Boat Canvas Care and Use Instructions

Boat canvas is subjected to more severe punishment than practically any other type of canvas or fabric item. Although our canvas products adhere to rigid specifications, they should not be neglected for any period of time, especially during inclement weather. Water-pockets may form on the top surface of the unit if not assembled and installed taut, this would further add to the load on the frame supports and could result in a broken frame and/or fabric leakage. Depending on the fabric, your canvas unit is water repellent and not waterproof. During rain some leakage may occur. Keep objects from touching the inside of the canvas unit. Such objects may cause leakage at the point of contact.

Moisture, dirt, chemicals from industrial fallout (i.e. acid rain), heat, cold, ultraviolet rays and salt water (in some cases) are all factors that accelerate the degradation, or fit of your boat canvas. These elements can do serious damage if left unchecked. Take a moment to review these elements and recommendations.

**The materials used to produce your boat top and curtains are the finest obtainable. Reasonable care will assure you of many years of service.**

Protect Your New Replacement Boat Canvas from These Things

DIELECTRICALLY WELDED FABRIC SEAMS

Taylor Made has the technology to dielectrically weld some of the fabric seams to further guard against seam leakage. This process also eliminates sewing wrinkles within the material.

VINYL MATERIAL

Can shrink and mildew if fabric is not allowed to dry thoroughly while in an open position. Shrinkage can occur at anytime if an article is allowed to dry while loose. Most shrinkage will occur within the first few months after installation. When canvas items are installed on the boats and properly adjusted, shrinkage can only occur in areas of looseness.

SYNTHETIC MATERIAL

Can stretch after initial installation. Solution-dyed acrylic material is typically installed tight at the factory to allow for future stretch. The stretch will occur within the first month after installation.

CLEAR VINYL PANELS

Are made in different mil thickness. Two types of vinyl are roll clear vinyl and clear pressed polished vinyl. Depending on what has been specified for your boat, most clear vinyls react the same when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. Over time these materials will start to degrade and turn a brownish color and become unclear. It is recommended that these clear panels be used only for foul weather protection and not for storing or mooring your boat.

MATERIAL BURN

Any marine fabric material will burn when exposed to an open flame. Marine fabrics are not fire retardant and therefore, all marine fabric materials must be considered flammable when exposed to an open flame.

DIRT

Can create a starting point for mildew when moisture is present. Cleaning periodically with a mild detergent and water will extend the life of the canvas and provide a better appearance. Cleaning can be accomplished with a sponge or soft scrub brush. Canvas units should always be erected fully and adjusted to a tight, smooth appearance before washing. Allow canvas to air-dry thoroughly before removing or loosening any canvas.

CHEMICALS

Can cause decay of vinyl and other fabrics if allowed to accumulate over a period of time. If your canvas or upholstery products come into contact with any chemicals, they should be washed off with clean water immediately. Do not use any type of bleach product to clean your canvas.

HEAT

Under certain conditions, extreme heat can cause a melting effect and loosen the material. Any vinyl-coated fabric or clear vinyl panels, when enclosed in a polyethylene bag container and exposed to sunlight, are at risk. Polyethylene bags or tubes are meant only for protection during shipping and handling. DO NOT USE THEM FOR STORAGE.

COLD

Cold temperatures can cause all vinyl tops and clear vinyl panels to contract and become difficult to install. It is best to store these products in warmer temperatures or work certain points of the curtain to get snapped or installed. Over a short time period, the curtain will come back to its original fit when it warms or is installed with all snaps fastened.

ULTRAVIOLET DEGRADATION

Most synthetic fabrics or fabricated parts today are U.V. treated to resist ultraviolet effects. The best protection, however, is to avoid long periods of storage in areas subjected to direct sunlight; this applies especially to clear vinyl panels.

SALT WATER

Corrosive effects of salt water can corrode brass, aluminum, stainless steel fittings, and fasteners. Your canvas has fittings and fasteners made of these materials. These can be protected by washing them off with clean water after every use.

TRAILERING

Do not trailer your boat with any canvas products in an unstowed or open position; damage will result. Adequate ventilation is also required in order to prevent mildew growth and premature aging of the fabric.

SPEED WARNING

Your canvas is not designed to be fully open while the vessel is traveling under rough conditions or at moderate to high speeds. Do not operate your vessel in these conditions unless your canvas is in the closed position and stowed properly. While under power, your canvas unit may collect hazardous exhaust fumes underneath it causing injury or death, please allow for proper ventilation. Operating your vessel at moderate to high speeds with the top erected may also result in the dismounting of the framework, which may cause injury.

Things you can do to protect your boat canvas for extended years of enjoyment

  • Keep it clean. DO NOT use harsh cleaners. Never use any form of bleach.
  • Clear vinyl curtains and windows demand extra care to prevent scratching. Ideally, they should be washed with clear water, preferably hosed off, wiping with a clean, soft cloth at the same time. Do not use harsh cloth or chamois skin. Any dirt or grit in the cloth may result in scratches. Canvas should be rolled up during storage and kept dry to prevent any cracking or creasing of material.
  • Under direct sunlight conditions, do not allow the clear vinyl to come in contact with the top framework. The framework radiates heat and can burn the clear vinyl. Taylor Made offers fabric frame sleeves to prevent this from happening.
  • Be sure that the top is completely dry before storing.
  • Keep unit well-ventilated when stored. DO NOT STORE IN PLASTIC OR POLY BAGS.
  • Keep tubing, fittings and fasteners clean, lubricated, and waxed.
  • When operating your boat at high speeds, make sure the canvas is in the stowed and secure position.
  • Do not trailer your boat with the canvas erected or installed on the boat. There are specific trailering covers available for this purpose. Please refer to your Dealer for these proper canvas accessories.
  • Clear vinyl panels are not intended for use while the boat is in storage or being moored. Clear vinyl panels do not hold up well against ultraviolet light. There are optional mooring covers, cockpit covers and fabric zip-in panels available that are intended for storage and mooring conditions.
  • Do not expose any fabric to an open flame as the canvas fabric will burn.

To obtain Taylor Made factory replacement fabric parts, please use our online form. Every piece of canvas installed on your boat will have a part number on the product tag. It is very important and will speed up the replacement process if this part number for your canvas piece can be supplied. /p>