Mainsheet Contribution No.2
Boat Care Basics
By Peter Jenyns
Keeping Clears clear!
In the last edition of Mainsheet I mentioned ‘lucky’ and ‘unlucky’ boats, referring of course, to the way in which some, but not other, owners maintain their boats. I made the point then, but it is worth repeating: apart from the obvious aesthetic reasons, neglecting routine washing, polishing and maintenance, will undermine the resale value of your boat, and eventually increase the expense of maintaining her. Your boat’s clear vinyl curtains are no different.
Vinyl clears provide so much comfort at sea we almost regard them as a mandatory accessory these days. But they won’t look after themselves. Just like most things on your boat, they are vulnerable to sun, salt and grime and require routine maintenance. Anyone who has had to replace vinyl clears will know how expensive they are. If they failed for want of routine maintenance that expense was unnecessary.
It has to be said though that maintaining clears is one of the least enjoyable boat maintenance tasks. It is tedious and awkward and, if you have a high flybridge, potentially dangerous. If you don’t do it thoroughly and properly, the “after” can look as bad as the “before”. I’ve often wondered why Van Morrison sings about how happy he was cleaning windows!
A poor man pays twice!
Most clears are made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC. The most common use of PVC is grey or white plumbing pipe – but actually PVC, in its natural form, is clear. There are roughly four grades of clear vinyl curtains and in general, the thicker the vinyl material the greater the clarity. To my mind, like many things in boating, cheaper products are a false economy.
Cheap clears are easily damaged, have poor visibility, generally don’t have a UV resistant coating and in my experience, and I have looked through a lot of clears on a lot of boats over the years, just don’t hold up season after season – even when maintaining them on a monthly basis like I do for my clients’ boats.
(Insert shots of poor visibility clear)
Photo caption: Cheap clears are like looking through cling wrap!
To me it comes down to two choices – Strataglass or the increasingly popular Polycarbonate.
Strataglass came onto the market around 1993 with its special scratch and UV resistant coatings and until the advent of Polycarbonate it had no peers. I work with these products on a daily basis and I can assure you, it is a case of ‘you get what you pay for’. If budget allows, and the application is suitable, I generally upgrade my clients to polycarbonate when the time comes to replace their old clears. The response when they experience the finished job is always one of amazement at the visibility and ease of use. How many times have I heard – ‘why didn’t I do this earlier!’
(Insert shot of polycarbonate clear and second shot of Strataglass)
Photo caption: Polycarbonate’s perfect clarity
Photo caption: Strata glass on its last legs.
Polycarbonate is roughly a 25% more expensive than Strataglass but the price is coming down all the time. Apart from the visibility, the other main point of difference is stiffness. Polycarbonate unzips just like normal clears but instead of rolling it up, you clip it to the ceiling with press studs. In my opinion this arrangement is much easier and you aren’t scratching the surface with salt crystals and dirt when rolling it. Polycarbonate cleans better and, when maintained, will outlast other clears three fold. The visibility is by far the most impressive thing. Clarity of vision adds to the enjoyment of boating and the fact that you can clearly spot a distant beacon or that unlit small boat on a dark night in the Rous, also adds to yours’, and others’ safety. Sure you’ll pay an initial premium but it will pay for itself in the end and the pleasure of clear vision is priceless!
Maintaining clears
Clears are very sensitive to scratching so start the cleaning process by rinsing with fresh water to remove any salt and loosen grim. Use a gentle PH neutral soap diluted in water with a soft sponge or cleaning mitten. Never use brushes or abrasive pads. Once grime build up is removed, rinse well before the soap dries and then wipe dry with a dedicated chamois.
PVC reacts with the ultra violet environment and the plasticizers migrate out of the vinyl. Plasticizers are what make the PVC flexible and clear. The application of a plastic conditioner / protector will increase your vinyl’s clarity, pliability, water shedding abilities, add protection against UV rays and provide a slick coating that helps prevent grim from gaining a foothold.
Before using any product though, be sure to review the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure compatibility with your vinyl. These products are generally available from chandleries. I use micro fiber towels for this process. Use one to wipe and a second to buff.
The do’s and don’t of maintaining clears
- The key to getting a long life out of your clears is to keep the vinyl surface sealed from damaging environmental factors by washing and polishing at least monthly. Strataglass recommend weekly!
- Follow the manufacturer’s advice when maintaining clears as not all polishing and cleaning products are compatible.
- Use two micro fibre towels. One to apply product and a second to buff.
- Don’t get sunscreen on the clears – it will permanently cloud the vinyl surface.
- Never use regular window cleaners, detergents, abrasives, petroleum based products, chemicals or alcohol on clears.
- They will break down the protectors in the vinyl.
- Only use mild PH neutral soaps diluted in water with a soft cleaning mitten or sponge.
- Do not rub or wipe salt crystals or grim off without water and soap. If you do the clears will scratch.
- Do not use water repellent products. They damage the external finish.
- Do not fold clears. It will increase the risk of cracks happening. Store clears flat or roll them up with an old white bed sheet between layers. Don’t store clears with anything on top because zippers and life jacket buckles can leave impressions in the vinyl. If you can, it is best to leave clears on so they hold their shape and size.
- Never store clears when they are wet. It can make them go cloudy and white.
- Lubricate zippers and fasteners periodically using a clear silicone spray.
- Keep the flybridge area well ventilated to reduce mildew build up. If using bleach to remove mould ensure you water blast it off thoroughly, otherwise it will rot the stitching unless Teflon thread has been used.
Happy and safe boating.
Peter Jenyns is a long time member of RQ and well known within the boating community having spent a lifetime on and around boats. He is an accomplished yachtsman and fisherman and has worked as a Master Class V Captain. He now operates Professional Boat Care which specialises in boat detailing and maintenance. If you have any questions feel free to call him on 0409 930 888 or visit his website professionalboatcare.com.au