how to waterproof boat cover

[rooooney]

My cover is about 10 years old. It was not taken care of by the previous owner and seems to be letting in water. I plan on replacing it next year but is there a good product I can spray on it to regain its strength?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

I saw some water proofing stuff on the boat section a Menards, comes in a gallon jug, But i dont remeber the name of it.
They also have new covers for 100.00 or less.

 

[rbh]

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

Try 3m scotch gaurd.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

I think it would take major effort to truly waterproof an old cover; better to replace it or accept it. However, you might drop by an awning/tent maker and see what they say. I learned to waterproof duck canvas for a kayak with house paint from an awning guy--who had built lots of kayaks himself.

I have fiberglass boats, so as my covers got leaky, I treat them as dirt, sun and leaves covers. They shed major water. but the water that does seep in, nice and filtered, runs out the open drain hole, no harm done.

 

[Four Winns Erie]

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

I use a product called Atsko Silicone Water-Guard. I get it at Walmart in the sporting goods/camping section. It comes in a spray can & works really well on my 20+ year old canvas boat cover. Takes about 2 cans to do it right, & at about $4 or $5 a can , fairly cheap. I get a very slight amount of leakage only if it rains really hard for a long time.

 

[45Auto]

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

My Westland Sunbrella cover recommends that it be sprayed with 303 Fabric Gaurd each year to remain waterproof. My cover is about 250 square feet, the Fabric Gaurd stuff is over $100/gallon which covers 250 square feet .....

Haven't sprayed mine yet, there's a couple of different kinds of waterproofing you could try:

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/waterproofing.html

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

Kiwi Camp Dry works pretty good. Using seam sealer on any seams wouldn't hurt, either. Both can be found at Walmart.

 

[JimS123]

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

CANVAC Waterproofing.

Cabelas sells a gallon for 25 bucks. I spray it on with a garden sprayer. I have an old cover that had totally lost all its water repellancy and now it beads up like a newly waxed car. I only use the cover 2 weeks a year when the boat is docked on vacation, but it has held up for more than 10 years. Works good for tents too!

 

[saildan]

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

My cover is about 10 years old. It was not taken care of by the previous owner and seems to be letting in water. I plan on replacing it next year but is there a good product I can spray on it to regain its strength?

303 works pretty well, but I'd consult with them about the age of the fabric before investing in a treatment.

http://www.303products.com

Free Samples
​

 

[jollymon]

Re: how to waterproof boat cover

Starbrite makes a waterproofing spray. If your cover is sunbrella, do not use camp-dri or similar waterproofing.

Use the starbrite or 3M, both are made for sunbrella and will last the season if done right. You may have to put a couple of coats on, but it will be worth it. The are floracarbon based, instead of silicon based.