic canvas can be brushed and rinsed while fitted to the boat. For stubborn staining, a 10% bleach solution diluted in cold water removes mould and algae without damaging the fabric — rinse thoroughly afterwards and allow to dry in place. Do not machine-wash acrylic canvas: the tumbling action breaks down the UV coating and weakens the seams.

Checking for Damage

Inspect your cover at least twice a year for:

• Seam separation, particularly at corners and around windows
• Cracked or brittle areas in PVC (a sign of UV degradation)
• Failed zip sliders (the zip teeth are usually fine; the slider is the part that wears)
• Cracked or yellowed clear vinyl windows (UV degrades these faster than the main fabric)
• Press studs that no longer click shut — replace before they fail completely

Early repair is always cheaper than replacement. We offer professional repairs for all of the above. Contact us if you're unsure whether repair or replacement is the right choice.