Two of the highest maintenance areas of a boat are the metal hardtop framework and the vinyl used in upholstery, such as seat cushions and cockpit bolsters. Left unprotected the salt and sun can wreak havoc on these items in a remarkably short time.
But, with just a little regular care on your part you can provide the protection these products need to stay looking like-new for years to come.
The first step involves giving the metal and the vinyl a fresh water squirt when you return to the dock. This rinses away any salt corrosive and abrasive salt crystals they may have picked up during your time on the water.
Then, fill your pail with sudsy water (Grady-White recommends Ivory dishwashing liquid). Get a lamb’s wool carwash mitt and simply go over the metal and vinyl, making certain you hit the area where the frame actually meets the hardtop. That is where corrosion will get its start. Once you have washed it with the soapy water, just bring back the hose and rinse it off.
Now, every few weeks you must give a little added protection to the frame and vinyl. For the frame we recommend two products: Rupp Aluma Guard or ShielaShine.The best way to apply these is by putting an old sock on your hand. Spray or pour a little of the protectant on the sock and wipe it on all the tubing, making certain to get that troublesome area under the hardtop.
For the vinyl our recommendation is for 303 Protectant. This looks just like the more famous ArmorAll, but it does not leave behind an oily feel when applied. And, 303 seems to work at least as well as ArmorAll. Once again, the old sock trick will work for applying the 303. One final word of warning, all of the above mentioned products will make you deck extremely slippery. So, use care not to spill any.