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Basic Boat Maintenance Yields Summer Fun

July 2, 2020

While temperatures climb and state parks reopen for visitors, it’s important to make sure your boat is in tip-top shape before spending a day on the water with your family.

Nearly 41 million Americans go boating each year, and there are 11.9 million registered boats in the United States, according to statistics from the National Marine Manufacturers Association, a trade association for the boating industry. While many Americans spent the spring months following stay-at-home orders, restrictions are slowly lifting, and boating provides a great social distancing adventure that allows families to reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors swimming, fishing and picnicking on the water. Boating is an attainable pastime for many U.S. families. Sixty-two percent of boat owners in the United States have an annual income of less than $100,000, and 95 percent of boats are less than 25 feet, making them easy to tow to their body of water of choice, NMMA reported.

Enjoying a sunny day on the water is what boating is all about. But, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your boat over time. Proper maintenance of your watercraft's engine and interior will help it retain its value and ensure your boat runs efficiently and safely this season. If your boat’s running well, but the interior needs an update, restoration can save you time and money.

Creative Colors International Inc., the nation’s leader in mobile leather and vinyl repair,  can refresh the appearance of your recreational boat, pontoon or yacht. The company’s mobile repair vans travel directly to your home or marina to repair and re-dye tears, holes, scuffs and scratches, so it feels like a brand-new unit for a fraction of the cost. CCI’s proprietary techniques help save boat owners money in seat replacements by repairing these surfaces so they look new.

“Creative Colors fixes damages to seats and other areas of the boat to make it look brand new and like there was never any damage in the first place,” said David Kramer, service manager with Marine Max in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  “They provide a great service and a low-cost solution for our customers rather than replacing the entire upholstery sets

CCI can deep clean and repair boat seats and upholstery, carpeting, beds, ceilings, boat tops and engine enclosures. “I used CCI to repair a tear in one of the seats of my boat, and I was quite pleased to only spend $100, as opposed to $500 to get a whole new cushion,” said Jimmy Oswalt, service desk manager with Paradise Marine Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

CCI also provides a safe solution for marinas during this unprecedented time. In addition to offering on-site repairs that will allow your customers to maximize their time on the water, the company developed a new Sanitizer & Disinfectant designed to kill viruses, bacteria, mold and mildew to make sure the boats at your marina are safe for passengers. The hospital-grade sanitizer safely disinfects against COVID-19 without drying or fading the material. CCI’s technicians can provide marinas and boat owners with guidance for using the new product, which is available for purchase in bulk.

After CCI restores the upholstery on your boat, regular cleaning can prevent your seats from accumulating dirt and mildew that can cause damage over time. Boaters can use a marine-grade vinyl cleaner or a solution of mild dish soap and warm water and a soft-bristled brush to clean the seats. Make sure to keep seats covered with a breathable cover when your boat is docked to help keep seats fresh.

Maintain your boat to help your recreational investment last for many seasons of fun on the water. Get a quote from CCI today.