Caring for Your Investment
Thank you for choosing Highland Marine Services for your marine needs. We take pride in using top-of-the-line materials and expert craftsmanship in all our work. To maximize the lifespan and performance of your investment, we recommend following a regular maintenance routine.
Below are some simple yet effective care tips to keep your marine canvas, enclosures, upholstery, and EVA foam flooring in peak condition.
Snap-On Cover Care
Most of our snap-on covers are made from Top Notch 9 fabric, a high-quality material designed for durability and weather resistance. To keep your cover clean and functioning at its best, we recommend cleaning it once or twice a season using the following method:
Cleaning Instructions:
- Fill a large container with warm water.
- Add 1 cup of mild soap (not detergent).
- Add 2 cups of baking soda and mix.
- Submerge the cover in the solution and swirl gently.
- Let it soak for 3-5 hours, swirling every 30 minutes.
- If stubborn stains persist, use a soft brush to gently scrub the affected areas.
- Hang to dry completely before reinstalling.
Re-Waterproofing Your Cover
To maintain the water resistance of your cover, we recommend reapplying a fabric treatment every 1-2 seasons. A highly effective product for Top Notch 9 fabric is Aqua-Tite Green, which helps restore water repellency and extend the fabric’s lifespan.
Enclosure Care
Most of our enclosures are made with Sunbrella fabric, a leading marine-grade material known for its durability and UV resistance. To keep your enclosure in great condition, follow these maintenance steps:
Routine Cleaning
- Several times a season, use a garden hose and a soft-bristle brush to lightly scrub the canvas and loosen dirt before it embeds too deeply.
- At the end of the season, take the enclosure apart. If a deeper cleaning is needed, follow the same steps as Top Notch 9 fabric under the Snap-On Covers section.
Re-Waterproofing Your Enclosure
- We recommend using 303 Fabric Guard to restore Sunbrella’s water and stain resistance. Apply as needed every 1-2 seasons.
Clear Vinyl Window Maintenance
To keep your clear vinyl windows in top condition, they require special treatment at least once a year.
Cleaning & Conditioning Instructions:
- Take down the clear vinyl panels and hose them off if necessary.
- Use a clear vinyl cleaner and conditioner to maintain clarity and flexibility.
- We recommend SKIPPERS KLEAR-TO-SEA or Meguiar’s Clear Plastic Cleaner—follow the instructions on the product for best results.
- Proper care prevents fogging, extends clarity, and helps hide minor scratches.
Storage Tips for Clear Vinyl Panels
- Always store panels dry to prevent mold and mildew.
- Lay panels flat when storing for extended periods.
- NEVER crease clear vinyl! Creasing can permanently damage the material. If space is limited, rolling is a much better option.
Upholstery Maintenance
Keeping your marine upholstery in top condition helps extend its lifespan and keep your boat looking great.
Basic Care Tips
- Clean spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Allow upholstery to fully dry before covering—trapping moisture under covers can lead to mold and mildew, which are major upholstery killers.
Deep Cleaning & Conditioning
- Once a season, perform a thorough upholstery cleaning using a safe marine-grade cleaner. We recommend Marine 31, as it effectively cleans without damaging the material.
- Be careful with cleaning products! Using the wrong cleaner can damage rather than protect your upholstery.
- After cleaning, apply a vinyl conditioner to keep your upholstery soft, supple, and resistant to UV damage.
- We highly recommend Meguiar’s Vinyl & Rubber Protectant—this will help prevent drying, cracking, and fading over time.
By following these simple maintenance steps, you can prolong the life of your upholstery and keep it looking fresh season after season.
EVA Foam Flooring Maintenance
EVA foam flooring is designed to be low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for boat decks. However, routine cleaning can help keep it looking great and performing well over time.
Routine Cleaning
- Rinse the flooring regularly with fresh water to remove dirt and debris.
- Use a soft broom or brush to lightly scrub the surface and prevent buildup.
Stain Prevention & Treatment
- If you spill something, clean it immediately to prevent stains from setting.
- While EVA foam is highly stain-resistant, it is not completely stain-proof.
- For tougher stains, we recommend using DEK Magic, a cleaner specifically designed for EVA foam flooring. Follow the instructions on the bottle for best results.
By maintaining your EVA foam flooring properly, you can extend its life and keep it looking fresh for years to come.
Long-Term Storage & Inspection
Thank you for choosing Highland Marine Services!
For long-term storage, always make sure any canvas is fully dry before putting it away. Properly fold it up and store it in a dry space until its next use.
Each year, we recommend inspecting your canvas, covers, and enclosures in great detail. If you notice any issues, no matter how small, please contact us—we are always happy to advise you.
We do not charge for small repairs on canvas we originally made. Catching minor issues early often prevents bigger, more costly repairs down the road.