April 5, 2023
Don’t Let Mildew Weak Havoc on Your Boat Seats!
Photo by itschansy under Pexels License
If you like to take your boat out on the water every chance you get, the probability of spotting traces of mildew on your vinyl seats is always greater. The moisture in the air, condensation, as well as the vessel’s enclosed spaces, are the perfect recipe for fungal infestations. Once these infestations begin, they’re almost impossible to stop. Worse, the resulting damage isn’t usually covered by boat insurance.
Tips to Prevent Mildew from Ruining Your Vinyl Boat Seats
Since marine environments are a magnet for mold and mildew buildup, boaters are painfully familiar with mold and mildew encroaching on their boat seats. Thankfully, regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent mildew from getting cozy on your upholstery. Veteran Car Donations has put together these tips to help you get started.
- Look for leaks and seal them.
All the effort you put into drying out your vessel amounts to nothing if the water is still getting in. If you don’t want to run the risk of getting nowhere, be sure to eliminate water ingress. Check all seals around your bow rollers, windlasses, vents, cleats, ports, stanchions, hatches, and other deck-penetrating hardware.
Remove the hardware if water is getting in through any of these seals. Additionally, you’d want to make sure that water hasn’t seeped into your deck core. If you notice signs of deck core rot, dig them out, fill the area, reseal it, and reinstall the hardware using a new sealant.
While you’re at it, be sure that the scuppers are working well. If they’re clogged up, they’ll block proper drainage. It’s also best to check if your thru-hulls need to be resealed and if your bilge pumps are working to remove water that collects at the bottom of the inside of the hull.
- Keep everything clean.
You’d need to invest in a quality mildew remover to clean up damp areas where airflow is low and signs of mold or mildew are visible. However, don’t just grab the first product you see at the grocery store. Be sure to get a cleaning solution that’s safe for vinyl material and is specially formulated for boat use. Although powerful chemicals such as bleach may eliminate the fungi, they can cause considerable damage to your seat cushions.
- Ventilate.
Since stagnant air holds moisture and promotes condensation, it’s best to ensure proper ventilation. Keep your lockers, cupboards, rooms, and bilge covers open to expose them to airflow. Moreover, installing passive vents such as dorados or cowls, as well as active vents such as solar fans will promote air circulation.
Looking to Dispose of an Unused Boat?
An unused boat can quickly turn into a money pit. If you’re not willing to spend more of your hard-earned money on boat maintenance and repairs, consider donating your vessel to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll turn it into a powerful tool for transforming the lives of the disadvantaged and neglected veterans in your community. They are our former service members who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, chronic unemployment, combat-related disabilities, and health issues, including the mental variety.
We’ll have your boat auctioned off with the proceeds handed over to our reputable veteran-focused charity partners. These IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofits use the funding we give to provide their beneficiaries with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, and other services meant to improve their living conditions.
In return, you’ll enjoy the privilege of receiving our free pickup and towing service wherever you are in the country. Your charitable contribution will also entitle you to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.
However, these material rewards may pale in comparison to the immense satisfaction you’ll experience, knowing that you’d be helping our nation’s suffering heroes.
Besides boats, we’ll take nearly all types of vehicles whatever their ages and conditions.
To get to know our quick and easy donation process and other salient details about Veteran Car Donations, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or write to us here.
Give Back to Our Heroes Today!
Photo by RDNE Stock project under Pexels License
Now’s your chance to give back to the brave men and women who risked their lives in the service of our country. You can make a difference in their lives with your car donation. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: May 8th, 2023