SPF for PVC Dinghy

[Sunspot Baby]

I am researching a replacement dinghy (mine was stolen).

When speaking to one manufacturer of PVC dinghies, they recommended
Spraying a couple of times per year with “303 Aerospace Protectant,” saying that it keeps the PVC from deteriorating due to UV. Sun block for your dinghy.

http://www.303products.com/tech/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=42 8&CFID=3030021&CFTOKEN=40334215

Has anyone on the forum used it or similar products and has it worked OK for you?

George

[Richhh]

Been using it on my vinyl connvertible tops for years.
Have been using it on my year old PVC inflatable dink ... time will only tell.

[Pblais]

recommended
Spraying a couple of times per year with “303 Aerospace Protectant,” saying that it keeps the PVC from deteriorating due to UV. Sun block for your dinghy.

Also good for your canvas coverings as well. It's basically sun block like you might use on yourself. You do need to reapply it regualrly. I don'trecall seeing a similar product sold by anyone else, but I do have and use the 303 Protectant.

[Wahoo Sails]

303's fabric protector (which is recommended by Glen Raven mills, the maker of Sunbrella) is a seperate product from the standard protectant. I have used both products for years and can't say enough good about them. Having said that ... I still wouldn't recommend a PVC dink south of the Mason Dixon line, the small savings in money isn't offset by the shorter lifespan.
Bob

[Maine Sail]

Please don't confuse 303 Aerospace Protectant (blue label) with 303 Fabric Guard (green label) and DO NOT use 303 Aerospace Protectant on Sunbrella or Canvas! 303 Fabric Guard is the only product approved for use on Sunbrella and the 303 Aerospace can kill the coating already on the Sunbrella you are trying to revive with the 303 Fabric Guard. 303 Aerospace can also change the color of your canvas and will NOT water proof it.

303 Aerospace Protectant and 303 Fabric Guard are two entirely different products!!!

P.S. Buy a hypalon inflatable!!!

[Sunspot Baby]

I've had both hypalon and pvc dinghies and got good service from both. Might have gotten even better if I had known about 303 Aerospace. It does sound like good stuff.

George

[cat man do]

Have seen inflateables painted with a few coat's of exterior acrylic house paint with a high uv rating.

This not only stop's deterioration, but makes your dinghy look not as good as your neighbours, and less likely to be stolen.

Work's on outboard's as well

Dave

[Lynx]

I bought a Portland Pudgy. Plastic, 7'9" long 4'4" wide, weighs 128 pounds, goes 5 mph. But it will last as long as your boat, does not spring a air leak, holds 600 pounds, seats 4 people, takes a beating, and tows well. No dinghy butt.

[RichB]

The Bimini on Spirit was the wettest place to be. So I recently treated it with 303 Fabric Guard. I can't say it is as effective as a "flex-seal airboat hull". But now much better than standing at the helm under a funnel.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by cat man do

Have seen inflateables painted with a few coat's of exterior acrylic house paint with a high uv rating.

This not only stop's deterioration, but makes your dinghy look not as good as your neighbours, and less likely to be stolen.

Work's on outboard's as well

Dave

This. For a more durable job there are many inflatable paints. Amazon makes a good latex that lasts ~ 8 years (I've used it twice).