Looking for feedback on how specific types of vinyl
headliner by known manufacturers have performed.
My 1986 Jonmeri 40 has 37 molded FRP
headliner panels, snap in and out of
aluminum tracking attached to the ceiling and grooves set into the
teak cabinetry. Just four years ago I replaced the original (European-made) vinyl and foam with Nautolex lite over 6mm automotive-grade foam. That original 24-yr-old vinyl was in very good condition except had picked up a pinkish hue. The Nautolex vinyl was originally parchment white. From the start, in the tropics, black
mold spots were a problem. This "marine-grade" vinyl proved unable to stand up to any type of dirt or stain. Within 2 years the white had turned to mustard-y yellow. At this point even bleach, microfiber sponges, and GooGone can't touch the
mold and stains in the
fabric.
The foam has held up perfectly, same with the
adhesive. Still, I am looking at stripping everything off and applying new vinyl headliner material. Before
purchasing and
shipping half-way around the world, I would like to gain some level of confidence that I won't experience the same problems. As of now I'm looking at these two options:
1 - Morbern is now manufacturing a new headliner material for
Sailrite (so new it's not even on the web site yet, but is in stock) - made from the Seabrook line of vinyl with flame-laminated foam. Does anyone have experience with the Seabrook vinyl?
2 - Defender's headliners are manufactured by Bainbridge. I suspect there are many boats out there with some years of experience with this line. Stands up to mold? Easy to clean? Perforated or smooth finish?
Re any pre-laminated vinyl -- does the foam stay where it's supposed to, especially if used year-round in the tropics?
Comments on the brands above or others will be greatly appreciated.
Alii