Boat tarp deterioration - powdery residue

[grant.temeraire]

Hello! My 65' sailboat lying in PNW is covered in a 4 piece tarp. The tarp is over 8 years old. The grey tarp material is sound but the finish is coming off in a pale grey powdery residue. The residue is collecting on the decks (power washing takes it off). Is there a coating in the market that can be applied that will stop the deterioration? The guy who made the tarp suggested Aqua Tite. HELP!

[kayakerChuck]

Maybe. It depends on what fabric and coating we're discussing.

[grant.temeraire]

The material is called AQUALON.

[JPA Cate]

I had to Google it. Here's what I found: "Aqualon Edge covers are made of soft warp-knit polyester and treated with resin vinyl coating to make it water, mold, and mildew resistant. It is also heat, cold and abrasion, and UV resistant."

Since you spoke with the person who made it, I would try what they suggested. I am not familiar with the product myself, but for sure it will be less $$ than a whole new tarp for a boat that size. He didn't tell you the tarp was finished, he did suggest a treatment.

Ann

[kayakerChuck]

Aqualon is a vinyl coated fabric, and if it's leaving powdery residue, it is nearing end of live. I'd try any of the marine vinyl conditioning products, such as this: https://defender.com/en_us/star-brit...BoCoV8QAvD_BwE

Aqua tite is a waterproofer and seems a strange suggestion. I have no experience with it and Aqualon. It might, maybe work.

Vinyls can be made unhappy by using the wrong cleaning product. Use only a mild soap (Boatsoap) or a cleaner made specifically for marine vinyl.

[GordMay]

As Ann noted, Aqualon® ‘Edge’ [& Edge Soft*] is a Pigmented Hybrid Vinyl Coated Polyester Fabric; which is warranted for a period of seven years (7), from the date of the installation.
Aqualon Edge Soft is the same as Edge, with the addional protection of a soft warp knit polyester backing.
Care and Cleaning ➥ https://www.trivantage.com/itemfiles...ifications.pdf https://www.trivantage.com/itemfiles...e_Cleaning.pdf

Despite the tarp fabricator's recommendation, I wouldn't expect Aquat-Tite to restore a physically damaged surface finish.
AQUA-TITE® GREEN is a water repellent that also provides stain protection, on cottons, acrylics, polyesters, nylons, and polyester/cotton blends.

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by grant.temeraire

Hello! My 65' sailboat lying in PNW is covered in a 4 piece tarp. The tarp is over 8 years old. HELP!

You managed to get a tarp to last 8 years? I'd just replace it, you got far more mileage than average out of those tarps! usually you get 2-3 seasons MAX!

[barnakiel]

If it was an acrylic, it is just the quality. A top spec Sunbrela will outlast 10 years and easily. There is also an expensive thread that is very resistant to UV (Tenara, by Gore) Good buy since thread is a wee percentage of a built tarp.



In our boat we have some Sunbrela and some Chinese acrylic covers. The Chinese acrylic powders over time, the Sunbrela does not.


I judge Sunbrela cloth to last at least 20 years - as this is the age of some Sunbrela covers we have here. (purchased 2003)


b.

[JPA Cate]

Agree about the Sunbrella, with the caveat that it loses some of its UV protection over time, and some colors are better than others. I have some throw cushions that I re-covered in their bright blue color, and they are closer to 30 yrs. old, now. Sunbrella is chafe prone, so if you make your stuff so it won't chafe (takes a little thought some times, and not always possible), it can last a long time.

I'd say that if the guarantee's out on that tarp, you may want a new one, and there are many materials from which to choose. Weight and durability are part of the picture.

Ann