Boat Seating Care

How We Care for Boat Seating in Detailing Process

Regardless of the material, boat seating requires regular maintenance to stay in top condition:

• Cleaning: We use marine-safe cleaners to remove dirt, grime, salt, and sunscreen residues. We avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can degrade materials.
• Mitigating Mold and Mildew: Our proprietary solution kills organic spores and cleans stains while restoring surfaces.
• UV Protection: We Apply UV protectants to prevent fading and cracking, especially for vinyl and fabrics.
• Conditioning: For vinyl and leather surfaces, we use marine-grade conditioners to maintain flexibility and prevent cracking.

ALW services address these points, in a tailored care approach for each type of boat seating, ensuring your investment receives the right level of attention and protection the vessel’s specific needs.

Boat seating is designed to endure marine environments, which involve exposure to water, UV rays, salt, and general wear and tear. The materials used are typically chosen for their durability and resistance to these elements. Here are the most common types of coverings found on boat seating:

Common Boat Seat Coverings

1. Marine-Grade Vinyl

   • Features: Durable, water-resistant, and UV-resistant, making it the most popular choice for boat seating.
   • Care Needs: Requires regular cleaning to prevent mold, mildew, and cracking. Conditioning is also recommended to maintain flexibility and prevent fading.

2. Sunbrella Fabric (or Similar Marine-Grade Fabrics)

   • Features: A breathable, water-resistant fabric often used on cushions or removable seat covers. It's highly resistant to UV rays, mildew, and fading.
   • Care Needs: Can be cleaned with mild soap and water; deeper cleaning may involve stain removers or fabric protectants.

3. Leather or Faux Leather (Rare for Boats)

   • Features: Sometimes used on luxury or custom boats. Faux leather (marine-grade) is more common due to its water resistance compared to natural leather.
   • Care Needs: Requires conditioning to prevent drying and cracking, but it is less durable in marine conditions compared to vinyl or fabric.

4. Neoprene

   • Features: Found on certain sports or fishing boats; this material is waterproof and resistant to UV and chemicals like sunscreen.
   • Care Needs: Easy to clean with mild detergents; resistant to mildew but can degrade under prolonged sun exposure without UV protectants.

5. Plastic Mesh or PVC-Coated Fabrics

   • Features: Common on fishing or pontoon boats for their durability and ability to drain water quickly.
   • Care Needs: Easily cleaned with water and mild cleaners but may need UV treatment to prevent brittleness over time.

6. EVA Foam or Closed-Cell Foam (on Pads)

   • Features: Used on deck seating pads or cooler tops; water-resistant and provides comfort.
   • Care Needs: Can be wiped clean with water and a mild cleaner but should be protected from long-term UV exposure.