Keep your boat in tip-top shape by fixing torn boat upholstery to prevent you from having to make costly seat replacements.
After you take your boat out of storage this summer, there will be repairs you need to make to get it ready for the water. In addition to a thorough cleaning, it’s important to give the engine a tune-up. You should check your boat’s battery to ensure it will last for the season. Boat electronics like GPS, radio, and radar can all drain the battery over time. If your battery is more than four years old, it likely needs to be replaced.
As you are getting your boat ready for a fun season in the sun, it is likely you will encounter some torn upholstery. Marine-grade vinyl is made to withstand the rigors of sunlight, water, and family fun. Yet, over time rips and tears are inevitable. It is much more affordable to fix the tears as they happen versus replacing a seat ruined by water damage. The good news is that you can opt to fix small holes on your own with a vinyl repair kit. Creative Colors International Inc., the leader in mobile leather and vinyl repair, has the tips and tricks to this do-it-yourself project for weekend warriors.
- Gather supplies. To fix a small tear, you will need to purchase a vinyl repair kit that includes vinyl repair sheets and graining sheets. You will need to have an iron on hand to get the job done.
- Prepare the area. The vinyl repair kit should include directions on the temperature of the iron. If the temperature is too high, it could melt the vinyl. Make sure the vinyl and graining sheets are easy to access.
- Get started. Allow the iron to heat up to the correct temperature, and then pull the torn material together. Affix a vinyl sheet over the tear. Once it is positioned correctly, top it with a graining sheet and then place the iron on top to adhere the vinyl.
- Wait. Let the new vinyl cool completely before heading out on the lake.
If you prefer to spend the time on your boat having fun with your family rather than making repairs, CCI has your back. Our mobile leather and vinyl repair technicians can come to your boat slip to make necessary repairs to allow you to spend more quality time with your family. In addition to repairing and restoring boat seats and upholstery, CCI’s technicians can fix carpeting, seats, ceilings, boat tops, and engine enclosures.
By repairing and re-dyeing tears, holes, scuffs, and scratches, we can refresh the appearance of your watercraft so it feels like a brand-new unit for a fraction of the cost. Our technicians can make sure your boat is in pristine condition when you are ready for a day of fun in the sun.
Take Steps to Keep Boat Interior Fresh
At the end of a long day on the lake, the last thing most boaters want to do when they pull back into their boat slip is chores. But taking a few steps before hitting the marina bar will keep your boat exterior and interior upholstery in good condition and prevent you from having to make costly repairs in the future. Your boat is a big investment, and it’s important to preserve its value. Here are just a few of the things you should do after you shut off the boat engine.
Wash the boat. If you are towing your boat, give it a quick wash with a hose and high-quality boat wash. It’s especially important to wash your boat if you spent the day cruising in the ocean. Saltwater deposits can damage your boat over time.
Apply a sealant. A sealant will protect your boat from future wear and tear. Most sealants can be sprayed on and rinsed off with a hose or cloth.
Wipe down the interior. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior of your boat, paying special attention to the upholstery. You can use a multi-surface cleaner designed for marine use if it’s especially grimy.
Taking a little time before kicking back with a margarita and enjoying the sunset will keep your boat upholstery fresh and get it ready for your next trip.
