As the days lengthen and the Solent starts to warm up, it’s time to think about getting your vessel’s canvas ready for the sailing season. A proper spring check can extend the life of your sprayhood, covers and enclosures by years \u2014 and catch small problems before they become expensive ones.<\/p>\n
Start with a thorough clean. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, non-detergent soap \u2014 never household cleaners, bleach or washing-up liquid. These strip the water-repellent coating from acrylic canvas and weaken the fabric. A soft bristle brush works well for removing winter grime and green algae.<\/p>\n
For stubborn mildew spots, a specialist marine canvas cleaner like Fabsil or Star Brite is worth the investment. Apply it, leave it to work, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.<\/p>\n
UV damage hits stitching harder than fabric. Run your fingers along every seam \u2014 if the thread feels brittle, crumbles or pulls away easily, it needs re-stitching before it fails at sea. Pay particular attention to the seams along the top of your sprayhood where UV exposure is greatest.<\/p>\n
PVC windows cloud and stiffen over time, especially if they’ve been folded while cold. Check for cracks, yellowing and loss of flexibility. Cloudy windows can sometimes be restored with a specialist PVC polish, but cracked or heavily yellowed panels need replacing.<\/p>\n