re-waterproofing bimini

[chuckr]

Originally Posted by capnjack.morton

Thanks to all who are sharing ideas.
Chuckr - the elastomeric sounds like it would indeed be waterproof. Do you leave your Bimini up all the time? Mine goes up and down according to what's happening with the boat & weather. My guess is the elastomeric would make the fabric fairly stiff, and not nearly as flexible if the Bimini has to be folded up - true?

yes it is up all the time as you can see the solar panels above it - but there is zip out portion above the helm - we have the helm on the starboard forward bulkhead and it is reasonable pliable and rolls right up - not a big deal. I could take down the bimini but may would that be a hassle with the solar up there and for what? SO it is up 24/7/365.

[chuckr]

OH - forgot one more issue to not take it down -- spending a bit to much time at the dermatologist to try and catch a lot of rays -- so really need it for the protection too - and at my age I do not think the ladies would care if i had a great bronze tan or not

[capnjack.morton]

Many thanks to all who responded. Some things I had heard of before, and some brand new solutions. Trying the 303 first, but with a strong suspicion that in six months to a year I may be buying some concrete sealer, or maybe naptha & cheap silicone caulk, or maybe some elastomeric roofing glop.

[tomtriad]

You may have to reapply 303 on occasion but there is no discoloration or buildup to impede flexibility. Works on many materials - foulies, sunbrella, rag tops on cars.

Let us know how you make put.

[GordMay]

The manufacturer of Sunbrella, (for instance) endorse 3M's 303 Fabric Guard for restoring water repellency to Sunbrella.